The Best Place to Sit on a Plane<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Woman](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/AdobeStock_249452798-1024x576.jpeg\")
tonefotografia | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\n\n\nNot all coach seats are created equal. Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a short business trip, you might want an aisle seat near the front of the plane so you can debark as quickly as possible on arrival. On a long-haul or overnight flight, you might prefer to have a coach seat next to the window so you can rest your head. The drawback is that you\u2019ll need to disturb your seatmates each time you need to go to the bathroom. Nervous flyers<\/a> may want to sit toward the middle of the plane over the wing, where there is less turbulence.<\/p>\n\n\n\nExit row seats usually offer a bit more legroom, but they\u2019re not appropriate if you\u2019re traveling as a family. Children under 12 or 15 years old, depending on the airline, are not permitted to sit in exit rows, and by U.S. law infants are not allowed in the rows immediately behind or in front of an exit row either. Larger planes often have two exit rows, but it\u2019s wise to avoid the first one, as the seats often will not recline. It is also important to note that if an emergency does occur, you will be expected to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Many flyers also like \u201cbulkhead seats,\u201d which are the seats directly behind the physical barriers (such as walls, curtains, or screens) that separate different parts of the plane. Because there are no seats in front of you, you won\u2019t get stuck with another passenger reclining into your lap\u2014and you often get some extra legroom as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
But be careful: Not all \u201cbulkhead\u201d rows are created equal. On some planes the first bulkhead row may be cramped and uncomfortable, or close to restrooms and noisy galleys. Also, keep in mind that you won\u2019t have a spot to stow a personal item under the seat in front of you for easy access. Some planes offer bassinets for babies at the bulkhead wall, so you could be forced to spend the flight in close proximity to a crying child.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nRelated:<\/h3>\nThe Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nEach airline presents a unique set of challenges to flyers, say the experts at SeatGuru<\/a>: \u201cNot all legroom is equal since there is no industry standard. Before booking your flight, take a look to see which airlines fly that route and then check to see how they stack up against each other.\u201d\u00a0For more information, go to SeatGuru.com<\/a>, where you can check out seat maps for nearly every type of plane on every major airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\nKeep an eye on seat pitch, especially if you\u2019re tall. This is a measure of how much space there is between a seat and the one immediately behind or in front of it\u2014so the higher the number, the more legroom you will have. SeatGuru lists both seat pitch and width (when available) for most airlines, and indicates the location of power ports or personal TV screens at each seat. Keep in mind, though, that the aircraft type could change at the last minute, so you can\u2019t be absolutely sure about the configuration until you step onto the plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you\u2019re looking to sit in the safest part of the plane, opt for a seat near the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
The middle seat in any row is generally undesirable. (Don\u2019t miss SmarterTravel\u2019s tips for\u00a0surviving the middle seat<\/a>\u00a0if you get stuck there.) Rows near flight attendant areas and restrooms tend to be noisier and have more traffic, and seats very close to overhead movie screens can be uncomfortable or too bright if you are trying to sleep. SeatGuru also identifies other potential problems on its seat maps, such as limited recline or reduced seat width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n10 Ways to Get a Better Seat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n![\"Aisle](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/AdobeStock_29980012-1024x683.jpeg\")
Pavel Losevsky | Adobe Stock<\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n\n\n\nSo how can you avoid the pitfalls above and land one of the best seats on a plane? Follow these tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Join a frequent flyer program.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
This is the most reliable tactic you can use. Providing your frequent flyer number at the time of reservation goes a long way toward netting you a good seat, especially if you are a loyal, high-ranking member. Elite flyers tend to be first in line for upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To achieve status, you\u2019ll have to fly at least 25,000 actual air miles in a calendar year on one particular airline or its partners. Hang onto your boarding passes until you check your online account to ensure your miles have been credited. Once you\u2019ve racked up some frequent flyer miles, you may use them for seat upgrades. Boost your earning power by signing up for an airline-affiliated credit card with signing bonuses of 40,000 miles or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Buy your tickets early.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
