These Are the Secretly Perfect Seat Spots as Told by Flight Attendants
There’s someone behind you resting their bare feet on your armrest. In front of you, another passenger has draped their lengthy hair over the back of their seat, blocking your view. Don’t overlook those seated next to you either; they constantly compete for space with their elbows. Needless to say, sitting arrangements often lead to plenty of conflict. (Let's skip discussing the debate around adjusting one's own chair!). A way to ease some discomfort could be ensuring that when selecting your seat, you take care to pick wisely. best airplane seat from the beginning.
However, how can one determine which seat offers the "best" experience? To find out, we consulted four flight attendants along with an aerospace engineer experienced in designing big airplanes. They shared their insights regarding the optimal seats to reserve aboard a Boeing 737-800—a widely used commercial airliner—as well as other plane types. (The answer involves considering specific locations within the cabin.) airplane’s bathrooms are located!)
Oh indeed, flight attendants do have their favorites when picking out seats, as per both our personal experiences and feedback from travelers," states Cecily Anderson, who works as a flight attendant at Southwest Airlines. "The frequent flyers often share strong opinions regarding which spots make the cut.
So whether you’re after extra legroom For a swift departure or an unobstructed view, continue reading for the definitive guide to reserving the ideal seat for your upcoming journey.
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What amount of space does a typical seat usually provide?
On average, an economy class seat provides 28 to 34 inches of legroom (measured from the back of one seat to the back of the one ahead) and 16 to 18 inches of width. Put simply: There isn’t much room. Therefore, choosing the appropriate seating position becomes increasingly crucial.
These measurements can differ based on the airline and the type of aircraft. For example, the Airbus A320 typically provides broader seating compared to Boeing planes. Meanwhile, low-cost carriers such as Ryanair might reduce seat pitch to accommodate additional seats within the cabin.
Certainly, business and first-class seating offers significantly more space. Therefore, if maximizing comfort is crucial to you and you find the extra expense manageable, these options might be worth considering. upgrade your flight to a roomier class.
Which is the optimal seat position on a Boeing 737-800?
Best seat: The exit row
"Absolutely, I always prefer seats in the emergency exit row as they offer the greatest amount of legroom," states Bill Bernal, who serves as the president of TWU Local 556, the union representing Southwest Airlines' flight attendants. However, not one of ours does so flight attendants They could restrict themselves to only one option. Bernal also has a secondary selection: "If I had to choose again, my alternative preference would be an aisle seat at the very front. It offers additional legspace and a good vista, plus you can disembark swiftly upon arrival."
Rosie Awad, who works as a flight attendant for Virgin Australia, prefers a different seat choice. She stated, "I would always opt for row 5 at the window," according to the report. Tyla There are stunning vistas, you can glimpse the airplane wing, enjoy additional legroom, have no emergency exit duties, you can stow a bag beneath the row ahead, it's convenient for deplaning, and you're among the first to receive in-flight services. ... Can you understand my choice?
Worst seat : Any spot in the final lineup or any position beside a restroom.
I'm really sorry for those seated next to the restroom," Awad stated. "'I believe it's quite clear why this was selected!'
Ethan Smith, who works as a flight attendant for an international carrier, notes that the least desirable seats are "specifically any in row 30 (typically the final row on most Boeing aircraft) since passengers there have limited legroom." recline the seat , and it's near the bathroom. It can be loud, with many passengers frequently lining up for the restroom, which invades your personal space."
Which seats offer the most comfort on a Boeing 737-Max 8 and a 737-700?
Best seat : The emergency row seat where nothing is ahead of it.
My favorite—as well as the preference of many of us— frequent fliers —Anderson explains that this particular exit-row seat, which doesn’t have another row in front of it, is known as the 'daddy longlegs' seat. Tall passengers all vie for this spot because they often call it the most comfortable place aboard. She notes that although the 737-700 model includes just one such row, the 737-Max 8 features two of these seats.
If you can't secure a spot in this desirable area, "I'd go for any seat in the emergency exit row as an alternative," suggests Anderson. "They offer extra legroom."
Worst seat : Anderson concurs with Awad regarding the proximity of the seats near the restrooms, and Smith reaffirms his earlier warning about choosing the last row.
Which is the optimal seating position on an Airbus A320?
Best seat: Aisle seat from row 10 through 12
This could be specific to me, but since I often travel on long international flights, my preferred seat is the one where I can get the most rest — and for me, that’s always a window seat," Smith explains. "The curve of the fuselage helps me settle in more comfortably, and I find it comforting to gaze out the window, particularly during nighttime journeys.
Certainly, he doesn’t get to sleep on the plane When he’s flying as a passenger but not when he’s working, his limitations differ from those of regular passengers. For instance, during lengthy flights spanning several hours or overnight journeys, considering sleep should influence where you choose to sit.
