Best Seat in the House

Find your perfect spot for an optimal in-flight experience.

Air travel can be an emotional rollercoaster—taking you from the highs of complimentary upgrades to the lows of missing your connection. But one thing can dramatically affect your in-flight experience, especially if you are a new or nervous flyers: your seat selection. Whether you’re looking for comfort, convenience, or simply the best view, choosing the right seat can make all the difference.

1. Comfort and Legroom: The Quest for Space

If comfort is your top priority, you’ll want to focus on seats that offer extra legroom and space.

Exit Rows: These seats often provide additional legroom as the space in front is designed to allow passengers to exit quickly in an emergency. However, they come with the responsibility of assisting in case of an evacuation, and there may be restrictions on the use of carry-on items during takeoff and landing.

Bulkhead Seats: Located at the front of each section, bulkhead seats offer more legroom since there are no seats directly in front of them. These seats are ideal for those who like to stretch out, but keep in mind that you might not have under-seat storage for your personal items.

Premium Economy and Business Class: If your budget allows, upgrading to Premium Economy or Business Class can provide more space and comfort. These seats often come with additional amenities such as wider seats, more recline, and enhanced service.

2. Convenience: Easy Access and Swift Exits

For travelers who value convenience and a swift exit, the following seats are ideal:

Aisle Seats: Sitting in an aisle seat offers easy access to the restroom and the ability to move around the cabin without disturbing your seatmates. This is particularly beneficial on long-haul flights.

Near the Front: Seats closer to the front of the plane are advantageous for those looking to deplane quickly upon arrival. These seats are also served first during meal and drink service, ensuring you get your choice of options.

Closer to Restrooms and Galley: For those who anticipate needing to visit the restroom frequently or want to be near the galley for easy access to snacks and drinks, choosing seats near these areas can be convenient. However, be prepared for potential noise and foot traffic.

3. Avoiding Noise and Disruption: Peaceful Travels

If a peaceful and quiet flight is your goal, or you are a nervous flyer your seat selection is very important.

Middle of the Cabin: Sitting over the wings, generally in the middle of the cabin, can offer a smoother ride with less turbulence. This area is also quieter, as it is away from the noise of the engines and lavatories.

Away from Restrooms and Galleys: Seats far from the restrooms and galley are generally quieter, as these areas can be high-traffic zones with more noise from passengers and crew.

Window Seats: Window seats not only offer a view but also tend to be quieter as you are away from the aisle and less likely to be disturbed by other passengers moving around.

“Sitting over the wings, generally in the middle of the cabin, can offer a smoother ride with less turbulence. ”

4. Best Views: Sights from the Sky

For those who enjoy looking out the window and watching the world go by, choosing the right window seat is essential.

Ahead of the Wing: Seats ahead of the wing provide an unobstructed view, allowing you to enjoy takeoff, landing, and the changing landscapes below. These seats are perfect for photography enthusiasts and those who simply enjoy gazing out the window.

Specific Rows for Landmarks: On certain routes, specific seats are better for viewing landmarks. Sounds obvious right? But depending on your flight path (i.e. East or West) you’ll want to be choosy if you plan to see the sights. For example, when traveling from Orlando to New York City, sitting on the left side of the plane can offer stunning views of the Manhattan skyline.

5. Special Considerations: Families and Special Needs

Families traveling with young children and those with special needs have unique considerations:

Front of the Plane: Families with young children might prefer seats near the front, where they can disembark quickly. Many airlines also provide bassinets in the bulkhead row for infants, you just need to ask at the time of booking.

Proximity to Services: Passengers with mobility issues or special needs may choose seats close to the restrooms and galley, and may also benefit from requesting assistance during booking to ensure their needs are accommodated. Major airlines are more than happy to assist during and after booking when possible—a great example was the exceptional service I received from Delta during a business trip in Hawaii. I am based in Ohio, so a flight from HNL to CVG is a long haul; and on this particular trip I got incredibly sick the morning of my departure (my one and only experience with true food poisoning). I quickly hopped on the chat feature with an associate and explained my issue and that I needed to be close to a restroom if possible. The Delta associate was extremely empathetic and helped me change seats for both legs of my trip—they even wished me luck and told me to stay hydrated. Just remember to be friendly, you attract more flies with honey.

Conclusion

Choosing the right seat on an airplane can enhance your travel experience, making your journey more comfortable, convenient, and enjoyable. Whether you prioritize legroom, a quick exit, or the best views, there’s a perfect seat for every traveler. Next time you book a flight, take a moment to consider these tips, and you’ll be well on your way to an optimal flying experience.

Safe and Happy Travels!