The number of seats available for pre-assignment dwindles as the travel date approaches. SeatGuru says that usually you can\u2019t choose good seats the day before your flight since most of the best airplane seats go quickly. The earlier you book your flight, the more seats are available and the bigger your pool is to pick from. Try for a flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it\u2019s less busy, leaving more middle seats open so you have more wiggle room beside you while sitting on the aisle or by the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you can\u2019t buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, be sure to check in online as soon as possible before your flight to select a seat, or arrive at the airport early if\u00a0online check-in<\/a>\u00a0isn\u2019t available. When you\u2019re seat shopping, don\u2019t assume business class costs much more than coach. Sometimes you can get a nonrefundable deal for a seat in first or business class for just a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\nPurchase a better seat.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Many airlines now offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. For example, JetBlue\u2019s Even More Space<\/a> seats, many of which are in exit rows, have up to seven extra inches of seat pitch. United offers Economy Plus<\/a> access to high-ranking frequent flyers and to any travelers who pay the annual fee. This entitles you to a few extra inches of seat pitch toward the front of the coach cabin. (If any Economy Plus seats are still available at flight time, they can be purchased on a one-time basis.) Other airlines offer similar programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\nMake sure you understand what you\u2019re getting for the money. You may be closer to the front of the cabin, but that might be all you\u2019re buying since no perks (like meals) come with your \u201cupgraded\u201d coach seat.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nRelated:<\/h3>\nHow to Choose the Best Seat on a Plane<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nSelect your seat when you book.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most airline websites and booking engines allow you to choose a seat when you purchase your ticket, or to return to your reservation after your initial purchase and select a seat later. In many cases, this process is free, but some airlines have added fees for advance seats. If you don\u2019t see a seat you like, return to your reservation as your trip date approaches to see if anything has opened up in the meantime. If you don\u2019t like your online options, try again at the airport, either at check-in or at the gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you try to select your seat once you\u2019ve booked your flight, you might see only the more expensive premium economy seats are available. That doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t get a seat eventually. In fact, you may get the premium economy seat anyway when you check in online\u2014without having to pay extra.<\/p>\n\n\n
\nRelated:<\/h3>\nThe 10 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\nConfirm your seat at check-in.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Most airlines allow passengers to check in online up to 24 hours before their flight departs. At that point you can confirm the seat you\u2019ve already chosen or select a better one. Watch for last-minute offers for discounted upgrades on premium economy and business-class seats. Failing that, many airlines hold back the exit rows and bulkheads\u2014the most coveted seats in economy class\u2014until the day of flight so they can be assigned at the airport. You still have a good shot of getting into those more popular rows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Consider calling the airline directly if online seat assignment is not available. You can also confirm your seat the week you\u2019re flying in case better seats have opened up. Check again a few hours before flight time to see if a good seat has become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Short on time or don\u2019t want to keep looking? You can set up a seat alert through ExpertFlyer.com<\/a>. A single alert is free, but subsequent alerts are charged at $0.99 each.<\/p>\n\n\n\nGet to the airport early.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you check in too late or arrive too late at your gate, the airline might give away your seat. Follow the airline\u2019s guidelines about how far in advance you should arrive for domestic and international flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
When in doubt, ask.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Long gone are the days when asking sweetly could get you a first-class upgrade on a flight, but it\u2019s worth a try if you\u2019re not satisfied with your current seat assignment. Once you reach your gate, ask whether any new seats have opened up. If other passengers upgrade to business class or don\u2019t show up for the flight, you might get lucky and grab a better seat assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Be specific.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you know exactly which seat you\u2019re interested in, it can be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for \u201ca good seat,\u201d try asking for \u201can aisle seat near the front\u201d or \u201can exit row seat.\u201d You\u2019ll be more likely to get what you want (or an acceptable substitute). Ask again before you board. Sometimes gate agents are able to reassign seats at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
If you still don\u2019t get a desirable seat, wait until the plane doors close. You may be able to move to an unoccupied seat. Check the last rows in the plane since they are often the last seats assigned. However, make sure to check with a flight attendant<\/a> before hopping into an empty seat.<\/p>\n\n\n\nRelated:<\/h3>\nCan You Switch Seats on a Flight?<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\nKeep the agent informed.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
If you have a\u00a0disability or medical condition, or you need to sit next to your small children, let the agent know. Most will do their best to accommodate you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Kindness counts.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Approach airline agents with courtesy. They hear complaints and demands all day. Speak to them kindly, and you may be surprised. Says SeatGuru, \u201cKeeping the phrase \u2018treat others the same way you want to be treated\u2019 in mind and following that can unlock a lot of doors for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
