How to choose the best seat on the plane

When traveling by plane, whether for leisure or work, it is vital for us to travel comfortably to our destination. Many air passengers are wondering how to make the right choice, and that an uncomfortable seat can make our journey start on the wrong foot. Here we show you what you should take into account when making your choice. We share how to choose the best seat on the plane.

How to choose the best seat on the plane

1. Numbering and measurements

During the purchase of our ticket, we will be shown two options, depending on the airline: on the one hand, we can choose a seat or, on the other hand, we will be assigned one automatically.

The latter is the case of low-cost airlines, which assign you by default a seat and, if you want a preferential seat, you will have to pay an extra fee. Anyway, once we have our assigned seat we get a letter and a number, which tell us what our seat is.

The number tells us which is the row that has been assigned to us and, the letter, the specific seat that has touched us within that row.

The letters usually go from A to J, avoiding using the letters O, I and S because they can easily be confused with numbers. Thus, the seat A is located to the left of the whole and the J in the right part, so that these are always next to the window. This is how to choose the best seat on the plane.

The number of seats per row will depend on how wide or narrow the aircraft model is. Knowing this, we can get an idea of the layout of a plane at a general level, so that we will be able to select our seat depending on whether we want to be next to the window or, rather, near the aisle.

As for the dimensions, they depend on the aircraft model. In general, the seats are somewhat narrower as they approach the tail of the plane, which is why many frequent passengers prefer to choose the seats that are at the entrance of the plane.

Normally, passenger aircraft for transoceanic flights have seven seats per row (2 + 3 + 2). On the other hand, those of short distance usually have six per row (3 + 3) or even smaller, with four seats per row (2 + 2).

2. Location

The place where our seat is or the elements next to it can become determining factors when making a flight a pleasant and pleasant experience or, otherwise, an interminable and uncomfortable time.

In the following list, we list the advantages and disadvantages of each part of the plane so you can judge for yourself.

2.1. Wings

If you are looking for stability, the seats that are in line with the wings are the most stable. Since this is where the longitudinal, transverse and vertical axes of the aircraft are linked. On the other hand, there are passengers who prefer not to sit in this area. Because the wings obstruct the views from the window.

2.2. Hall

The seats that are next to the corridor are the most demanded by those passengers who usually go frequently to the service during the flight, since this way they do not bother the rest of people who are in their same line.

Also, the high passengers have a preference for these seats, because they have more breadth to be able to stretch the legs. People who are in a hurry to get off the plane also confess to preferring this area. Because it allows them to take their hand luggage quickly from the compartment, which expedites the departure process.

2.3. Emergency exit

The planes have two emergency exits, one in the front and one in the rear. Many passengers opt for these seats because they are known to be wider and more spacious. However, you should know that the front exit seats on the front are not reclining.

2.4. Window

The seats next to the airplane window are the most demanded by 60% of the passengers. The main advantage of these seats is that they are more comfortable if you want to sleep during the journey. Another reason why they are the most requested is that you can enjoy the views through the window at all times. This is how to choose the best seat on the plane.

3. Space

As not all planes are the same, the space issue is vital at the time of selecting our seat. Here we expose four factors that we must take into account:

Space between seats: depending on whether we travel in the economy or business class we will have between seventy centimeters and two meters of space between the seats. In addition, the first class seats are more ergonomic.

Recline: this data can differentiate a comfortable trip from an uncomfortable one. Knowing the angle of inclination that our seat can have, we can calculate the distance with the front seat. Some low-cost airlines do not have reclining seats, but usually, all seats on an aircraft have some degree of recline.

Seat width: normally, the seats of tourist class measure 45 cm wide; On the other hand, in the first class we can find seats up to 48 cm.

Security: several studies show that the safest seats are those in the last rows. Thus, in the face of a plane crash, passengers in the queue would have a 40% greater chance of surviving than passengers in the first rows.

Also, if we are near an emergency exit we can feel more secure and this is something that can make our trip more pleasant. This is how to choose the best seat on the plane.

4. Babies and children

Families who travel with a baby on the plane are usually assigned the seats in the first rows or those of the emergency exits, since they are the most spacious seats, especially if you have to feed your baby.

Keep in mind that children under the age of two do not have a right to a seat. So they will have to be in the arms of an adult. Therefore, it is vital to choose a comfortable seat, especially if your trip is going to belong. This is how to choose the best seat on the plane.

As for children from two years up, a good option would be to sit by the windows. Because this will make the trip more entertaining to be able to observe the landscape.

5. Overweight people

People who are overweight or obese experience enough problems when traveling by plane because of the seats, because they can be too narrow.

For this reason, airlines currently grant these people the option of requesting a free seat next to them. As long as this is possible and the aircraft is not too full, as well as asking for belt extenders.

In any case, our recommendation for these people is to choose the seats that are next to the emergency exits or the first row, since they are wider than the rest.