For the best seating options, he suggests choosing a window seat in rows 10 through 12, typically marked as "additional legroom" or "economy plus" on airline seat plans. He notes, "These seats offer more room for your legs without requiring you to pay the higher price associated with business class."
Worst seat: Smith mentions that he steers clear of middle seats whenever he can. "It's difficult to get some rest, and there's a high probability you'll end up beside someone talkative," he explains.
What is the best seat on a Boeing 777?
Best seat: A spot by the window in row 26 (should you choose premium economy) or row 31 (for standard economy).
Smith points out these seats provide excellent visibility along with additional legroom, all while staying clear of the galley and bathrooms. "Additionally, feel free to utilize my sleep technique by pressing against the window," he adds.
Worst seat: A middle seat in row 50 makes for an uncomfortable flight. Just as it is on other planes, this back-row seat is loud, cramped and lacking in overhead bin space. But worst of all, it’s uncomfortably close to the restroom .
Which is the most secure seat on an aircraft?
“A Boeing aerospace engineer, who wished to remain anonymous, has a distinct approach when selecting their seat,” explains the professional. “Although I am not a flight attendant, I travel frequently and contribute to designing big aircraft, which is why I typically opt for the position considered most secure during emergencies.”
He explains that it's not just about avoiding crashes; these better seats provide greater safety during severe turbulence.
Safest seats: According to an aerospace engineer we spoke with, the most secure spots on an aircraft are typically the middle and window seats located in the back five rows. "Whenever possible, I opt for one of these seats," he shares. "Additionally, I make sure to listen carefully during the safety instructions and locate the closest emergency exits."
Deadliest seats : According to him, the aisle seats from the middle to the last ten rows carry the greatest risk of fatalities in the event of an incident.
In our piece about the the most secure seating positions aboard an aircraft Doug Drury, who serves as a professor and the leader of aviation programs at Australia’s Central Queensland University, affirms that these are indeed the most secure and perilous aircraft seating positions based on statistical analysis.
What steps should one take to determine the aircraft model for their upcoming flight reservation?
Discovering your aircraft model is simpler than you believe. Here’s how:
- Review your booking confirmation email. Numerous airlines provide the aircraft model in the information segment.
- Go to the airline’s website. Utilize the Manage My Booking section to obtain detailed information regarding your flight.
- Call customer service or ask the gate agent at the airport.
- Utilize an application. Channels such as AeroLOPA , SeatGuru and FlightAware Not only recognize the aircraft model but also pinpoint the top-rated seats according to customer feedback.
What additional factors should you consider when selecting your seat?
Several additional aspects should be taken into account when selecting your seat, as mentioned by the flight attendants we spoke with:
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Time of day: If you’re taking off early in the morning Or late at night, a window seat allows you to rest without disturbance.
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Flight duration: Extended journeys warrant investing additional funds into premium economy or extra Legroom selections. Seats near the aisle provide more convenient access to restrooms.
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Your priorities: Prioritize your requirements. The wish for additional legspace, a more peaceful environment, and closeness to an exit will influence your decision.
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Your travel companions: When traveling with individuals who require special assistance like children, elderly passengers, or persons with disabilities, selecting seats that offer extra space and/or are located towards the front of the aircraft can make the process of boarding and exiting the plane much smoother.
For savvy travelers, the right seat can transform a flight from tolerable to enjoyable. (Although it can’t guarantee your neighbor’s bare feet or hair won’t invade your space.) With our expert advice, you’re ready to book your next flight like a pro. Happy travels!
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Reader’s Digest Has released numerous travel narratives designed to assist readers in exploring the globe safely, effortlessly, and economically. Our articles frequently tackle subjects like top destinations for visits along with optimal timing, strategies to swiftly navigate airport security, insider insights from flight attendants, clever hotel room tactics, among others. We're dedicated to generating premium material authored by specialists who possess both knowledge and practical experience within their domain, often collaborating with pertinent, certified professionals. Our foundation consists of trustworthy initial references drawn from authoritative bodies such as governmental agencies, trade groups, scholarly entities, coupled with suitable firsthand accounts from our contributors. Every detail undergoes scrutiny and verification, supported by valid citations before being updated periodically to maintain relevance. In crafting this article, Charlotte Hilton Andersen leveraged her extensive background as an experienced journalist ensuring precision and delivering superior guidance to our audience. Learn more regarding our process here. team , our contributors and ourselves editorial policies .
Sources:
- Cecily Anderson, who works as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines ; face-to-face interview, Nov. 27, 2024
- Bill Bernal, president of TWU Local 556 union representing Southwest flight attendants; email interview, November 28, 2024
- Ethan Smith, a flight attendant for an international carrier; telephone interview conducted on November 27, 2024.
- Tyla Air hostess shares her preference for booking seats in the fifth row.
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