Contemporary air travel is notoriously
not the best experience in terms of comfort
. After all, who
wants
to sit in a cramped seat next to strangers in a pressurized metal tube for hours on end?
Big budget travelers will splurge on upgraded seats in business class or another premium cabin, but unfortunately, most of us can’t afford to splash out like that. Still, there are ways to maximize comfort with your economy cabin seat choice.
“The longer the flight duration, the more crucial it becomes to strategically choose your seating position,” says Zach Griff, who serves as a senior reporter at
The Points Guy
, told .
What’s the optimal economy class seat for a lengthy international flight? While recommendations might vary based on the airplane model, certain guidelines remain consistent. You might encounter seemingly conflicting suggestions; however, identifying your priorities will guide you toward making an informed decision. Here, Griff along with several specialists offer valuable tips and top-notch strategies.
Maximize your legroom.
“First things first, you’ll want to maximize your personal space, which can mean splurging for an extra-legroom seat or strategically selecting a seat that sports a unique configuration, such as the exit row or bulkhead,” Griff said.
Having even a small amount of additional legroom can significantly enhance a lengthy flight experience; thus, keep this in mind when selecting your seat. While the emergency exit row provides ample extra space, it’s best to steer clear of the seats immediately before it.
I would definitely steer clear of the last row or the seats directly in front of the exit row,” Griff said. “Those spots provide minimal to no backward inclination, so be cautious when choosing your seat.
If securing an additional seat isn’t possible, enhance your legroom through smart packing choices. Aim to pack majority of your belongings into either your checked luggage or the overhead compartment suitcase so as not to end up with a large, cumbersome backpack occupying the space under your feet.
Boost your odds of having an empty middle seat next to you.
“I make every effort to secure an aisle seat beside an unoccupied middle seat, or a window seat adjacent to an empty middle,” he stated.
travel expert
and author
La Carmina
The vacant middle seat beside me allows more room for me to stretch out and rest easier.
By seeking out rows of three where the window seat is occupied and picking the vacant aisle seat, she enhances her probability of finding an available spot.
This means there’s currently just one unoccupied middle seat available in between, making it less probable for someone to book it,” she explained. “Should I pick an aisle seat within a vacant three-seater row, it increases the likelihood of two individuals who wish to sit together occupying the remaining spots. Additionally, I generally opt for seats towards the rear as they usually get filled up later.
Watch out for blank rows.
“Being kind can make a big difference with gate agents,” noted travel expert and
Gaycation Travel Show
” host
Ravi Roth
Usually, I politely inquire if there’s an unoccupied seat available. Should one be found, I claim it regardless of its location. There’s nothing quite like stretching out completely on a flight.
La Carmina prefers to handle things herself.
If I see some unoccupied rows on the aircraft, I make a mental note of their positions,” she explained. “Once we’re airborne and the seatbelt sign turns off, I quietly move over and claim the vacant seats without informing the crew.
Evaluate how close you are to the restroom and kitchen area.
You should think about how close you’ll be to the kitchen and bathrooms – factors that might interfere with your comfort and your ability to rest during the trip,” Griff explained. “These locations will typically be indicated on seating charts, so unless you’re okay with potential disruptions from light, noise, and odors, it’s best to steer clear of those zones.
As they say, “location, location, location.” Make an effort to select a seat at least four or five rows back from the busy areas to ensure a calmer trip.
There will be considerable noise originating from the galley, which serves as the airplane’s kitchen,” explained Collete Stohler, a travel agent. “Additionally, you can expect foot traffic along with disagreeable noises and odors emanating from the restroom.
Elite Travel Arrangements
as well as the marketing director at
Roamaroo
.
Keep in mind that the bulkhead might not be the ideal choice…
The initial seat in a cabin might appear attractive, yet several factors should be considered prior to selecting one of those bulkhead positions. As mentioned earlier, you could end up close to a bustling galley which can be loud. Additionally, there are various other possible disadvantages to take into account.
