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Are you wondering how to choose an airplane seat? Contemplating what the best seat on an airplane is? Well, your comfort – and whatever else you’re thinking – are the only things that determine what a good seat is.
People have different ideas as to what’s desirable and the best, based on their culture, family status, size, and many other factors.
When it comes to choosing an airplane seat, some air travelers insist on sitting in a certain spot because they consider the seat’s number lucky.
Others need a lot of legroom and, therefore, want a seat that allows them to stretch out.
Still, more are concerned about airplane safety, even though flying is the safest form of travel there is (and the likelihood of crashing in a plane is something like 1 in 5.4 million).
When you choose an airplane seat, the best choice will be the one that lets you fly in comfort – whether that means your body is comfortable or your wallet is because you got the best price.
Let’s take a look at some of the things you should consider when choosing the best airplane seat for you:
Safety
If you’re really concerned with safety, should the plane crash (but it likely won’t), pick a seat that’s on the “trailing edge of the wing,” says Popular Mechanics.
The media company conducted an extensive survey and found that passengers who seat in seats behind the tip of the wing are 40% more likely to survive a plane crash than those in first few rows.
In addition, choosing an aisle seat in this location, means flyers can quickly get off of the plane if there’s an emergency that requires passenger evacuation.
Legroom
Do you want to be able to extend your legs in front of you when flying? Or at least stretch then out a little bit? Choose exit row seats.
These seats typically give air travelers much more leg space – 37-41 inches more (compared to about 30 inches in non-exit row seats) pitch when you choose the Even More Space seats on Jet Blue flights.
Keep in mind that if you want more legroom, you’ll usually have to pay for it.
Extra legroom seats – as well as first class and business class seats – often have plenty of space for your legs, but these tickets can cost quit a bit more than the price of a regular ticket.
Another way to get extra leg space is to choose an aisle seat, which allows you to stretch out into the aisles (but you’ll have to keep moving for people who want to walk by).
Quick Exit
If you want to get off of the plane quickly, pick a seat that’s toward the front. When it’s time to deplane, almost all airlines escort passengers off in the front and toward the left.
If you want to be one of the first ones out – and avoid getting stuck in a line of people gathering bags and trying to exit – sit in first class, business class, or in the first few rows of coach class.
Sleeping
Air travelers who like to sleep on the plane should choose a seat next to the window – and in the middle of the aircraft.
Some frequent fliers swear that window-middle seats on the left side of the plane are even better, because window placement here makes it more comfortable when resting your head.
Seats in the middle of the plane are typically quieter too, because they’re not near the bathroom or galleys.
Of course, if you can fly business or first class, you’ll usually end up sitting where it’s comfy and peaceful.
Kids
Traveling with kids? If you want to have room for your little ones to move and not bother others on the plane with excessive noise, consider a bulkhead seat.
These seats have space for small children to sit on the floor (if it’s allowed – kids can’t do this in exit rows) and they’re usually close to the bathroom.
Bulkhead seats don’t have passengers in front of them, so there are less people who will hear loudness that may come from anxious – or impatient – young travelers.
Storage
Do you have a carry-on that’s pushing the size requirement? Want to have easy access to your bag? Choose a seat in the back of the plane (or in the back of the first or business class cabin).
Airlines almost always board from the back to the front – which means if you get on first and are in the back, you’ll have first pick of where to store your luggage.
You can put it in an ideal position right over your seat, and everyone else will have to place his or hers where it fits.
These are just a few things to consider when choosing where to sit on an airplane.
The best seat is simply the one that gives you the best flying experience. Before your next flight, take a few minutes to think about what’s important to you and pick your seat accordingly.
You’ll likely be happy you took the extra time to make for a comfortable and pleasurable journey.
