Turn economy tickets into first class with these genius tricks that will make your flight WAY more lavish

WE’RE all wishing and hoping that we’ll get a first class upgrade when we check into our flight – but these are few and far between.

However it might actually be easier than you think to make your flight a little bit more luxury – with some careful planning.

We’ve put together a list of tips so you can pretend like you’re a VIP on board – even if you’re paying rock-bottom prices for your economy seat.

Picking a decent seat

What do you want from your seat? If it’s more leg room, you’d do well to pick an exit-row seat.

And make sure you opt for a window seat, which will mean people aren’t clambering over you to get to the loo.

A website like can help you to find the seat you really want by showing seating maps on board flights.

Then you can pick one that suits you.

Bag a space in an airport lounge

Those in business and first class will get to relax in comfort and style before a flight – and get a free bar while they’re at it.

These are also reserved for people who have built up frequent flyer points (so it’s definitely worth signing up for one of these – read more below).

reports that you can also get into lounges much more cheaply than you’d think via websites like .

A stay at the Club Aspire Lounge in Heathrow via Lounge Pass will cost you £25 – but you’ll get complimentary food and drink and a nice place to put your feet up before you fly, so it’ll be worth the price.

Travel on your own

If you’re a solo traveller you’re more likely to get an upgrade as there’ll be no dispute about being split up if one half of a pair if upgraded.

Travel writer Nick Boulos recommends that travelling solo means you can get more space on flights, too.

He told the : “Board strategically. I always get on last allowing me to do a quick circuit of the cabin so I can bag (if there is one) a highly-coveted empty row before the inevitable post take-off scramble.

“Who’s to know that’s not your allocated seat?”

Bring your own food

We all know that the food on planes can be abysmal.

Bring your own snacks and main meals in Tupperware from home – or stock up on fancy sandwiches in departures before you get on the plane.

And you can always toast with a glass of champagne once you get on board – although you’ll have to buy it from the drinks trolley yourself.

Get some sleep

Those on first and business class are lucky enough to get flat beds to crash out on – which doesn’t ever happen in economy.

But there are things you can do to make sure you have a better chance of sleeping when you’re on board.

Bring your own comfortable eye mask on board – if you’re given a cheap one by an airline on a long-haul flight it’s likely to be too tight on your face, which will be irritating.

Silicon earplugs are also great for cancelling out noise – or you can invest in noise-cancelling headphone if you’re a frequent flyer.

You should also always make sure you pack a comfy throw or shawl that you can snuggle up in. Nobody wants to sleep in their coat.

Put your feet up

One of the hardest things about getting off to sleep on plane is that you’re sitting with your feet on the floor.

It’s easier to get off to sleep with your feet up.

recommends resting your feet on an .

Yes, your neighbours are going to laugh – but you won’t care when you’re getting some shuteye.

Have a smooth flight

Grab yourself a seat over the wing of the place if you want a smoother flight.

The Telegraph reports:  “This is the most stable area of the plane in turbulence – smoother than first class, in fact.”

Which is good if you’re a nervous flyer.

Although you’ll need to prepare yourself for when the plane extends its wheels before it lands – which you will hear before landing in this part of the plane.