Although the bulkhead typically provides extra legroom, you might want to avoid those seats,” Griff explained. “Nobody can lean back into your personal space, but they come with several downsides such as poorly positioned TVs, immovable armrests, and limited under-seat storage. Additionally, these seats are often saved for parents traveling with babies, which means it might be noisy in their vicinity.
…And the rear section of the airplane isn’t always the least desirable spot.
“Griff mentioned that you have to choose whether you want to be near the front or towards the back. Interestingly, he noted that being at the rear of the aircraft offers several advantages contrary to what most people think.”
Once more, the area at the front of the airplane usually fills up quicker than the section towards the rear, which means you might enjoy a less congested environment toward the back.
“I increase my chances of having a free seat, if not a full row next to me, the further back in the plane I’m located,” said Meg Jerrard, co-founder of
Solo Female Travelers
Passengers sitting towards the rear of the aircraft will notice quite a bit of movement as people head for the restrooms. However, if I happen to be dozing off due to having an unoccupied seat or empty row beside me, I won’t be awake enough to voice any complaints!
A lot of airlines provide passengers the option to pay an additional fee for seats nearer to the front of the aircraft. Consider whether this extra expense aligns with your preferences.
“If all remaining available seats are middle seats, and selecting your own seat costs $25, it might be more worthwhile to simply pay the fee,” suggested Victoria Yore, who runs the travel blog.
Follow Me Away
But if multiple complimentary seating options are available with window or aisle seats, or align with your ideal preferences, feel free to choose one, even if it’s located towards the rear of the aircraft. After all, waiting for baggage claim will take just as long regardless of where you sit, and exiting the plane can often become quite disorganized. Spending extra money to secure a spot only 10 rows from the front won’t really save you significant time.
Check for unique layouts.
“I consistently suggest verifying the
SeatGuru website
before takeoff to secure the optimal seating on your specific plane,” Stohler stated.
Certainly, not every airplane has the same layout; therefore, the seating arrangement could be an additional factor leading one to prefer the rear over the front section of the aircraft.
Most folks tend to think that being seated nearer to the front of the aircraft leads to a better flying experience,” explained Griff. “Although this tends to be accurate, always check the seating chart when reserving your ticket. Certain airplanes include special ‘mini-cabins’ with only a handful of rows. These compact areas usually offer greater privacy and less noise throughout the journey.
Furthermore, because of the shape of certain aircraft, several airlines provide a varied arrangement of seats toward the rear of the plane,” he noted. “For example, rather than the usual 3-3-3 setup, you may discover a 2-3-2 pattern at the back. These particular seats can be an excellent choice for pairs or groups traveling as a family.
Make sure not to overlook other geographical aspects.
“Some travelers prefer sitting in the mid-section close to the wings because they experience less turbulence, whereas others choose seats nearer the front for easier disembarkation, reduced engine noise, or access to a wider selection of onboard meals,” explained Laura Lindsay, an authority on travel trends and destinations.
Skyscanner
.
She pointed to a
Skyscanner survey
Of over 1,000 frequent fliers surveyed, it was discovered that the most desirable seat on a typical plane was 6A—a window seat located towards the front. Conversely, the least preferred spot turned out to be 31E, a middle seat situated at the rear of the aircraft.
“As a rule, sitting near the wings and engines generally provides a more peaceful journey,” Griff observed.
Consider your preference for a window or an aisle seat.
Once you’ve picked your preferred row, the decision between an aisle or window seat is yours,” Griff explained. “An aisle seat is ideal for those who prefer the ease of getting up whenever necessary, whereas a window seat offers better views and allows you to lean against the airplane wall.
Each option has its advantages and disadvantages, and even the experts we consulted had differing opinions. Roth prefers a window seat to steer clear of disruptions caused by trolley services and queues for the restroom, whereas Jerrard advocates strongly for an aisle seat.
