How to choose the best seat on a plane?
Whether you’re a frequent flier or an occasional air passenger, choosing a seat on a plane can help you relax and make the most of your time in the air. The perfect seat depends on your preferences and needs. It may be a window seat if you want to enjoy the views from the air, or an aisle seat if you need to get up frequently.
In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to book a seat on a flight on any plane, for every type of passenger.
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How to Choose the Best Seat on A Plane: Tips for Travelers
How to choose the best seat on a plane?
Here are some expert tips on choosing the perfect seat on any plane.
1. Research Your Aircraft Model and Seat Map
Before making any seat selection, check the seat map for your aircraft model.
If you know the aircraft model, you can look up the seating chart on the airline’s website or check seat review websites like SeatGuru or SeatExpert.
It is important to know how many rows are in each section and where the toilets, galleys, and emergency exits are located. Seat maps will help you avoid unwanted surprises, like being too close to the lavatories or having a limited view of the cabin.
Avoid the seats near the toilets and galleys if possible, as they can be noisy and disruptive throughout the flight. Also, be sure to check the location of the emergency exits on the seat map, which may provide extra legroom but may also be chilly or noisy. Learn more about exit row seats here.
Read more: What Are Exit Row Seats?
2. Know Your Preference
Every traveler has a preference when it comes to airplane seats.
Do you prefer a window or aisle, front or back? Plan your choice based on what’s important to you. If you like to sleep, pick a window seat. If you want to stretch your legs, choose an aisle seat. Consider legroom and seat width, too.
You may prefer to reserve seats in a higher class, as first class, business class, or premium economy, for a more luxurious and comfortable flight experience. While these seats may come at a higher cost than standard economy seats, they often offer amenities such as extra legroom, larger seats, personalized service, gourmet meals, and access to airport lounges.
3. Check for Bulkhead and Exit Row Seats
Bulkhead seats are located in the front row of a section, and are usually separated from the rest of the cabin by a wall.
These seats tend to offer more legroom, but come with the downside of no under-seat storage. Exit rows have extra legroom and are perfect for tall passengers or anyone looking for extra space. Keep in mind that most exit row seats come with responsibility–you’ll need to be willing and able to help in case of an emergency.
Keep in mind that bulkhead or exit row seats may come with an extra cost, depending on the airline’s policies.
4. Avoid Middle Seats if Possible
How to choose the best seat on a plane? Avoid middle seats!
Middle seats are generally considered the least desirable seats on a plane, as they offer little privacy and can be uncomfortable for passengers who prefer to stretch out or move around during a flight.
In addition, middle seats often come with shared armrests and limited personal space, which can make the flight feel more cramped and crowded. Passengers who find themselves in a middle seat may want to consider selecting an exit row or bulkhead seat if available, as these seats may provide additional legroom and space. Another option is to try and negotiate a seat swap with another passenger before takeoff or during the flight.
However, it’s important to be respectful of other passengers’ preferences and to follow the airline’s policies regarding seat assignments.
5. Choose Your Seat in Advance
Choosing a seat in advance gives you the best chance of getting a seat that meets your preferences.
You can choose seats when you book your flight, or afterward through your airline’s website or mobile app. The earlier you reserve your seat, the better chance you have of securing your preferred seat. Many airlines allow you to choose your seat for free, but some charge a fee for advance seat selection.
6. Keep an Eye on the Airline’s Seating Policies
Some airlines have specific policies regarding seating arrangements.
Some airlines offer preferred seats for an additional fee, while others keep them reserved for their elite frequent flyers. Check your airline’s policy for your route and destination in advance so you can prepare accordingly.
7. Look for a Seat Near the Front of the Cabin
If you want to get off the plane faster at your destination, pick a seat near the front of the cabin. This will speed up your exit time and reduce the risk of missing your connecting flight.
And, if you have a fear of flying, sitting near the front of the aircraft can be reassuring.
8. Take Advantage of Expert Help
Sometimes, choosing the best seat on a plane can be a daunting task that requires research and strategizing. If it all feels overwhelming, you can consult with online forums or travel agents so they can help you make the right decision.
Read seat reviews to choose the best seat on a plane. Read seat review websites, such as SeatGuru, SeatExpert, and TripAdvisor, can provide valuable information on certain seats. You’ll find reviews and ratings from other travelers on particular seats, along with details on the amount of recline, pros, and cons, seat width, and other useful information.
Read more: Choosing a Seat on a Plane
Do you have more questions about choosing the best seat on a plane? Ask in the comments.
About the author:
Una is an organized globetrotter and foodie who’s been living a digital nomad lifestyle since 2013. She always starts her day early with a good book before diving into work. Apart from traveling and aviation, her other passions include gym, hiking and cycling. Una is also a strong proponent of AI technology. She firmly believes in its potential to simplify life and has often advocated for its wider adoption in our day-to-day activities. Her favorite airlines are Qatar Airways, Emirates, and KLM.
