Cramped seats, packed overhead bins, tiny bags of pretzels (if anything at all) — it’s all par for the course when it comes to flying these days. But while that may be true of economy class, it’s a much different story if you’re lucky enough to be flying in first class. Booking a first or business class seat gives travelers more room to stretch out, personalized service, complimentary in-flight meals and cocktails, and a host of other perks that might just make you forget what it’s like flying at the back of the plane. Many travelers think expensive first-class tickets are out of reach, but you might be surprised to learn that there are ways to score that seat upgrade for less than you think. Read on to discover four ways to fly first class for less.

Make Use of Your Frequent Flier Miles 

You’ve probably already enrolled in one or more airline frequent flier programs, so make sure to add your frequent flier number to your itinerary each time you fly. You’ll rack up points based on the money you spend on airfare or the number of miles you fly (except for some basic economy tickets) and you can later cash these points in for free flights. Essentially, you’re getting cash back every time you fly. Plus, if you have a co-branded airline credit card or a travel rewards credit card, you can easily add to your stash by earning miles from everyday spending. 

In addition to redeeming miles for a new booking, most airlines will allow you to upgrade an existing ticket to a higher cabin using frequent flier points, cash, or a combination of both. While carriers such as American Airlines publish a handy chart detailing the number of miles needed to upgrade, others such as Delta Air Lines have variable pricing. In those cases, you’ll want to log into your itinerary on the airline’s website or app and see how much it costs to upgrade your seat. You’ll typically see both a cash price or a points price — if you’ve already got the hard-earned points from previous flights, it’s a great way to score an upgrade without paying for it out of pocket. 

Achieve Elite Status — or Travel With Somebody Who Has It

While there’s probably no such thing as a “free” upgrade anymore, the closest you can get is by achieving elite status with an airline. Fly (and spend) a certain amount each year, and you’ll be rewarded for your loyalty with perks like priority service, free bags, and waived fees. Perhaps the most coveted perk of all is the complimentary upgrade.

If any first-class seats on a flight remain unsold by the time of departure, airlines — including Alaska, American, Delta, and United — will offer their elite members space-available upgrades, prioritized based on their elite status tier. These complimentary upgrades are typically available on flights within North America, to the Caribbean, and to some destinations in northern South America. These types of complimentary upgrades usually aren’t offered on long-haul international flights; however, top spenders in these frequent flier programs can sometimes acquire upgrade certificates that can be used for any destination the airline flies to. 

Don’t have elite status? Many programs will allow the elite member to also upgrade companions traveling with them for free — even if they don’t hold any status with the airline. Or, if a friend or family member with elite status won’t be able to use all their upgrade certificates, they might be able to upgrade you instead. Finally, some airline credit cards offer elite-like perks — for example, cardholders of the Delta Reserve Card are eligible for complimentary first-class upgrades once all elite members have been cleared from the upgrade list.  

Keep an Eye Out for Discounted Upgrades Closer to Check-In 

Of course, for airlines, it’s better to sell a first-class seat than give one away for free. If any premium seats remain unsold close to the departure date, airlines will often try to incentivize last-minute upgrades to fill the cabin. For example, Air Canada offers a “Last Minute Upgrade Purchase” option during check-in if seats are available — often for far less than to book a first-class seat outright. The airline (like many others) also allows travelers to place a bid on an upgrade to a premium seat up to 48 hours prior to departure, which can be another way to score a cheap first-class upgrade. 

It also doesn’t hurt to ask the agent at the check-in counter or gate about any upgrade possibilities. While there’s a slim chance of scoring a free upgrade just for looking the part, you might be offered an attractive price. That’s particularly true if the flight is oversold — if you volunteer to take a later flight, you can negotiate an upgrade to a higher cabin as part of your compensation for being flexible. 

