Not all airplane seats are created equal. If you’re booking your next flight and wondering which seat to choose, some are better than others.
We’re not just talking about first class seats versus economy seats. Because of plane configurations, some seats are narrower, don’t line up with the windows, or don’t recline. So, there are definitely seats you want to avoid, like anything close to the bathroom.
But the short answer to which seat on a plane is best is… it depends. There are factors to consider like how frequently you get up or how much legroom you need. We’ve broken down the best seat options with pros and cons for each.
Which are the best seats on a plane?
Generally speaking, there are a few things to keep in mind when choosing your seat. First, the middle of the plane moves the least, since it’s closest to the wings. So if you get motion sickness or thinking about turbulence, that’s where you want to be. Second, different airlines have different aircraft models and layouts, so everything varies slightly from plane to plane. To learn more about the aircraft you’re flying on, check out SeatGuru or AeroLopa, which have detailed seat maps of each airline fleet.
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Window seat
For many, especially first time fliers, the window seat is definitely the best choice. There’s nothing like watching the world from 40,000 feet. It’s also the only kind of seat where you can lay your head against the wall for a snooze. And when you’re stuck on a plane, a comfortable sleeping position is gold. The major drawback of the window seat is having to bother your neighbors if you need to use the restroom. Also, being tucked off to the side might make some people might feel a little claustrophobic.
Aisle seat
The aisle seat is the way to go if you get up frequently or need to stretch your legs. Those who take hydrating while traveling very seriously should choose an aisle seat for easy access to the bathroom. Plus, tall folks might be able to (considerately) extend their legs into the aisle. And a bonus for aisle seat passengers is getting off the plane that much quicker. The biggest con of the aisle seat is having to get up for your middle and window seat neighbors. Plus, you don’t have anything to rest your head up in you’re trying to sleep.
Exit row seat
Typically, exit row seats offer more legroom than other seats because of the space required to access the emergency exit. So, tall passengers are always trying to nab these seats first. Exit row seats are often the bulkhead-facing seats as well, which means no seat in front to store your stuff. But if you’re okay with storing your carry-on in the overhead bin, it’s not much of a issue.
However, with great legroom, comes great responsibility. Passengers sitting in the exit row seats are responsible for helping during an emergency landing, so you must meet specific requirements like having sufficient mobility, be over 15 years old, speaking the native language, and others. It’s highly unlikely you’ll be tasked with this, but it’s something to consider if you don’t think you’re right for the responsibility.