Plenty of legroom, a glass of champagne and a spacious seat for a good night’s sleep — that’s all for business class passengers. But we are ready to tell you where it’s better to sit in the airplane if you have taken an economy ticket. We are betting that these hacks will satisfy the most experienced travelers!
Online Check-In: Your Key to Comfort
The best way to secure a comfortable flight is to check in online in advance. Most airlines allow seat selection 24 hours before departure, but policies vary, so be sure to check the airline’s website a few days before your trip. Keep in mind that some seats may come with an extra charge.
Know Your Aircraft Model
Your seat choice depends on the type of aircraft you’re flying on. The most common passenger planes are made by Boeing and Airbus, and their seating layouts differ.
For example, the popular Boeing 777-300 typically features a 3+3+3 or 3+4+3 seating arrangement across three cabins. In Airbus models, you’ll often find rows of six seats in a 3+3 layout.
Seats A and F are usually by the window, while C and D are by the aisle. Letters are arranged from left to right, with the number of seats per row depending on the aircraft’s width. In some configurations, certain letters (like B) may be skipped to make aisle seats more accessible. Airlines also often exclude I, S, and O to prevent confusion with numbers.
To be sure of your seat’s exact location, consult the aircraft’s seating chart when booking. This will also help you spot the location of restrooms and emergency exits.
Choosing the Best Cabin Section
Picking the right section of the plane is key to a comfortable flight. Each area has its pros and cons, depending on who you’re traveling with and how well you handle flying.
Front Section
The front of the plane offers several advantages:
- Faster boarding and exit — You’ll settle into your seat quickly before takeoff and be among the first to disembark after landing.
- Prompt meal service — Flight attendants start serving right after business class, so you won’t miss out on your preferred meal.
- Ideal for families with kids — Bulkhead seats in this section provide extra space for little ones to move around, and some airlines offer bassinets for infants (check availability in advance).
However, noise levels can be mixed. While this area is far from the roaring engines, it’s also where many families with young children prefer to sit. Additionally, if the restrooms are at the back, you’ll have to walk through the entire cabin every time you need to go.
Middle Section
If turbulence bothers you, this is the best area to sit. The middle section experiences the least movement since it’s the most stable part of the aircraft.
That said, there are drawbacks:
- Engine noise — You’ll be seated closer to the engines, so expect a constant hum.
- Limited views — If you love window views, this may not be ideal, as you’ll likely be looking at the wing.
Rear Section
The back of the plane is often the least desirable, meaning seats here are usually assigned to latecomers during check-in. Be prepared for:
- More noise — Engine sounds and restroom lines can make this section busy and loud.
- Delayed service — Meal and drink service reaches this area last.
- Stronger turbulence — The rear experiences the most movement during rough air.
On the plus side, the rear section is the safest in case of a crash, as the impact is usually absorbed by the front and middle sections.
Selecting the Right Seat
Once you decide on the best cabin section, it’s time to pick a specific seat. Your choice will determine your comfort level during the flight.
Window Seat
These are often the most sought-after seats for good reason:
- More privacy — You only have one neighbor, and you can lean against the window to rest.
- Great views — Perfect for taking photos during takeoff, landing, or sunsets.
However, there’s one downside: if you need to get up, you’ll have to ask your seatmates to move.
Middle Seat
Middle seats have one small advantage—you only need to disturb one person to get out. But that’s about it.
- Less personal space — Both armrests are often occupied.
- Limited view — The window seat passenger may close the shade.
- Less comfort — Sleeping is tough unless you’re okay with leaning on a stranger’s shoulder.
Aisle Seat
If it’s a long flight, consider booking an aisle seat.
- Easy movement — You can stand up whenever you want without disturbing anyone.
- Quick access to luggage — Retrieving items from the overhead bin is more convenient.
However, aisle seats come with a few annoyances:
- Constant movement — Passengers and flight attendants frequently pass by, sometimes with carts.
- Less legroom — You can’t stretch your legs into the aisle for long.
- Interrupted rest — Neighbors may ask you to move so they can get up.
Emergency Exit Row
These seats are a great option for taller passengers, as they offer extra legroom.
- More space — You can stretch out comfortably.
- Easier restroom access — Even if you’re in a window seat, getting up is hassle-free.
- No reclining seat in front — No risk of the person ahead reclining into your space.
However, there are a few drawbacks:
- No under-seat storage — You must stow your belongings in the overhead bin.
- No tray table in front — It’s built into the armrest, which may feel restrictive.
- Limited availability — Many airlines restrict these seats to physically capable passengers who can assist in an emergency, meaning pregnant women, elderly passengers, those with mobility issues, and families with young children cannot sit here.
Pro Tips for a Better Flight
Now that you know the best seats, here are some extra tips for a smoother journey:
- Avoid the worst seats — The least desirable seats are those directly in front of emergency exits (since they don’t recline) and last-row seats near restrooms (which tend to be noisy and also don’t recline).
- Consider sunlight exposure — If flying east to west during the day, the sun will be on the left; if flying west to east, it’ll be on the right. For north-to-south morning flights, the sun will be on the left, and for evening flights, it’ll be on the right. Choose accordingly to avoid glare.
- Pick less crowded flights — Flights are busiest in the mornings, evenings, and on Fridays and Sundays. The least crowded times are midday flights on Mondays, Tuesdays, and Thursdays (excluding holidays).
- Try for an empty middle seat — If traveling solo, book an aisle or window seat in a row where the middle seat is unoccupied. You might get lucky and have extra space.
- Strategic booking for two — If flying with a companion, book a window and aisle seat. If the middle seat remains vacant, you get extra space; if not, you can politely ask your seatmate to swap.
With these insights, you’ll be ready to pick the best economy seat for your next flight.
