How to make economy feel like an upgrade, according to a travel expert who's spent 3,500 hours in premium cabins

Flight expert Zach Griff shares how to bring the luxuries of first and business class to the economy cabin. Courtesy of Zach Griff Flying economy can feel crowded, cramped, and generally unpleasant. But it doesn't have to be. Here's how to give yourself an upgrade when you're stuck in economy. Economy seats may be smaller than those in upgraded classes, but that doesn't mean you have to be cramped between passengers. Economy tickets may not include a meal, but that doesn't mean you can't have a fine-dining experience. The economy cabin will never be as comfortable as first class , but that doesn't mean you can't make the most of it. Enter Zach Griff, travel expert and author of the travel newsletter From the Tray Table . Griff estimates he's spent 3,500 hours flying more than 1.8 million miles in business and first-class cabins .