Create your own First Class amenities kit

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.

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Emirates Business Class amenities kit

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.
 

Don’t forget to put the liquids from your amenities kit in a plastic bag for security

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.

Hit the duty shop before you board for some extra luxury Photo credit: Wikimedia Commons

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?