No matter where you\u2019re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\t
Not all coach seats are created equal. Exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats close to the front are typically considered the best seats on a plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
On a short business trip, you might want an aisle seat near the front of the plane so you can debark as quickly as possible on arrival. On a long-haul or overnight flight, you might prefer to have a coach seat next to the window so you can rest your head. The drawback is that you\u2019ll need to disturb your seatmates each time you need to go to the bathroom. Nervous flyers<\/a> may want to sit toward the middle of the plane over the wing, where there is less turbulence.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Exit row seats usually offer a bit more legroom, but they\u2019re not appropriate if you\u2019re traveling as a family. Children under 12 or 15 years old, depending on the airline, are not permitted to sit in exit rows, and by U.S. law infants are not allowed in the rows immediately behind or in front of an exit row either. Larger planes often have two exit rows, but it\u2019s wise to avoid the first one, as the seats often will not recline. It is also important to note that if an emergency does occur, you will be expected to help out.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many flyers also like \u201cbulkhead seats,\u201d which are the seats directly behind the physical barriers (such as walls, curtains, or screens) that separate different parts of the plane. Because there are no seats in front of you, you won\u2019t get stuck with another passenger reclining into your lap\u2014and you often get some extra legroom as well.<\/p>\n\n\n\n But be careful: Not all \u201cbulkhead\u201d rows are created equal. On some planes the first bulkhead row may be cramped and uncomfortable, or close to restrooms and noisy galleys. Also, keep in mind that you won\u2019t have a spot to stow a personal item under the seat in front of you for easy access. Some planes offer bassinets for babies at the bulkhead wall, so you could be forced to spend the flight in close proximity to a crying child.<\/p>\n\n\n Each airline presents a unique set of challenges to flyers, say the experts at SeatGuru<\/a>: \u201cNot all legroom is equal since there is no industry standard. Before booking your flight, take a look to see which airlines fly that route and then check to see how they stack up against each other.\u201d\u00a0For more information, go to SeatGuru.com<\/a>, where you can check out seat maps for nearly every type of plane on every major airline.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Keep an eye on seat pitch, especially if you\u2019re tall. This is a measure of how much space there is between a seat and the one immediately behind or in front of it\u2014so the higher the number, the more legroom you will have. SeatGuru lists both seat pitch and width (when available) for most airlines, and indicates the location of power ports or personal TV screens at each seat. Keep in mind, though, that the aircraft type could change at the last minute, so you can\u2019t be absolutely sure about the configuration until you step onto the plane.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you\u2019re looking to sit in the safest part of the plane, opt for a seat near the rear.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The middle seat in any row is generally undesirable. (Don\u2019t miss SmarterTravel\u2019s tips for\u00a0surviving the middle seat<\/a>\u00a0if you get stuck there.) Rows near flight attendant areas and restrooms tend to be noisier and have more traffic, and seats very close to overhead movie screens can be uncomfortable or too bright if you are trying to sleep. SeatGuru also identifies other potential problems on its seat maps, such as limited recline or reduced seat width.<\/p>\n\n\n\n So how can you avoid the pitfalls above and land one of the best seats on a plane? Follow these tips.<\/p>\n\n\n\n This is the most reliable tactic you can use. Providing your frequent flyer number at the time of reservation goes a long way toward netting you a good seat, especially if you are a loyal, high-ranking member. Elite flyers tend to be first in line for upgrades.<\/p>\n\n\n\n To achieve status, you\u2019ll have to fly at least 25,000 actual air miles in a calendar year on one particular airline or its partners. Hang onto your boarding passes until you check your online account to ensure your miles have been credited. Once you\u2019ve racked up some frequent flyer miles, you may use them for seat upgrades. Boost your earning power by signing up for an airline-affiliated credit card with signing bonuses of 40,000 miles or more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n The number of seats available for pre-assignment dwindles as the travel date approaches. SeatGuru says that usually you can\u2019t choose good seats the day before your flight since most of the best airplane seats go quickly. The earlier you book your flight, the more seats are available and the bigger your pool is to pick from. Try for a flight on a Tuesday or Wednesday when it\u2019s less busy, leaving more middle seats open so you have more wiggle room beside you while sitting on the aisle or by the window.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you can\u2019t buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, be sure to check in online as soon as possible before your flight to select a seat, or arrive at the airport early if\u00a0online check-in<\/a>\u00a0isn\u2019t available. When you\u2019re seat shopping, don\u2019t assume business class costs much more than coach. Sometimes you can get a nonrefundable deal for a seat in first or business class for just a bit more.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Many airlines now offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. For example, JetBlue\u2019s Even More Space<\/a> seats, many of which are in exit rows, have up to seven extra inches of seat pitch. United offers Economy Plus<\/a> access to high-ranking frequent flyers and to any travelers who pay the annual fee. This entitles you to a few extra inches of seat pitch toward the front of the coach cabin. (If any Economy Plus seats are still available at flight time, they can be purchased on a one-time basis.) Other airlines offer similar programs.