Modern day air travel is notorious for being uncomfortable. Nobody enjoys being crammed into a small seat next to strangers in a pressurized metal tube for hours on end. While some travelers with big budgets can splurge on upgraded seats in business class or another premium cabin, most of us can’t afford that luxury. However, there are ways to maximize comfort even in economy class.
According to Zach Griff, a senior reporter at The Points Guy, it is important to be strategic about your seat assignment, especially on long-haul flights. The best economy seat for a long-haul flight can vary depending on the aircraft, but there are some general tips to keep in mind. It may seem contradictory, but the key is to identify what factors are most important to you and prioritize them.
One way to maximize comfort is to maximize your legroom. Consider splurging on an extra-legroom seat or choosing a seat with a unique configuration like the exit row or bulkhead. Even a little extra space can make a huge difference on a long flight. However, avoid the row directly in front of the exit row or the last row as these seats offer little to no recline.
If you can’t book a seat with extra legroom, you can still increase your legroom by packing strategically. Try fitting most of your belongings into your checked bag or overhead carry-on to avoid having a bulky backpack or other items at your feet.
To increase your chances of sitting next to an empty middle seat, travel expert La Carmina suggests looking for three-person rows where the window seat is already taken. This way, there is only an empty middle seat left, which is less likely to be taken. Additionally, choose seats closer to the back of the plane as these tend to fill up last.
Another strategy is to keep an eye out for empty rows on the plane. Kindly ask the gate agent if there is an empty row available. If there is, take it no matter where it is. Nothing beats being able to lie flat on an airplane.
Consider the proximity to the lavatory and galley when choosing your seat. These high-traffic areas can disturb your comfort and sleep during the flight. Try to choose a seat at least four or five rows away from these sections for a more peaceful journey.
While the bulkhead may seem appealing due to the extra legroom, it has potential drawbacks such as misaligned TV screens, fixed armrests, and limited under-seat storage. Additionally, these seats are often reserved for parents with infants, so it could get noisy around them.
Contrary to popular belief, sitting at the back of the plane can have its benefits. The front of the plane tends to fill up faster, so the back can offer a less crowded experience. Meg Jerrard, co-founder of Solo Female Travelers, likes to sit at the back to increase her chances of having a free seat or row next to her.
It’s also worth considering the unique layouts of different aircraft. SeatGuru is a helpful website for finding the best seats on a particular aircraft. Some planes have smaller, more private cabins with just a few rows of seats, which can be quieter during the flight. Additionally, some planes have different seating configurations towards the back, like a 2-3-2 layout instead of the standard 3-3-3, which can be great for couples or families traveling together.
Other factors to consider include turbulence, ease of disembarking, engine noise, and food choices. Some passengers prefer seats near the wings for less turbulence, while others prefer seats near the front for convenience or less engine noise. According to a Skyscanner survey, the most sought-after seat on a standard aircraft is a window seat near the front, while the least desired is a middle seat towards the back.
In conclusion, while air travel may not always be comfortable, there are ways to improve your experience in an economy cabin. By strategically choosing your seat, maximizing legroom, and considering other factors like proximity to lavatories and unique layouts, you can make your long-haul flight more enjoyable.
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