Or, Just Book a Premium Fare From the Start

At the end of the day, some travelers aren’t willing to roll the dice on a last-minute upgrade. If you prefer peace of mind knowing you have a comfortable travel experience ahead of you, consider searching first or business class seats from the start instead of hoping for an upgrade later. 

The best way to find discounted premium cabin fares is by using Google Flights. The site’s handy calendar feature makes it easy to find the lowest fares — just enter your origin and destination, number of passengers, and type of trip (round-trip, one-way, or multi-city), making sure to specify first or business class for the class of service. You don’t even need to have a specific route pairing in mind — the site also has a map feature to explore destinations with attractive pricing. 

A good rule of thumb is to search for days of the week that have less demand from business travelers — typically Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Saturdays. And if you’re flexible, consider flights with off-peak departure times such as early in the morning or late at night. 

Finally, certain credit card programs also offer their cardholders handy tools for securing cheap first-class flights. For example, cardholders of the American Express Platinum Card have access to the International Airline Program, which provides discounts on first, business, and premium economy fares on participating airlines. Cardholders can also use their points to upgrade an existing ticket. 

If you’re lucky enough to be traveling to the “Last Frontier” for a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, you might be on the fence about what to pack. From extreme chills to unusual daylight hours, Alaska — with its far north location — presents a unique set of challenges when it comes to trip planning. Whether you’re embarking on a summer cruise or an arctic expedition, here are 12 must-pack items for your Alaskan adventure. 

Summer Cruise

Gore-Tex Insulated Windbreaker

Visiting Alaska in the warmer months? You should never forget an insulated coat when packing for Alaska — even in summer. Most outdoor brands feature a material in their activewear called Gore-Tex that helps withstand the elements. An insulated windbreaker is ideal for both warm days and chilly nights, during which you might experience harsh winds and a sudden salty sea breeze when the cruise ship heads into arctic waters. Marmot’s Minimalist Jacket will ensure you rock the boat in style — and most importantly, stay dry.

Waterproof Day Pack

If you have the opportunity to kayak through the glacial passageways, wetlands, or lakes of Alaska in summer, make sure you bring a waterproof day pack to keep your camera, phone, and other belongings safe and dry. The Skog Å Kust BackSåk comes in 11 colors and two sizes. It features a roll-down top for quick access, zippered protective pockets, adjustable cushioned straps, and back padding for optimal spine support. 

Sleep Mask

Experiencing the “midnight sun” in Alaska might sound fun, but in reality, it can be a challenge if you’re a light-sensitive sleeper. From late spring to late summer, some places in Alaska receive more than 18 hours of sunlight each day — perfect for adventure but tricky for sleeping. Hopefully, your hotel room has decent blackout curtains, but if you find yourself faced with the sun’s ever-blinding presence during peak sleep hours, you’ll be glad you have a heavy-duty sleep mask. These 3-D memory foam sleep masks by Sia Silk are extra soft and feature an ergonomic design to help you unwind in total darkness.

Blue or Green Bug-Proof Joggers

Alaska is home to 35 species of mosquitoes, which means you’ll probably encounter a few of them, especially in summer. So it’s smart to keep your legs and arms covered with lightweight clothing. A pair of bug-repelling joggers should do the trick. These BugsAway pants by ExOfficio will prevent ticks, mosquitoes, and midges from landing and feature zippered pockets for carrying bug spray and other essentials. As an added bonus, they come in shades of green and blue — wearing cool tones such as blue, green, purple, and white can make it difficult for mosquitoes to see you. 

Binoculars

No matter what month you set sail on an Alaskan cruise, you’re bound to encounter some epic wildlife, so don’t miss the opportunity to spot orcas, harbor seals, humpback whales, sea otters, sea lions, walruses, and more. A pair of binoculars will help you focus on the dot everyone’s pointing to on the horizon. We love these fun-colored pairs by Barska.

