Choosing the best seat on the plane
So long haul economy flights are usually not a flash experience. Yet there are a few ways to make sitting in a cramped metal tube breathing recycled air more bearable. One is choosing the right seat.
Isle Vs Window?
Window seat:
A better chance of getting some sleep with nobody climbing over you
- You can rest with your head against the window
- But you will have to climb over others to get out
Isle seat:
- Freedom to get out and around without disturbing anybody
- You can stretch your legs into the isle (but beware of the food trolley)
- Your elbows will probably cop a knock from said food trolley
- Have at least one arm rest you won’t have to share
Being stuck in the middle seats is perhaps the worst place to be, unless of course there are spare seats around you (the window and isle seats fill up first).
The best seats in economy are the exit rows (located next to the emergency exit doors mid way along the plane).
Despite peoples best efforts these seats can’t really be booked in advance, as the airline will need to see that you are fit and able to open the doors in a hurry should the need arise.
If not the exit rows then as far forward in economy the better. It’s quieter in front of the engines; if the ass end of the plane was the better place to be then 1st class would be down the back.
Each airline will have different rules for booking seats in advance. Budget carriers and some major airlines will have the facility to book your seat location online, while for others a travel agent can put in a general request for you. A simple “passenger is 6’7 and would appreciate an exit row” in the booking from your travel agent might do the trick.
Check out these websites to see the seat layout of the plane you will be flying, and for tips on the better seats to use.
Seat Expert (http://www.seatexpert.com/)
Seat Guru (http://www.seatguru.com/)
Also check out our page on surviving long haul flights for more ideas on getting through the journey.
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