How To Choose The Best Seats On A Plane

1. The safest seats on planes

Air travel is incredibly safe – in fact, it’s believed to be the safest form of long-distance travel. However, cruising at 30,000 feet in a pressurized metal tube is an understandably daunting prospect, especially if you’re not a frequent flier. If this sounds familiar, you may be wondering how to book the safest seats on a plane.

While there’s no way to guarantee where the safest spot on the plane would be in the extremely rare event of an emergency, some seats may—on average—be safer than others.

Sitting at the rear of the aircraft is generally considered to be safer than opting for seats nearer the cockpit. Middle seats could also be safer in an emergency than aisle or window seats, as these passengers are more tightly confined. You can also use the plane map to choose seats near emergency exits, which allows you to leave the aircraft in a timely manner if necessary.

However, the best way to stay safe on a plane is to thoroughly watch the safety videos on board, note the location of the emergency exits in relation to your seat, and wear comfortable clothes and flat shoes.

2. The best plane seats to avoid turbulence

Turbulence is a highly unpredictable weather phenomenon that occurs when a plane flies into disturbed air. It’s most likely to hit over high mountains, the equator, oceans, and when entering jet streams but it can occur anywhere. Most of the time, turbulence is pretty mild, causing the plane to jerk around in the air a little. This is something most travelers have experienced. However, sometimes turbulence becomes more severe, which is why it’s a good idea to keep your seatbelt fastened whenever you’re sitting down.

If you’ve ever been on a plane when turbulence has hit, you’ll know even the mildest experience can be a little unnerving. Fortunately, some seats on planes are typically less affected by turbulence than others. Wondering where to sit on a plane to avoid turbulence?

Choose a seat either over the wings—closest to the aircraft’s center of gravity—or towards the front of the plane if minimizing turbulence is important to you. The back of the plane tends to swing more when the aircraft hits turbulence, so avoid choosing a seat at the rear.

3. The plane seats with the most legroom

Some seats in economy class have more legroom than others. Bulkhead seats—the first row behind dividing walls—have much more legroom than the standard seats behind them. You’re also likely to find more legroom in emergency exit rows. Seats with additional legroom should be clearly marked on the plane seating map, but you may have to pay extra to secure them.

However, if you’re clearly uncomfortable in a standard seat, the cabin crew may automatically upgrade you to an extra legroom seat on the day of your flight at no extra charge. What if all the extra legroom seats are already taken when you book? Aisle seats are the next best option. Of course, you won’t be able to spend the whole flight dangling your legs in the aisle, but reserving an aisle seat at least gives you the option to stretch out when you really need to.

4. The best plane seats for long-haul or night flights

Prioritize peace and comfort when it comes to long-haul or overnight flights.

First, avoid the back rows of seats on the plane and the rows in front of emergency exits. These seats often only recline a little or not at all, which is unhelpful if you’re hoping to get some sleep.

So where is the quietest place to sit on a plane? For a quiet flight, avoid sitting next to the galley (the plane’s ‘kitchen’) or the toilets. These areas are typically the noisiest and most crowded on the plane, with passengers queuing to use the bathrooms and flight attendants bustling around. You should also avoid sitting near bulkhead seats, as that’s where you’ll usually find families with young children.

If you’re flying solo, there’s nothing quite like the natural high of finding out there’s no one sitting next to you. After all, this means you have room to spread out at no additional cost.

So how can you up your chances of securing a seat without any neighbors? It’s all about booking the best aisle seat on a plane. You see, on long-haul flights, the middle seats within the middle column are often the last to be filled. If the other aisle seat is already taken, it’s even less likely that a passenger will be allocated to the middle seat between you, as there’s not enough room for a couple or group.

So book an aisle seat on a middle column, on a row where the other aisle seat is already taken – and cross your fingers that no one sits there. But even if they do, a middle column aisle seat means you’ll have space to stretch your legs, as well as easy access to the bathroom. You’re also less likely to be disturbed, as there are fewer people who will need to get past you to get out compared to when you’re sat in aisle seats in the side columns.

5. The best plane seats if you’re flying with infants

Flying with little ones is not always an easy or enjoyable experience. The last thing parents want is for their baby to be uncomfortable or bored, and cry for the duration of the flight, testing the patience of the surrounding passengers. But selecting the right seat can make a family flight much easier.

Bulkhead seats are by far the best option for people traveling with infants. Why? There’s much more space in front of these seats, and no row in front. This means no one will recline into your precious personal space or get annoyed by your kids kicking the back of their seats. What’s more, some bulkhead seats also have a cot facility, ensuring your baby is comfortable and allowing you to stick to that all-important sleep schedule.

It’s worth noting that bulkhead seats with cots don’t always appear on airline seating plans. Contact your airline ahead of your flight to let them know you’re traveling with an infant and request a cot seat.

6. The plane seats with the best window views

Traveling by plane gives you access to some of the most epic views you’ll ever see, from cotton-candy cloudscapes and ethereal sunsets to views of rugged mountains, illuminated cityscapes, and glittering oceans. If you’re keen to enjoy all the views your flight has to offer, then book a window seat.

Want to watch the sun rise or set from your vantage point? Use SunFlight to find out exactly where the sun will be during your journey. Then simply book a seat on the side of the plane with the best views.

7. The best plane seats for speedy disembarking

One of the most tedious parts of a plane journey is being stuck on the aircraft after landing. You’re desperate to start enjoying your vacation, but first, you have to wait for the cabin crew to open the doors and for other passengers to find their luggage and disembark. While this is never entirely unavoidable, if you’re strategic about booking your seat, you can ensure you’re one of the first passengers to get off the plane. Doing this means you’ll also beat the majority of your plane to the customs line, and move through the airport faster.

On most flights, you’ll be able to disembark from both the front and back of the plane, but sometimes only the front door is opened. So where is the best seat to choose on a plane for speedy disembarkation? Book a seat close to the front of the aircraft to ensure you’re one of the first off the plane. You should also select an aisle seat so that you can quickly stand up and gather your belongings once the seatbelt sign has been turned off.

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