Moisturizing Sunscreen

Any dermatologist will emphasize the importance of applying moisturizing sunscreen each day, and this is even more crucial when you’re under the beating Alaskan summer sun. The lightweight, moisturizing SPF 30 sunscreen by Ursa Major is vegan and cruelty-free, mineral-based, and suitable for all skin types. You can layer it with makeup and other skincare products. The sunscreen helps your skin stay hydrated, protecting it from harsh rays that reflect off Alaska’s coastal waters.

Sun Hat

Just like your skin, your head will need extra protection out on the water. A bucket hat with an adjustable chin drawstring is perfect for warm, windy days on the cruise ship deck. This sun hat by Jane Shine is made of breathable nylon mesh that dries quickly and features an inner band to absorb sweat. The hat offers UPF 50-plus sun protection, can easily be folded up or down for a variety of styles, and fits right in your pocket. It’s also available in 21 different colors and patterns to match any outfit.

Arctic Expedition

Heated Gloves

Braving Alaska in winter instead? It’s one of the most magical times of year, but it goes without saying: Make sure you pack warm! Temperatures in the southern and coastal regions of Alaska average anywhere from 0 degrees to -30 degrees Fahrenheit. Keeping your fingers and toes cozy is extra important, since extremities are the first to experience frostbite symptoms if left unchecked. Consider packing heated gloves — these rechargeable battery-powered ones by Fieldsheer are made with goatskin leather and include four heat settings for optimal warmth that lasts up to eight hours. 

Fleece-Lined Leggings

Even if you’re planning an adventure trip, chances are you don’t have room in your luggage to pack bulky snow gear. Leave thick pants at home and instead opt for multipurpose attire with insulation to prevent body heat from escaping. Fleece-lined leggings will add a protective layer to any outfit. LAPASA’s line of active thermal wear is made of 100% Merino wool and will keep you warm on even the coldest Alaskan night.

Trapper Hat

Sadly, your favorite beanie might not be enough for the Alaskan frost this time of year. Earmuffs aren’t a bad idea, but you can keep your head and your ears even warmer with a trapper hat. Waterproof winter trapper hats by ChoKoLids come with a facemask for extra protection against the chill, and the ushanka faux fur lining keeps your ears snug so they won’t sting.

Snow Boots

Your snow boots will likely get some love on a winter trek through Alaska, so make sure you choose wisely. Boots should be waterproof and well-insulated, have good traction for icy trails, be relatively easy to slip on and off, and be lightweight enough to attach to snowshoes if need be. Sorel is one of the most popular boot brands for snowbirds —the Out ‘N About III Classic Boot is stylishly upholstered in leather and suede but features a vulcanized rubber shell for slush protection and molded rubber outsoles for optimal grip. 

Light Therapy Lamp

Sunlight is an essential ingredient for maintaining optimal health — and yes, that includes your mental health. But in winter, parts of Alaska experience a polar night, meaning the sun does not rise above the horizon for about 67 days each year. The shortest “day” in Fairbanks is just three hours and 42 minutes. The lack of sunlight means vitamin D deficiency is a problem, so consider packing a light therapy lamp. The HappyLight Lumi Plus by Verilux emits a bright white light that mimics sunlight to energize and enhance focus. It even has a countdown timer to fit your daily needs and routine.  

Note: All featured products and deals are selected independently and objectively by the author. Daily Passport may receive a share of sales via affiliate links in content.

Featured image credit: Enn Li  Photography/ Moment via Getty Images 

Commercial airplanes are among the safest ways to travel. Statistics show that the risk of injury on larger airplanes is extremely low, with only 0.01 injuries per 100 million miles traveled for the average passenger. This adds up to just a few dozen injuries annually, far less than the millions who are hurt in automobiles. But for those who still find themselves with a fear of flying, there are steps you can take to both calm your nerves and also boost your chances of surviving a potential accident, no matter how unlikely it may be. This starts with selecting the right seat. Find out what experts think is the safest section on an airplane.

