What is your idea of the “prefect” seat on a commercial airliner? (Besides the ones in the first-class cabin or the one that is next to an empty seat.) For some air travelers securing an aisle seat is a must. Others insist on sitting next to the window. We now know the “safe seat” theory is bogus, and the seats next to the emergency exits come with restrictions. So what is the best seat on a plane and how do you get it?
According to travel experts, exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats close to the front of the plane are typically considered the best. If you are in a hurry to get off the plane when it lands you probably want to sit in an aisle seat near the front of the aircraft. If you want to sleep on a night flight, then you are better off in a window seat over the wing where there is less turbulence.
As far as exit row seats are concerned they do offer a bit more legroom, but as I learned on a recent flight federal law prohibits anyone younger than 15 years old from sitting in an exit row, and infants are not permitted in the rows immediately behind or in front of an exit row either.
To make sure you don’t spend a 10-hour flight from Newark to Honolulu in a dreaded middle seat it’s best to follow some tried and true tips. For example:
Book Early. It’s a good idea to get your seat assignment as soon as you pay for your ticket. The number of seats available for pre-assignment decreases as your departure date approaches. If you are unable to select a seat at the time of your purchase make sure you arrive at the airport early so you can be the first in line at the ticket counter.
Confirm Your Seat. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online 24 hours before their flight departs. That’s when available seats are “released” and if you are not happy with your current assignment you can choose a better one.
Buy a Better Seat. I just flew 10,000 miles on United a few weeks ago and on each leg on my trip I was offered Economy Plus Access for a seat with more legroom. The airline offers this to frequent flyers and to any traveler who pays the annual fee of $349. Otherwise, if Economy Plus seats are still available at flight time, they are made available to any passenger for an additional $25 to $30. Several other airlines offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee as well.
Ask Nicely. There have been many times when I was told (on the phone) that there were no window seats available on the flight I was booked on, but once I reached the gate I simply asked the airline representative if any new seats had opened up and 90% of the time I was given a better seat. Many times other passengers upgrade to business class thereby opening seats in economy.
Related Articles:
True or False–Airplanes Have “Safe Seats?”
Being Polite At 35,000 Feet (It’s Really NOT That Hard)
Keeping Cozy on a Chilly Airplane
Airline Travel: “Seatmates of Size”
How to Handle Flying with Smelly Seatmates
5 Ways To Deal With A Talkative Seatmate
Traveling With Children-Learn From My Mistakes