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Make sure you understand what you\u2019re getting for the money. You may be closer to the front of the cabin, but that might be all you\u2019re buying since no perks (like meals) come with your \u201cupgraded\u201d coach seat.<\/p>\n\n\n How to Choose the Best Seat on a Plane<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n Most airline websites and booking engines allow you to choose a seat when you purchase your ticket, or to return to your reservation after your initial purchase and select a seat later. In many cases, this process is free, but some airlines have added fees for advance seats. If you don\u2019t see a seat you like, return to your reservation as your trip date approaches to see if anything has opened up in the meantime. If you don\u2019t like your online options, try again at the airport, either at check-in or at the gate.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you try to select your seat once you\u2019ve booked your flight, you might see only the more expensive premium economy seats are available. That doesn\u2019t mean you won\u2019t get a seat eventually. In fact, you may get the premium economy seat anyway when you check in online\u2014without having to pay extra.<\/p>\n\n\n Most airlines allow passengers to check in online up to 24 hours before their flight departs. At that point you can confirm the seat you\u2019ve already chosen or select a better one. Watch for last-minute offers for discounted upgrades on premium economy and business-class seats. Failing that, many airlines hold back the exit rows and bulkheads\u2014the most coveted seats in economy class\u2014until the day of flight so they can be assigned at the airport. You still have a good shot of getting into those more popular rows.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Consider calling the airline directly if online seat assignment is not available. You can also confirm your seat the week you\u2019re flying in case better seats have opened up. Check again a few hours before flight time to see if a good seat has become available.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Short on time or don\u2019t want to keep looking? You can set up a seat alert through ExpertFlyer.com<\/a>. A single alert is free, but subsequent alerts are charged at $0.99 each.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you check in too late or arrive too late at your gate, the airline might give away your seat. Follow the airline\u2019s guidelines about how far in advance you should arrive for domestic and international flights.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Long gone are the days when asking sweetly could get you a first-class upgrade on a flight, but it\u2019s worth a try if you\u2019re not satisfied with your current seat assignment. Once you reach your gate, ask whether any new seats have opened up. If other passengers upgrade to business class or don\u2019t show up for the flight, you might get lucky and grab a better seat assignment.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you know exactly which seat you\u2019re interested in, it can be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for \u201ca good seat,\u201d try asking for \u201can aisle seat near the front\u201d or \u201can exit row seat.\u201d You\u2019ll be more likely to get what you want (or an acceptable substitute). Ask again before you board. Sometimes gate agents are able to reassign seats at the last minute.<\/p>\n\n\n\n If you still don\u2019t get a desirable seat, wait until the plane doors close. You may be able to move to an unoccupied seat. Check the last rows in the plane since they are often the last seats assigned. However, make sure to check with a flight attendant<\/a> before hopping into an empty seat.<\/p>\n\n\n Can You Switch Seats on a Flight?<\/a><\/p><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n If you have a\u00a0disability or medical condition, or you need to sit next to your small children, let the agent know. Most will do their best to accommodate you.<\/p>\n\n\n\n Approach airline agents with courtesy. They hear complaints and demands all day. Speak to them kindly, and you may be surprised. Says SeatGuru, \u201cKeeping the phrase \u2018treat others the same way you want to be treated\u2019 in mind and following that can unlock a lot of doors for you.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n No matter where you\u2019re flying, find your hotel for a great rate with SmarterTravel Hotels<\/a>.<\/p>\n\n\n\tRelated:<\/h3>\nThe Worst Seats on a Plane (and How to Avoid Them)<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
10 Ways to Get a Better Seat<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
Join a frequent flyer program.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Buy your tickets early.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Purchase a better seat.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
Select your seat when you book.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\nThe 10 Best Flight Search Sites for Booking Cheap Airfare<\/a><\/span>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n
Confirm your seat at check-in.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Get to the airport early.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
When in doubt, ask.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Be specific.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Related:<\/h3>\n
Keep the agent informed.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Kindness counts.<\/h3>\n\n\n\n
Book Your Stay With SmarterTravel Hotels<\/h2>\n\n\n\n
![\"SmarterTravel](\"https:\/\/www.smartertravel.com\/wp-content\/uploads\/2019\/05\/smartertravel-logo-300x75.png\"){kind=logo}
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