Which Seats Are the Safest, According to the Data?

In 2015, TIME magazine analyzed 35 years of FAA data regarding aircraft accidents that occurred between 1985 and 2000. The report concluded that seats located in the rear third of the plane had a 32% fatality rate during more serious catastrophes — slightly lower than the 39% fatality rate for passengers located in the middle third of the cabin, and 38% for those located in the front third.

Drilling down further, passengers sitting in middle seats toward the rear of the cabin had a 28% fatality rate, which was also slightly lower than passengers located in seats along the aisle or against the window. The theory is that passengers on both sides provide a buffer against the hard wall of the cabin or anything that may fly down the aisle during a crash. On the flip side, the highest fatality rate anywhere on the plane was 44% for passengers seated in aisle seats located in the middle third of the cabin.

The Downsides of Sitting in the Rear

While the rear of the plane may provide a slightly higher rate of survival during the unlikely event of a fatal accident, that section of the cabin otherwise has a few drawbacks. Not only are they the last rows to disembark or receive in-flight service, rear rows often experience worse turbulence than seats located further up, which can make a routine journey less than pleasant. Rear seats are also often located near the bathrooms, which may also mean unwanted odors. So you might want to ask yourself if all those potential downsides are worth the benefit, especially given how safe air travel is to begin with.

Is Sitting Near the Exit Row Even Safer?

A 2011 study concluded that it may actually be in your best interest to prioritize sitting near an exit row. Passengers located within five rows of an exit were deemed more likely to safely evacuate the aircraft in time before a potential situation became worse. If you’re not seated close to the exit, here’s a helpful tip: When you board the aircraft, count how many rows are between you and the exit. That way, in the event that the cabin fills with smoke, you’ll be able to find your way to the exit even when visibility is obscured.

Keep In Mind That No Two Accidents Are the Same

All told, airplane accidents are incredibly rare. But when they do happen, it’s just as rare for one incident to be identical to another — and there will always be outliers. In certain cases, the issue is with the mechanical components of the aircraft, while at other times it may be weather conditions or human error. It can also be a problem as specific as the tail of the airplane or a collision that happens at the rear — and if this is the case, then suddenly those “safer” rear seats become far more dangerous. Given this variability, some would argue that there actually isn’t a safest seat on the plane. (In fact, the FAA says that all seats are equally safe.) At the end of the day, it’s up to each passenger to decide what seat is best for them depending on their comfort level.

Thanks to advances in aircraft technology, it’s now possible to board a plane and fly nearly 19 hours from one end of the globe to the other. But for all the adventure that jetting off to faraway destinations provides, many travelers dread the thought of being stuck in a metal tube for hours on end. If you count yourself among them, you might be interested to know that it’s possible to hop on a plane and arrive at a new destination in less than 10 minutes. Check out five of the world’s shortest commercial flights. 

5. Karpathos to Kasos, Greece

Karpathos and Kasos are both part of Greece’s Dodecanese Islands, situated in the southeastern Aegean Sea between the larger islands of Rhodes and Crete. With craggy mountains towering over turquoise waters and postcard-perfect villages that are free of the hordes of tourists you’ll find on other Greek isles, these islands are a dream for travelers looking for an off-the-radar getaway. 

To journey between Karpathos and Kasos, you can take an hour-and-a-half ferry ride across the Aegean Sea. But that would take far more effort than boarding Olympic Air’s regularly scheduled flight between the two islands. Covering a distance of just 13 miles, the flight on an ATR 72 turboprop aircraft is blocked at just 20 minutes from pushback to gate arrival; however, the time in the air typically takes only around 10 minutes. It operates up to six times a week during peak summer season.

