Modern air travel is notorious for its lack of comfort. No one wants to be stuck in a tight seat next to strangers for hours on end in a metal tube. While some may splurge on expensive upgrades to business class or other premium cabins, most of us can’t afford to do so. However, there are ways to make your economy cabin seat more comfortable and maximize your experience.
Zach Griff, a senior reporter at The Points Guy, advises being strategic about your seat assignment, especially on long-haul flights. While the best economy seat can vary depending on the aircraft, there are some general guidelines to follow. Contrary to common belief, there are some seat options in economy that can provide a comfortable experience.
Firstly, it is important to maximize your legroom. Consider splurging on an extra-legroom seat or selecting a seat with a unique configuration, such as the exit row or bulkhead. Even a little extra space to stretch your legs can make a significant difference on a long flight. However, avoid the row directly ahead of the exit row as those seats offer limited recline.
If booking a seat with extra space isn’t feasible, you can still increase your legroom by packing your belongings into your checked bag or overhead bin, rather than having a bulky backpack or other items at your feet.
To increase your chances of sitting by an empty middle seat, try to select an aisle seat next to an already occupied window seat or an empty window seat next to an occupied aisle seat. This reduces the likelihood of someone booking the middle seat. Additionally, consider choosing seats closer to the back of the plane, as these tend to fill up last.
It’s also worth keeping an eye out for empty rows. Kindly ask gate agents if there are any empty rows available. Alternatively, if you notice empty rows on the plane after takeoff, you can discreetly move to those seats without asking the staff.
Consider your proximity to the lavatory and galley. These areas can be noisy and may disturb your comfort and sleep. Choose a seat at least four or five rows away from these sections for a more peaceful journey.
While bulkhead seats may offer more legroom, they may come with some drawbacks such as misaligned TV screens, fixed armrests, and less under-seat storage. Moreover, these seats are often reserved for parents traveling with infants, so it might get noisy around them. Therefore, bulkhead seats may not always be the best option.
Contrary to popular belief, sitting at the back of the plane can have some benefits. The front of the plane tends to fill up faster, so sitting at the back can provide a less crowded experience. Additionally, if you’re located at the back and have a free seat or row next to you, you increase the chances of having a peaceful journey, even with foot traffic from passengers heading to the bathrooms.
When choosing a seat, check for unique layouts on the specific aircraft you’ll be flying on. SeatGuru is a helpful website for this purpose. Some planes have smaller cabins with just a few rows of seats, making them more private and quieter. Additionally, some airlines offer different seating configurations towards the back of the plane, which can be great for couples or families traveling together.
Location factors should also be considered. Some passengers prefer the middle section near the wings to minimize turbulence, while others want to be near the front for convenience in deplaning, less engine noise, or better food choices. Ultimately, it’s important to find a seat that aligns with your personal preferences and priorities.
By following these tips and being strategic about your seat choice, you can maximize comfort during your economy cabin flight. Remember to check the specific layout of your aircraft and consider factors such as legroom, proximity to lavatories and galleys, and unique configurations. Happy travels!
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