The perfect seat can vary depending on personal preferences, the length of the flight, and the type of plane.
Many of us would love to choose a business or first class seat, which both offer more leg room and wider seats, but most of us only have the option of economy. Don’t fret, there are still ways and means of choosing a better seat for a more comfortable journey. Here are a few general guidelines that can help you select the most suitable seat for your needs.
Window or aisle?
There’s no right or wrong answer here. It’s down to personal preference. If, like me, seeing the world from 35,000 feet never gets old, then it’s a window seat. You can also lean against the window to sleep without fear of dribbling on a stranger. Also, you won’t be disturbed by your fellow passengers needing the toilet every 5 minutes.
But the aisle is an equally valid choice. The biggest reason: You’re free to get up and move around anytime you want. Need to use the bathroom? No need to wake your seatmates. Want to stretch your legs? Go for it.
Front or back?
The most popular seats on a plane are often located near the front of the cabin. This is because these seats offer more legroom, allowing passengers to stretch out and relax. Additionally, sitting closer to the front of the plane can provide a smoother ride, as the plane tends to experience less turbulence in this area. For those who prefer a quick exit, the front of the plane is also the best place to be, as it allows passengers to be among the first to disembark.
For window seat lovers, the back of the plane can be a great option. While these seats may not offer as much legroom, they do offer a better view and can be quieter, as they are often further away from the engines. Besides, sitting at the back of the plane can sometimes provide a quicker exit, especially on smaller planes that have a rear exit.
For those who are sensitive to motion sickness or turbulence, sitting over the wings is often recommended. These seats provide a more stable and smoother ride, as they are located in the center of the plane where the motion is the least noticeable.
SeatGuru
One other step you can consider before you book is checking the seat plans on SeatGuru. This site rates the seats on different aircraft across most airlines. Why didn’t I send you here first? Well, it doesn’t give you much in the way of what’s “best,” more what’s bad and what could be a little better. For instance, it will say a seat behind the bulkhead is good, and the one in front bad. Yet, it will rate a window seat near the front of the plane the same as one at the back.
If you know what you’re looking for, it’s a handy tool. If you’re less familiar, like you don’t know what’s larger, a 380, a 777 or a 787, it’s less useful. The best use of SeatGuru is to find out if your chosen window seat actually has a window. Yep, that’s a thing, and the airline won’t tell you on their website. They’ll happily take your money to choose that seat, though.
The best seat on a plane ultimately depends on personal preferences and needs. While some may focus on legroom, others may prefer a window seat or a smoother ride. By considering the class of the seat, the location of the seat in the cabin, and the type of aircraft, you can make an informed decision and ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable flight.
Navigating Economy Class comfort: your ultimate seat selection guide