While the window seat offers a more comfortable spot for dozing off since you can lean against the aircraft wall, I opt for the aisle seat because it lets me stand up and stretch whenever I want without disturbing anyone,” she said. “The ability to freely move about is crucial during lengthy flights—keep your circulation going by frequently walking along the aisles.
People who enjoy getting up and stretching their legs might prefer the aisle seats, whereas those who dislike being jostled or having to shift frequently tend to opt for the window side.
“The window seems a popular choice for those looking to sleep, especially for long-haul flights, while those who take more trips to the toilet prefer the aisle so as not to disturb fellow passengers,” Lindsay added. “The aisle is also popular for tall passengers looking to stretch their legs.”
The calculus may change when you aren’t flying alone.
If you’re journeying together as a pair, it might be wise to choose an aisle and a window seat in the same row, hoping that the middle seat stays vacant,” Griff explained. “Should this not happen, you can easily swap out one of your preferable seats for the middle seat.
Take caution as the middle seat swap can be tricky.
not a guarantee
, however.
Investigate the kind of aircraft.
Should you have several viable flight choices for your journey, consider examining the various aircraft types available. You might discover more pleasant amenities aboard newer airplanes.
“Fliers who frequently travel have similarly mentioned that the
left-hand side of the plane
“is ideal because the windows are offset, providing wall space to rest against,” Lindsay observed.
These elements may differ, however, airline sites as well as various external platforms could be utilized.
provide information
regarding various kinds of aircraft and carriers.
“Delta helped pioneer the
‘articulating seat bottom’
“not only propels you slightly ahead but also elevates your position when tilted back, hugging you within the seat for supreme comfort — all while maintaining ample legspace,” stated Mauricio Parise, who serves as the vice president of brand experience at Delta Air Lines.
He observed that nearly all of the primary Delta Airlines planes now feature the articulated seat bottoms, with intentions to upgrade the sole remaining exception to align with this norm.
Other plane features
that airlines are exploring
include “pre-reclined” seats and
economy bunk beds
.
Book early.
Most importantly, make certain to choose your seat right after booking your flight,” Griff advised. “The sooner, the better. Delaying may result in limited choices closer to the departure date.
Booking with an airline co-branded credit card can also come with preferred seat coupons or fast-track to airline status, which leads to complimentary seat upgrades with more legroom, he added.
When you don’t get to choose your seat during the booking process, try to check in early.
La Carmina mentioned, “If I end up with an economy seat and haven’t chosen my seat beforehand, I make sure to do online check-in immediately once the 24-hour window becomes accessible before my flight departs. I either set an alarm or enable notifications so I can check in right away when permitted. By doing this, I get to pick from the widest range of open seats.”
Don’t lose heart if you’re not satisfied with the spot you secured.
If you missed out on securing your dream spot,
ExpertFlyer
Improving your seating arrangement becomes quite straightforward with this,” remarked Griff. “The online application enables you to establish seat alerts for all flights, ensuring that you get an immediate notification via email and/or text message once your desired seat becomes available.
Want to simplify your trips? Get yourself some of this featherweight luggage that has earned great reviews from customers.
May receive a portion from sales through links on this page. Each product is chosen individually by the Shopping team, with prices and availability subject to alteration.
Coolife 3-piece hard-shell spinner luggage set
Promising review:
It accomplishes the task well. Very charming. We bought the yellow set. During our trip, people asked us where we had gotten the set.
Lightweight
And simple to handle even when fully loaded. I will buy another set in the same color.” —
Amazon customer
Wrangler spinner
Stylish yet highly practical, this ultra-lightweight, expandable spinner luggage features an integrated 3-in-1 cup holder, USB port, and phone mount at the rear. Say goodbye to the hassle of managing your airport beverage and device while navigating through crowds! Available in both 20-inch and 28-inch versions with various color options.