4. St. Maarten to Anguilla 

Aviation lovers will probably already be familiar with the island of St. Maarten, a dual French-Dutch territory in the Caribbean’s Lesser Antilles. That’s because of Maho Beach, a stretch of sand that sits right at the end of the runway of the island’s main airport, Princess Juliana International Airport. Beachgoers here will find themselves within a stone’s throw of massive jets coming in to land at the airport, a thrilling juxtaposition of modern technology and the Caribbean’s famously beautiful beaches.

St. Maarten serves as a regional hub for other nearby islands, many of which are located only a dozen or so miles away. Among the closest are Saba, St. Barth’s, and Anguilla — the latter of which can be reached on a turboprop plane in around seven to 10 minutes. After making the 12-mile hop, visitors can explore one of the Caribbean’s most underrated gems, with miles of sugar-sand beaches and a laid-back atmosphere that makes it easy to truly unplug. 

3. Connemara to Inisheer, Ireland

The Aran Islands are a group of three islands off the coast of Galway in western Ireland. With only a handful of residents, rugged windswept landscapes, and fascinating ruins dating back to the Iron Age, these islands make for a popular day trip from Galway. Many tourists choose to board the ferry, which takes between 45 and 90 minutes each way depending on the island they choose to visit — but travelers in a hurry can opt for one of the world’s shortest commercial flights, from Connemara Regional Airport on the mainland to Inisheer island. 

The flights on Aer Arann are scheduled year-round (dependent on weather) and take around six to 10 minutes, covering a distance of just 11 miles. It operates on a plane that seats just eight passengers, so small that each passenger has to be weighed before the flight to ensure that the weight is distributed equally. 

2. Minami-Daito to Kita-Daito, Japan

Japan’s shortest commercial flight carries passengers between the island villages of Minami-Daito and Kita-Daito, which are located only 7.5 miles apart. The islands are part of Japan’s subtropical Okinawa Prefecture, located nearly 400 miles south of the rest of the country, closer to Taiwan. One of the main tourist attractions here are the hundreds of caves that dot the islands, the largest of which is Hoshino Cave.

Ryukyu Air Commuter (part of the Japan Airlines group) has a scheduled flight between the two islands that takes only about three minutes. Sadly, the route is scheduled to be discontinued in summer 2024, and there’s no word yet if it will return. In the meantime, you can find other quick hops in Japan from Kikaijima to Amamioshima (16 miles) and Okinoerabu to Tokunoshima (30 miles).

1. Westray to Papa Westray, Scotland

Topping the list of the world’s shortest commercial flights is a 1.7-mile hop between two of the Orkney Islands — a group of 70 islands and islets scattered off the northeastern coast of mainland Scotland. Humans have lived on the islands since prehistoric times, but today only about 20 of the islands are inhabited. Mainland is the most populous, home to about 17,000 people. 

Just how short is this flight? The Loganair service between Westray and Papa Westray typically takes less than two minutes from takeoff to touchdown — or as little as 53 seconds when winds are favorable. Passengers squeeze into a plane that has room for just eight passengers, with the pilot sitting in an open cockpit just inches away. The flight operates two to three times today, providing a crucial connection to the 80 people who call the remote island of Papa Westray home.

The cost of airfare is a major concern for many travelers when they’re planning a trip. From the hotel room to daily meals and tourist attractions, the price of even a well-planned vacation can add up fast, leading many people to spend hours combing airline and travel comparison sites to save significant dollars on the journey there and back. Fares rise and drop daily, which doesn’t make the process of scouring any easier, but even more frustratingly, the price you see at first glance will often increase significantly by the time you finish booking. These are six of the sneakiest airline fees you’ll come across — but they can be avoided altogether if you know what to look for. 

Baggage

Packing light is the golden rule for frequent travelers — particularly because airlines can be especially unforgiving when it comes to overweight or bulky baggage. Many tickets booked with low-cost carriers or even some basic economy class fares on legacy airlines do not include a carry-on bag, so double-check that your ticket includes a bag before you buy that option. Some fares that do include a carry-on might be a better deal in the end. 

