- The Corcoran Group founder told Bloomberg that she almost never flies first class.
- Instead, she brings small luxuries aboard to feel like a queen in coach.
"Shark Tank" star Barbara Corcoran said she prefers not to waste money — or miles — upgrading to first class when she travels by plane, and she has some tips to make economy feel like royalty.
In an interview with Bloomberg, the 74-year-old real estate millionaire said she almost never flies first class on the 30 to 40 trips she takes each year. Her travels typically accumulate hundreds of thousands of miles, and she told Bloomberg she believes they're better spent on family.
"I feel pretentious in first class, and I can't justify the additional costs," Corcoran said. "As for the miles, I never use them for an upgrade — I'd rather fly my family all over the country."
Instead, she makes an effort to make economy class feel more luxurious by packing some extra amenities of her own to take on the plane. Here are some of her tips to feel a bit more glamorous, according to Bloomberg.
Load up on snacks
Part of Corcoran's secret to eating like a queen in coach is packing tasty snacks and a bottle of wine for the journey.
"I always do the same routine. I bring my own delicious food: a couple of cheeses, usually hard salami, and really nice artisan crackers that aren't soggy," Corcoran told Bloomberg.
Her choice of wine, according to the report, is a bottle of Sauvignon Blanc she buys at the airport. For dessert, she said, a fresh aromatic orange that "everyone gets jealous" over.
Don't shirk on accessories
To complement her spread of assorted treats, Corcoran dresses up her tray with a small tablecloth, and pulls out a real wine glass for her beverage.
"I always bring two very pretty napkins — one as a tablecloth on my tray and the other for my lap — and a real wine glass," she said to Bloomberg.
Stay entertained
As for entertainment, Corcoran prefers a classic game of Scrabble to pass the time while traveling. A portable board is another essential item in her travels.
"There's always a Scrabble player, and they're delighted to pass the time that way," Corcoran said.
According to the Corcoran Group founder, it's as simple as asking the two people next you, "'Hey, do you play Scrabble?'"