Promising review:
”
Lightweight
It easily accommodated all essentials I had to pack. The additional concealed pocket designed for the charger was particularly handy. As a carry-on, it allowed me to squeeze in over a week’s worth of professional attire along with a huge collection of mementos gathered during my international journey.” —
Erin McAvoy
Chicago Hardside Spinner Luggage from Travelers Club
Zip around the airport with ease while this lightweight spinner glides with you. It expands, giving you more room to pack extra belongings, and has a push-button lock system on the handle. It comes in multiple colors, including blue, red, purple, black and green, and as a singular 20-inch carry-on and in sets of three, four and five pieces.
Promising review:
“It’s surprisingly
lightweight
I genuinely value the additional zipper that lets this suitcase increase in size upward, thereby offering greater capacity inside. Its sleek design ensures effortless use as a carry-on bag. ” —
E. Green
American Tourister Moonlight hard-side spinner
You won’t miss this beautifully crafted suitcase when claiming your luggage. Available in various designs, it’s offered in 21-inch, 24-inch, and 28-inch options. (The set includes packs of two or three as well.) With an expansion capacity of up to 1.5 inches, it provides extra room for all your travel necessities.
Promising review:
“I’ve never been more delighted with a suitcase! It is
lightweight
, boasts a full 360-degree rotation, and features an attractive design. This makes it effortless for me to locate my luggage during travels. Following six flights with checked baggage, the case shows barely noticeable scratches or damages. The zippers remain intact without any signs of wear. Additionally, it can be expanded conveniently and provides ample space—sufficient to accommodate clothing needs for two individuals over a period of six days. I even utilized it in Scotland for twelve days, carrying one week’s worth of outfits, and this was the sole piece of luggage I needed throughout the trip.
Heather B
Delsey Paris Helium Aero hard-shellspinner suitcase
Promising review:
“Perfect
lightweight
Luggage for traveling. We utilized ours during our two-week trip in Italy, and it worked out perfectly! It was easy to handle, robust, and an ideal size as long as you pack efficiently (try using packing cubes).”—
E
Amazon Basics hardside spinner
This widely favored and well-reviewed Amazon Basics luggage option features an ultra-durable, thick hard exterior coupled with a surface that resists scratches. The case includes dual-spinning wheels for effortless maneuverability. Available in light blue, orange, navy blue, and black, this suitcase can be found in three size options: 21 inches, 26 inches, and 30 inches.
Promising review:
Ideal choice as a carry-on luggage for an elderly traveler due to its characteristics.
lightweight
And simple to maintain. Can store ample attire for two weeks in tropical conditions.” —
Judy
The Samsonite Omni PC hardside spinner suitcase
Offered in sizes of 20, 24, and 28 inches, this slim and sturdy spinner features external TSA locks for security, a wear-resistant shell, and an expandable design inside to accommodate extra belongings. Its color options include white, blue, red, pink, and orange.
Promising review:
I’ve utilized this for several trips and I’m extremely satisfied with it. The quality remains excellent—the zippers still function smoothly, it doesn’t scratch easily, and the straps stay secure. It accommodates plenty of items, and is
lightweight
Given its dimensions, I never have to worry about exceeding the checked baggage weight restriction.” —
Danielle D
Rockland Melbourne hardside spinner
The stylish spinner-wheel suitcase is offered in both 24 and 28 inch sizes, as well as a trio set featuring 20-, 24-, and 28-inch options. You can choose from various hues such as pink, orange, blue, black, green, and silver.
Promising review:
”
Lightweight
The stunning blue hue makes it look far pricier than it actually is. Initially purchased as a gift, I own this same set in a different color, and despite multiple travels, the luggage remains durable.”
Amanda
Travelpro Maxlite 5 softside spinner suitcase
Should you prefer softer suitcases, this expandable model will meet your needs. Featuring spinner wheels that can turn 360 degrees for easier maneuvering and designed with lightness in mind, it is available in dimensions of 19, 20, 21, 25, and 29 inches, as well as various color options.
Promising review:
My wife faces limitations on lifting and pulling due to her weight restrictions. This is quite challenging.
lightweight
It was simple for her to handle. She utilized it to journey throughout the country. She mentioned it was ideal.” —
Keith
Leave a Reply