If you decide to book via a budget airline, be sure to pay for your bag online, as the cost to add a bag at the airport is almost always higher. Also check the carry-on size and weight requirements. They vary drastically from airline to airline — from as little as 15 pounds to as much as 50 pounds — and if you accidentally go a few ounces over, you may be asked to pay as much as $100 at the check-in desk. 

If you’re concerned about your carry-on size, consider checking your bag instead. Oftentimes, checking a bag is actually cheaper than bringing a carry-on, as the weight and size requirements are more generous (though you’ll still want to carefully check those). Plus, if the cabins are tight and you’re in the last boarding group, gate agents or flight attendants may insist you put your carry-on under the plane anyway.

And don’t forget about personal items. Some airlines will allow backpacks to qualify, while others only consider small handbags, briefcases, and purses to be personal items. And if you don’t read your airline’s guidelines for packing, you also may be forced to pay at the gate for your large personal item. But on the bright side, if your airline allows a backpack as a personal item, you may not even need that carry-on at all.

Seat Selection

Many airlines will assign your seat automatically with the cheapest fares, so if you’re picky about sitting by the window, you’ll have to pay an additional fee to choose your seat beforehand. These seat selection fees can cost anywhere from $5 to well upwards of $50 per flight. 

So, how can you avoid paying just to avoid the middle seat? One easy way is to choose an airline with lower seat selection fees or none altogether. Southwest Airlines allows all passengers to choose their own seat when they board the plane, based on boarding numbers assigned by time of check-in. Other airlines such as Alaska Airlines, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue, and United Airlines have lower seat selection fees (averaging less than $10). And if you don’t mind your seat preference, another alternative is to simply skip seat selection altogether. If the flight is half empty, chances are good that you may be assigned the window seat after all. 

Boarding Passes

Gone are the days when every passenger received a complimentary paper ticket detailing their flight info. If you want something physical in your hands to help navigate the terminal, you may have to pay extra for that — depending on which airline you choose. Breeze Airways charges customers $3 to print a boarding pass, while Allegiant Air charges $5. Even worse, carriers such as Spirit and Frontier Airlines can charge travelers up to $25 for this piece of paper. Avoid this sneaky airline fee by simply printing your boarding pass when you check in at home or downloading airline apps to get a digital boarding pass with a QR code. 

Convenience Booking Fee

You may have seen a convenience fee tacked on if you’ve ever bought tickets to a concert through an online ticketing platform, but did you know that this same fee might appear if you purchase a flight? Some airlines — particularly budget carriers — charge travelers convenience fees for using a credit card upon checkout or for the simple “convenience” of purchasing a ticket online. If you’re really devoted to avoiding unnecessary fees, you can book your ticket at the airline counter or pay in cash. It might be worth it if your local airport is close by.

In-Flight Amenities

Even if you’ve already paid for a little extra legroom and that window seat, it’s easy to be tempted to pay for in-flight amenities — such as blankets, earphones, entertainment, Wi-Fi, and other add-ons. Many budget carriers don’t even offer complimentary snacks and beverages, so be sure to research your airline’s onboard services before you ask for that cup of water or bag of pretzels. When packing, try to bring lots of snacks, a reusable water bottle to fill up before you board, your own headphones, and lots of reading materials. The onboard Wi-Fi probably won’t be worth it if it’s a short flight.

Travel Insurance

Another option you’ll be prompted to add during checkout is travel insurance. It’ll be one of the last questions you have to answer when purchasing a flight, and many airlines set the default answer to yes, unless you decide otherwise. You’ll want to carefully consider your individual circumstances, but in many cases travel insurance booked through the airline likely isn’t worth it — especially if you book the flight using a travel rewards credit card. Cards such as the CapitalOne Venture, Chase Sapphire Preferred, and others offer travel insurance as part of their benefits for cardholders, so in the event your flight is canceled or delayed or something else interferes with your travel plans, you will still be protected.