How to Choose the Best Seat on a Plane

You may not be able to control everything during your travels, but choosing the right seat on the plane is one way to make your flying experience more pleasant. With a little planning and research, you can pick a spot that meets your needs and ensures a comfortable journey.

Here are our expert tips for choosing the best seat on a plane.

Middle, Window, or Aisle: What Seat is Best for Air Travel?

When it comes to air travel, there are three main types of seats: middle, window, and aisle. Each has its own benefits and drawbacks, and the best choice for you will depend on your individual needs and preferences.

Window Seat: Pros and Cons

Window seats offer a few key advantages. First, they provide a view of the outside world, which can be enjoyed during takeoff and landing or simply while watching the clouds go by. They also tend to be more private than other seat options, since there are no aisle-passers to disturb you. On the downside, window seats can be colder than other options (since they’re next to the plane’s exterior wall) and you may have difficulty getting up to use the restroom or stretch your legs.

Aisle Seat: Pros and Cons

Aisle seats offer easy access to the aisle, which means you can get up and move around more easily. They’re also typically less cramped than window seats. On the downside, aisle seats can be noisier than other options (since you’ll be next to the galley and bathroom) and you may be disturbed more often by passing passengers.

Middle Seat: Pros and Cons

Middle seats offer some advantages over window and aisle options. They’re typically less expensive than other choices, and they offer more storage options since there’s no seat in front of you to block the under-seat space. On the downside, middle seats can be less comfortable than other choices (since you may feel sandwiched between passengers) and you may have difficulty getting up to use the restroom or stretch your legs.

Ultimately, the decision on paying to pick your seat comes down to your needs and expectations for a flight. You will want to take into consideration the time and length of your flight, as well as your own health needs and comfort.

• Do you want as much space as possible?
• Do you mind bumping elbows to save a few bucks?
• Will you need to sleep on board?

While the choice might be difficult, you can at least say it’s far better than leaving the decision to a stranger or automated system. It might seem tempting to save a few bucks and let the airlines decide your seat, but only if your comfort is worth giving up. But if you want to make the best of your trip from beginning to end, then it’s best to take back control and pick one for yourself.

Benefits of Choosing An Exit Row Seat

If you’re looking for extra legroom on your next flight, an exit row seat is a good option. These seats are located near the emergency exits, and they offer more space than other seats in the plane. Exit row seats typically cost more than other seats, but they’re worth it if you need a little extra room.

Here are some things to keep in mind if you’re considering an exit row seat:

You must be able to lift 50 pounds (23 kilograms) to sit in an exit row seat. This is necessary in case you need to assist with an emergency evacuation.

You must be able to follow instructions from flight attendants. This includes being able to understand and follow safety procedures.

You must be willing to help with an evacuation if necessary. This means you may have to open the emergency exit door or assist other passengers in evacuating the plane.

If you can meet these requirements, an exit row seat can be a good option for you. Just be sure to check with your airline before you book to make sure that you’re eligible to sit in an exit row seat.

Bulkhead Seats – Good or Bad?

Bulkhead seats are the seats that are located in front of the walls (or bulkheads) that separate sections of the plane. These seats offer a few advantages, but they also have some potential drawbacks.

The main advantage of bulkhead seats is that they offer more legroom. This can be a big plus for tall passengers or those who simply want to stretch out their legs during a long flight. Another advantage is that these seats are often located near the exit rows, so you may have an easier time getting off the plane if you need to.

The main disadvantage of bulkhead seats is that they can be noisy. Since these seats are located near the front of the plane, they can be subject to more noise from the engines and other planes. Additionally, these seats often do not have a window, so you may not have a view during the flight.

FAQs about Picking The Best Airplane Seat

Are Window Seats the Best Seats?

These are the perfect scenic seats for travelers that want that perfect picture and don’t mind sitting against a wall. If you’re taking an overnight flight, this is the seat to consider as the wall is perfect to prop her pillow against. However, if you have plans for the restroom during your flight or you’re claustrophobic, you will find yourself relying on the mercy of your two neighbors to move in and out of the row.

Should I Choose a Middle Seat?

The middle seat often gets a worse reputation on flights seeing how travelers find themselves between two bodies. Most times the middle seat is ideal for those traveling with a companion or two. It should go without saying that the middle seat should get both armrests given its lack of perks. However, there is one upside: middle seats tend to be more plentiful, and sometimes they cost less than the other two options.

Are Aisles Seats a good choice?

The aisle seats are perfect for those that like to stretch during flights or like to order lots of in-flight treats. Just be prepared to have to stand to let your seatmates out or watch out for the bumping of the beverage carts or others that move about the aisle. However, if you are one that needs quick access to your carry-on, this is the aisle seat to access the overhead bin.

Expert tip

If you want to more details about the seats in your specific airplane, checkout SeatGuru.

There are also plenty of travel accessories that can make your flight more comfortable. Here are 3 of our top picks:

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