I have always preferred window seats on airplanes. While I agree that aisle seats work better if you have a small bladder, like to stroll around or need access to the overhead bin throughout the flight, I’m not a big fan of beverage carts, flight attendants and others smacking into me as they make their way down the plane’s narrow aisles.
And then, there’s the dreaded middle seat.
Or, purgatory, as I like to refer to it.
Does anyone ever request a middle seat?
Not likely.
According to travel experts, exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats located near the front of the plane (hello, first-class) are typically considered the most desirable.
But did you really need an “expert” to tell you that?
Like it or not, there is a strategy for some when selecting seats on flights. For example, surveys show that business flyers do whatever they can to secure aisle seats near the front of the plane, so they can exit as quickly as possible once the aircrat lands. However, if you are booked on an overnight flight, you’re better off trying to land a window seat, so you have a place to rest your head. For travelers who suffer from motion sickness, the best seats are found over the wing, where there is less turbulence.
Prior to giving birth I would always request an exit row seat, but these days it would be impossible for me to sit there while traveling with my 7-year-old. Federal law prohibits kids under 15 years old from sitting in an exit row. In addition, infants are not permitted in the rows located immediately behind or in front of an exit row.
Finally, “bulkhead seats,” which are located directly behind walls, curtains or screens that separate different parts of the plane, are popular with some passengers, though I am not one of them. Sure, there are no seats in front of you and you may enjoy a tiny bit more legroom, but I can’t stand the inconvenience of dealing with side trays, especially when traveling with young kids.
Which seats are your favorites?
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