No matter the length of your flight, the airplane seat you choose can have a surprisingly big impact on your flight. The best seat isn't necessarily the one with the most legroom or closest to the front. Over the years I've learned that it's the seat that matches the way you travel.
Some (okay, all) might say that I'm a bit obsessive about my airplane seat preferences. For a day flight, I'm an aisle seat girl. But put me on an overnight flight to Europe and that all goes out the window in favor of a window to lean on.
And as someone who travels frequently but doesn't currently have any airline status for an upgrade, it can be tricky to choose a good seat without having to pay an arm and a leg.
Here's how to read an airplane seating chart, weigh the pros and cons of the bulkhead, and find the best spot for every flight scenario.
In this article
When the Bulkhead Is the Right (or Wrong) Move
While it's been over a decade since I've traveled with a baby (thank goodness), I can certainly remember what made that experience a tiny bit better for all parties involved.
The bulkhead, which is the row of seats immediately behind a wall or divider, can be a good choice for parents traveling with an infant. These seats often offer additional legroom, and some aircraft have bassinets that attach directly to the dividing wall, allowing an infant to sleep without being held for the entire flight. Even if there's no bassinet, you might prefer the bulkhead as you don't have to worry about your kid bumping the seat in front of them.
But there are trade-offs. Bulkhead seats typically have fixed armrests, which means you can't lift them to create more space. Tray tables and entertainment screens are typically stored in the armrests, making them less available, and all carry-on items must go in the overhead bin during takeoff and landing without any underseat storage in front of you.
If you're hoping to use a bassinet when flying with your baby, check with the airline before booking and pay attention to the weight limits. Also, be aware that the bassinet can't be used when the "fasten seatbelt" sign is illuminated, so you'll need to remove the baby every time this happens to hold them in your lap.
Don't Just Book Any Window Seat on a Red-Eye
The window seat is the obvious choice for many red-eye travelers because you have a wall to lean against and won't need to get up every time your seatmate wants to use the restroom. It's my preference when I'm on a wide-body plane with just two seats closest to the windows.
But where you sit in the cabin also matters. Look for a window seat toward the front or middle of the aircraft, away from the galley and lavatories, where activity (and smells) can make it harder to sleep.
If you want to recline, check the seating chart carefully for rows immediately in front of an exit row or bulkhead, as these seats might not recline. Websites like AeroLOPA can provide detailed information about specific seat configurations that might not be available on the airline's website.
Nervous Flyers Have Options Depending on Their Fears
Flying can be quite anxiety inducing for many. If turbulence is your biggest concern, choose a seat over the wings. The aircraft tends to experience less noticeable movement in the middle of the plane than toward the front or rear.
Sitting on the aisle can also make nervous travelers feel less confined and provides easy access to the restroom. Others find the window reassuring because they can see what's happening outside.
A Tight Connection Changes Where You Should Sit
When you're racing to make a connection, every minute counts. Choosing a seat toward the front of the aircraft can help you get off the plane sooner. An aisle seat can be even more useful because you won't have to wait for the passengers beside you to retrieve their luggage and exit.
If you have a tight connection, check the airport layout once you know your arrival gate and where your next flight is departing from. A seat near the front won't make a huge difference if your connecting gate is a long train ride away or located in another terminal.
When possible, the safest strategy is to leave yourself a reasonable buffer to make your connection.
What a Seat Map Does and Doesn't Tell You
Don't assume every seat map tells the whole story. Before choosing a seat, look for the aircraft type and study the rows around the seat you're considering.
While the exit row is one of my favorite places to sit on the airplane due to the extra legroom, be aware of eligibility requirements like minimum age. These seats also typically have limited or no recline.
Additionally, a seat shown as a window seat may have a misaligned window or even no window at all. AeroLOPA will point out issues like this.
You should also look for galleys, lavatories, and crew areas, which can mean more foot traffic, noise, and lights. There's nothing worse than paying more for an exit row seat only to find that passengers will be standing in your space waiting for the bathroom during the whole flight.
The Shortcut
Consider your travel style and companions. A bulkhead seat might be helpful when traveling with an infant, but it's not the best for those looking to sleep on a red-eye.
Sitting near a galley or crew area sounds harmless until you're stuck listening to the beverage cart for 6 hours straight.
A little research can make a big difference. Using detailed seat maps can help you spot potential issues like missing windows and seats that don't recline.
