With air travel being used more and more often for work, and budgets getting tighter, many people who travel on business may not be allotted a seat at business class despite the need for a good night's rest and to recharge for work. However, here are the top five tips for anyone in economy class looking to customize their own experience and make the trip more comfortable without the added price tag.

1. BYOW - Bring Your Own Water

Despite water being readily available on the plane, the crew always seems to serve it in small plastic cups that leave travelers parched and guilty about having to ask the crew for a refill, unlike in business class where there are less people to be served, and each passenger is given a large water bottle. Bringing your own empty bottle or rolled up water bladder then filling it up at the water fountains after security is a good way to stay hydrated.

2. Pay for a Pre-Departure lounge

Skyscanner says these lounges are often equipped with comfier seats, free WIFI, power points, and announcements filtered or whispered to you by the staff themselves. In addition, lounges feature a wide array of snacks and drinks, very useful for long-haul flights and flights with layovers.

3. Ask the crew nicely

When in desperate need of an eyemask, ear plugs or even a blanket, which are items freely distributed in business class, kindly ask the crew if they could provide some. Some passengers have even alleged that by asking nicely, they were served extra meals for business class's second serving in economy class.

4. Dress appropriately

Yahoo! NZ suggests that travelers can mimic the luxury of flying in business class by pulling on their own cashmere sweater. Besides the extra style and confidence it'll give, staying warm will also not be a problem.

5. Small upgrades

Some airlines have an option called premium economy, where only a small fee is added for small additional luxuries such as staying in a quiet zone, extra leg room and other freebies.