Hi Frugalistas! Do you wish you could take Business Class or First Class flights but just can’t afford it? While you can’t create more space, or enjoy restaurant style dining, anyone can create their own First Class amenities kit that you can enjoy regardless of the cost of your flight. Your own bespoke First Class amenities kit is definitely one of your long haul flight essentials. Even if you’ve never flown in a premium cabin, putting together your own First Class amenities kit is easy – and trust me, you will have a more comfortable flight.
A bag for your First Class amenities kit
The first thing you need to choose for your First Class amenities kit is a little toilet bag. Rather than something bulky like I experienced on Qatar Airways Business Class I suggest going for a light zippered or envelope style makeup bag like the Emirates Business Class amenities kit in the photo above. Choose something that’s not too padded to further help cut down on bulk. If you ever get those “gift with purchase” make up bags they can be quite good, otherwise buy yourself something that fits the brief.
The contents of your First Class amenities kit
While they do vary a bit from airline to airline there are certain things you do need to include:
Socks
Lip balm
Facial moisturiser
Hand lotion
Tooth brush and toothpaste
Optional extras that you may like to include are:
Ear plugs
Eye shades
Cleanser
Fragrance
Pen & notebook
Scented handwipes
Putting together your First Class amenities kit
The first thing to remember is that you don’t need to pack anything extra in creating your amenities kit. You can use everything you are going to pack upon arrival, so don’t double up. Pack it in your amenities kit rather than in your normal toiletries bag.
Just remember that because you are packing liquids in your amenities kit they will need to go through security screening in a plastic bag. I suggest you pop your amenities liquids in a separate plastic ziplock bag that can go inside your “main” ziplock bag with your other liquids for passing through security if you taking carry on only. Remember everything needs to fit in a single ziplock bag for passing through security.
How to source your products? Well, you have a number of options. If you prefer your own special brands, then simply decant them into some little bottles (remembering to ensure nothing is bigger than 100ml so you can keep them in your carry on luggage).
You can also buy special travel size products – even some prestige brands sell. If you can afford it, this could be a lovely splurge even if you are traveling in Economy class. Or, of course, if you have some samples or gift with purchase products, now’s an excellent time to use them. Elemis do a particularly good travel kit and are also very generous with samples. Their products are not cheap, but are very high quality and a worthwhile splurge. You can see their range by clicking here.
For your toothbrush and toothpaste, do check your toothbrush will fit in your toilet bag. If yours is a little on the large size, go small with a child’s toothbrush. Even the First Class amenities kits on the premium airlines have a cut down size toothbrush….. Also buy the smallest tube of toothpaste you can find. You can also buy little toothbrush and paste kits just like the airlines provide to premium cabin travellers:
One thing I do recommend is to have a little splurge on some brand new items to add a little sense of luxury. Even if it’s just a new lip balm or pair of socks, do make sure you have something fresh and new to open for the first time on the plane.
Enjoying your First Class amenities kit
You know what it’s like on a plane don’t you? We take off, and then when the seat belt sign comes off there’s a beeline for the lavatories……Queuing for the loo is never First Class, so get yourself organised before you board the plane.
Once you pass through security put your liquids back into your amenities kit. Then store your amenities kit in a bag that will be going under the seat in front (such as your handbag) or in the front pocket of your carry on bag so you can pop it into the seat pocket easily when you board. The trick is to give you easy access once you need it.
My next trick means you won’t even need your amenities kit straight away. As you pass through the airport have a browse around the Duty Free shops, and take advantage of the testers. Regardless of the brand in your bag, there’s nothing to stop you sampling all those premium brands. Some moisturiser, hand cream and a spritz of perfume and you’re good to go.
So, I’ll be the first to admit that an amenities kit does not come close to the full pleasures of Business or First Class, if a First Class amenities kit is what your budget can afford, it is an easy way to add some additional comfort and enjoyment to your trip. You can find out some other ideas I have for making your flight more “First Class” here.
What are your top tips for making your flight feel more First Class?
Thank you for your informative posts. I had never been overseas until a trip to London, Brugge and Paris in the middle of this year, and your blog was very helpful for packing.
I am heading back to Paris in April, this time without three kids and one husband in tow, and have been thinking about what might make my (economy) flight more comfortable. Reading your blog, space, food, amenities and lounge seem to be the key differences in business vs. economy, so I’ve looked at ways of improving the bits that matter to me.
My (very new traveller) tips for attempting to make my upcoming flight more first class are:
Space: I have booked a SeatPlus emergency row seat on AirFrance with no seats in front of it, so I should be fine for space on the longer to/from Paris legs of the flight. Will make sure that I have power banks with me as these seats don’t have USB chargers.
Food: I don’t drink alcohol and I don’t get very hungry if I’m not active (i.e. on a plane for 24 hours), so honestly I don’t care much about the food on the flight. I liked most of the food on Cathay Pacific. But since AirFrance offer gourmet a la carte meals in Economy for an extra price, I’m going to use that on the way back to keep me in holiday mode as long as possible (unfortunately only seems to be flights from Paris and some other stopovers, but not the flight from Singapore). One tip for vegetarians – don’t order the vegetarian meal, all airlines seem to interpret this as vegan and thus remove the nice aspects like cheese, icecream, etc. Just go for the normal menu and it will have vegetarian options.
Lounges and stopovers: I travel to Singapore during the day leaving Melbourne, stopover for a few hours, then fly to Paris overnight, arriving 6am. I’d like to make full use of the day that I arrive, so I’m going to use one of the paid lounges to have a shower and freshen up.
Amenities: I will be doing an amenities kit and will make sure that it has spare underwear in it, being stuck in the same underwear was one thing that I disliked last time. And mouthwash.
It’s interesting to note that, on AirFrance, premium economy costs a lot more than standard economy but the reviews are awful for premium. So I think that I’m better off spending a bit extra on more spacious seating, better food and a nice lounge at the airport.
I am in one way ideally suited to travel though. I can fall asleep instantly, in pretty much any position. I felt a bit stir crazy flying last time (crawling out of my skin, really wanted to go for a brisk walk!) but the sleeping was fine, so I went straight into a normal routine when I arrived at my destination and also coming back (the fact that the long legs are both overnight this time will also help). My daughter was very jealous that I was asleep before the plane had even leveled out leaving Melbourne (she can’t sleep upright). So business class and first class would probably be wasted on me, I am better off keeping my money for shopping!
I also like your tips about being well dressed. I love my gym gear – for exercise and fencing only. When we flew, I wore a nice but comfortable Boo Radley sweater dress with leggings. This worked well, looked nice, didn’t crinkle and was more comfortable than PJs. I’ll do the same thing next time, I would like to look presentable when I arrive. Just makes me feel more human, being in a sloppy tracksuit and t-shirt would not do much for my mood! Doubt that I’ll get upgraded but at least I feel more myself!
Hi Cathi, I’ve only travelled on Premium Economy once and thought it was an awful waste of money – what you pay is closer to business class, but the service and amenity is definitely closer to economy. I think your choice to spend a little extra on an extra leg room seat, upgraded meals and lounge access is a much better choice than buying a Premium seat. Enjoy your trip!