From Choosing Your Seat Wisely to Lounging for Less: How to Make Flying Economy Feel Like First Class

For those of you with champagne taste and a beer budget, listen up.While you might think flying Economy has few perks, even less legroom and a whole lot of hassle, it would seem you can recreate the Business Class experience for less.From choosing your seat wisely to how to lounge for less, Skyscanner Australiahave revealed their top seven ways to make Economy feel like First Class.

Pass the champagne, darling.LOUNGE FOR LESSTop of the Skyscanner round-up is how to lounge for less.While you might think it's near-impossible to get into an airport lounge and access their 'buffet spreads, plush sofas, Wi-Fi and open bar', you don't have to fork out hundreds of dollars for a first-class ticket in order to gain access.

'Even if you're not in First or Business Class, you can still revel in the same perks by purchasing a lounge pass,' Skyscanner said.The outlet recommends Lounge Pass, DragonPass or Priority Pass - which can cost 'as little as AUD $30 in airports outside of Australia'.They added that being a frequent flyer can also help:'Qantas Club and Frequent Flyer members (of the Gold, Platinum and Platinum One variety) are free to while away the pre-boarding hours away in the Qantas lounge.

'Virgin Australia offers the same benefits to their Velocity Platinum and Gold members.'CHOOSE YOUR SEATS WISELYNext, it pays to choose where you want to sit carefully.'It's good to know what you prioritise when flying - less noise and disturbances, or more space?

,' Skyscanner asked.They outlined that while a window seat will ensure you don't have people scrambling over your legs every five minutes on the way to the loo, on the other hand 'bulkhead seats ensure ample legroom'.'Exit rows are also winners in terms of space, but the seats don't recline,' they wrote.

Use sites like Seatguruto help you find the best seat for the plane you're on (it deals with everything from degree of incline to seat width) and do your research with regards to the nearest bathrooms and exit points.A 2013 survey by Skyscannerrevealed that seat 6A was the most sought-after seat on a standard plane, and seat 31E the least favourite.MIMIC FIRST-CLASS COSINESSAsk anyone in Economy what they envy most about those in First Class and it's likely at least half will say the space and comfort.

But, according to Skyscanner, it is possible to mimic this cosiness - albeit not quite to the same extent.'Invest in a comfy travel pillow and an inflatable footrest,' the site recommends - it is worth checking what your plane carrier allows on-board first.'An often overlooked accessory, a footrest can significantly boost your levels of comfort on a long haul flights.

Having your feet slightly raised helps with circulation and reduces the risk of swollen ankles and joint pain,' the outlet wrote.Skyscanner also advocate carrying a large wrap or shawl and some warm socks or compression socks in your carry-on.'Don't leave it to those sub-par airline-issued blankets!

,' they warned.MAKE YOUR OWN AMENITY KITThey say being prepared is the key to success, and provided you've prepared your own amenity kit for on-board your flight, you're sure to feel as though you're living the high life.'Your amenities kit will keep your skin from looking worse for wear, and so will staying hydrated,' they wrote.

Skyscanner say you should pack a toothbrush and mini toothpaste, pawpaw ointment or any miniature moisturiser to soothe dry skin, eye drops, face cleanser samples, concealer for under-eye circles and a rollerball 10ml perfume to freshen up before disembarking.RECREATE FINE DININGJealous of the open bar and delicious five-course degustation menu that gets rolled out in First?Us too.

So why not bring your own on-board, in case you're not partial to the Economy in-flight meals.'Salads, fresh fruit, or even some luxury chocolates from duty-free will jazz up your no-frills meal,' Skyscanner said.'Toast to bridging the gap between First Class and Economy with your favourite tipple - but you'll have to get that from the flight attendant as drinking your duty-free purchases on the plane is sadly not allowed.

'BYO ENTERTAINMENTWhile part of the excitement of a long-distance flight is the anticipation of what in-flight film options there will be on your carrier, it pays to be prepared in case what they have is not to your taste.'Do your own prep by loading up your device with podcasts, movies, music and TV shows great for binge-watching,' Skyscanner said.You can also have a look at this list of the best in-flight appsto download ahead of time.

PRIORITISE SLEEPLast but not least, on a flight any longer than five or six hours, you're going to want to get some shut-eye at some point.In which case, you need to prioritise your sleep.'An eye mask is highly recommended,' Skyscanner said.

'Cheap ones can put pressure on your eyes and be slightly painful, whereas a good sleeping mask has contours to allow for eye movement during REM-stage sleep.'Finally, invest in some noise-cancelling headphones so you can't hear any screams or annoying conversations.You'll be snoozing in no time.

Have you got any tips for making Economy feel like First? Email