Where are the best seats on an airplane: how to choose the perfect seat for you to fly in comfort?

By Tetiana PavlichenkoJul 10, 2024 15:09 PMBlog
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Where are the best seats on an airplane: how to choose the perfect seat for you to fly in comfort?
Book a seat in the cabin based on your preferences. Source: Image rawpixel.com/Freepik

Flying can be quite a stressful process, especially if it is a long route. You will have to spend several hours in a confined space, the advantage of sitting, looking forward to the moment when you can get off the plane and stretch your legs. To make the flight more bearable, study the recommendations on which airplane seats are the best and most comfortable for specific needs, such as traveling with children, and tips on how to occupy them.

Where is the best place to sit on an airplane?

While going through the online check-in process, many travelers naturally wondered where is the best seat on the plane? To determine it, there are several factors to consider. Naturally, business class or first class assume more comfortable conditions than "economy", but tickets in them cost much more. Since most of the seats in the airplane are economy class and most passengers fly it, we will focus on it.

Where are the best airplane seats?

Where are the best seats on an airplane: how to choose the perfect seat for you to fly in comfort?
Much of a passenger's comfort depends on where they sit. Source: Image Ty Yang/Pixabay

The seat that works best for a traveler depends on their preferences. For example, how much legroom, whether it will be faster to get off the plane upon arrival, etc. Some now have so-called XL seats located at the emergency exits. But many airlines charge for this extra space.

If you are afraid of turbulence, book seats above the wings: it is proven that it is less noticeable in this part. Also, vibrations are not as noticeable in the front of the airplane compared to the back. If you usually feel hungry quickly during the flight, choose seats as close to the front as possible, as this is where food is usually served.

If you find it difficult to sit for long periods of time and need to move around a little sometimes, or if you have to go to the toilet more often, it is better to take aisle seats.

Where is the best place to sit - at the front or the back of the airplane?

Which are the best seats in the airplane - the front or the back? The answer to this question also depends on the preferences of a particular traveler. If you have a fear of flying, it is better not to sit in the back of the plane: it shakes more during turbulence. Also be quieter in the seats above the wings, including during takeoff and landing. On the other hand, if peace of mind is important to you, you can sit in the rear. There are fewer passing passengers, and the restroom in the rear is used much less often than in the front.

How are seats allocated on an airplane?

The seat allocation process is clearly regulated. Preferentially, the reservation and allocation starts from the front and goes backwards, as the front rows are closer to the doors, which is important in case of an emergency.

Can I freely choose my seat on the airplane?

If you have determined where the best seats on the airplane are for you and want to simply move to a free seat, you are sorely mistaken. A passenger who wishes to move to a different seat should first consult with the crew on the matter. Fixed seating arrangements are primarily intended to ensure safety on board, not to prohibit passengers from changing seats. If you ask a flight attendant to change seats with a polite reason, you may be able to find an empty seat or switch with another passenger, if possible.

Can I just change seats?

During takeoff, all passengers are obliged to stay in their seats as indicated in the boarding documentation. This answers the question whether it is possible to change to another seat on the airplane by yourself. This is prohibited, as changing seats can cause the airplane to lose its balance. However, when the airplane reaches cruising altitude, this is already permissible. But, of course, you must first ask the flight attendant to do this, because some seats in the airplane are left empty on purpose.

Can I take a seat during check-in?

During online check-in, almost all airlines offer passengers the opportunity to reserve a seat. However, this is usually for window or aisle seats for an additional fee. But on long-haul flights, you may not be charged for this service, especially if you reserve in advance.

Why can't I transfer on my own on an airplane?

Some seats on board are reserved for a specific group of people and it is strictly forbidden to occupy them without asking. For example, passengers with good physical and English language skills are preferred to sit near the emergency exits so that they can help others in case of an emergency on board. If you want to take another seat, do not do it yourself: ask a flight attendant.

Which seats have more legroom?

Most passengers would like to have more legroom during the flight. Especially those who are tall. The seats in the front and at the emergency exits offer more legroom. Many airlines allow you to book such seats in advance for an additional fee.

Which airplane seats are convenient for flying with children?

Flying with a child can be stressful for both you and the children, not to mention the other passengers. A baby can easily get scared or cry for various reasons. So it is best to choose comfortable seats in the airplane for such a trip, where it will not shake so much in the turbulence zone - in the front or over the wings.

A small child can sit on the lap of a parent, and for older children the airline offers seats suitable for them. This will depend on the age and height of the child. Consider whether he or she will need more legroom or whether you can share your common space with the child. If your child is very active, they are unlikely to be able to sit through the whole flight without getting cranky, so an aisle seat is a good idea.

Where is the airplane noisier?

Where are the best seats on an airplane: how to choose the perfect seat for you to fly in comfort?
Book a window seat so you are less disturbed by other passengers. Source: Image Freepik

The highest noise level is at the rear of the airplane. The farther away from it, the quieter it gets, e.g. in front of the wings and engines. There is also louder noise near the emergency exits, as the doors there are less insulated.

If you haven't reserved a seat on the airplane?

If you didn't reserve a seat during online check-in, you don't have to worry that you won't get on board. No, they won't forget about you, they'll just assign you a random seat. This does not mean that it will be bad: there is a chance to get to the cherished best seat on the plane even without a reservation. Also, if you have booked seats for several people, there is a chance that you will sit separately from each other.

A quick guide to choosing a seat

Best airplane seats:

  • it will be more enjoyable to fly in rows of two seats or empty rows;
  • you'll get quieter seats and can get off the plane faster if you sit farther forward;
  • if you want a quick lunch, choose seats near the kitchen. But they also have their drawbacks;
  • there's no such thing as the perfect seat for everyone on an airplane. Each passenger has his or her own ideas about what are the best seats on an airplane. However, when it comes to the worst seats, there is more unanimity between people.

The worst seats on an airplane are:

  • seats in the middle of the row;
  • seats near the toilet;
  • seats near the kitchen, where it's noisier and people spend a lot of time cooking and cleaning.

To reserve your ideal airplane seat, you need to register and select a specific seat online.

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