How to Be First Class (Even When Flying Coach)
By Emily McCollin
In a fast-paced world, air travel is normally an efficient choice. However, in an age of crowds, delayed and missed flights, greasy fast food, and open-mouthed cat naps, it can be very tempting to fly in pajamas. Comfort food, comfort clothing, and messy buns seem like the way to go when facing a potential nightmare just trying to get from one location to the next. Unfortunately, nothing says, “I deserve the last row on the plane” more than showing up full-scale sloppy.
Following are a few notes from observing the first class jetsetters that will help you sail through travel looking your best, and maybe feeling a little better.
1 - Makeup matters. You don’t have to have a full face – that can feel (and look) super grimy after several hours. We all know that smeared eye makeup screams, “I just want to go home!” But a swipe of lip gloss or tinted Burt’s Bees chapstick, a little waterproof mascara, and soft blush help a woman look fresh and alert. These three makeup must-haves are light and easy to carry in your bag, too. You can make it even easier by using a double-duty product such as Milk Makeup Lip + Cheek, a cream blush and lip tint – no messy powders, no liquids to worry about.
Milk Lip + Cheek Cream Blush and Lip Tint | $22 | www.milkmakeup.com
2 - Clothing matters. Your clothing should be neat and tidy, whether wearing leggings and a soft sweatshirt or tailored business wear. Choose wrinkle-free materials, and carry a classic, light jacket – a denim jacket is a favorite that coordinates with almost anything and gives a trim silhouette – for when things turn chilly. Shoe selection might be the next most important thing. From tennis shoes to flip flops to flats, the actual shoe type doesn’t matter, but the stylish jet setters choose shoes that are so well kept, they look fresh from the shoe box.
Gap Classic Icon Denim Jacket | $79.95 | www.gap.com
3 - Luggage matters. People often choose to pack for brief trips in a rolling bag they can carry on to the plane. This bag does not need to be name brand, but if you want to look like you have your travel life under control, be certain your bag is clean and in good repair – no broken zippers, stains, or threadbare spaces. A good bag will keep your packed items safer, too! Choose a bag that is manageable in size so you don’t get red and sweaty while trying to stuff it in the overhead bins. Your personal bag that goes under the seat in front of you should follow the same guidelines. Also, pay attention to the organization of the personal bag. If it is hard to find things in your bag and it pulls your shoulder while carrying it, you will give the impression of a helter-skelter individual, not the seasoned, professional traveler you are.
SWISSGEAR Energie USB Port PolyCarb Hardside Carry On Spinner Suitcase | $149.99
The Weekender Bag | $98 | www.BeisTravel.com
4 - Disposition matters. No need to start long conversations with strangers. A polite hello or other acknowledgment is sufficient. When working with airline staff, remember that they work with the demands of the first class and economy class for more hours every day than you will likely spend traveling to one destination. They work to find solutions for passengers day in and day out, whether the problems are theirs to manage or not. Treating others with the respect you would like to be treated with is always a good idea and makes you more attractive from the inside out.
Above all, remember when traveling that you are simply not at home. The travel industry works very hard to bring travelers as much comfort as possible, but an airplane lounge will always be a public space. Paying meticulous attention to appearance and how one presents in public is a lifestyle for most first-class passengers, but there is nothing to prevent those of us in row 16 from giving a little extra attention to the same basic principles. Keep yourself together both on the inside and the outside, and you will find yourself looking and feeling better, even if stuck in Terminal 2 of Timbuktu!