There’s the person behind you putting their bare feet up on your armrest. There’s the person in front of you spreading their long hair over the back of their seat and covering your screen. And let’s not forget your row neighbors, who jockey for elbow room. Suffice it to say, airplane seating can make for a lot of drama. (We won’t even talk about the war over whether or not to recline your seat!) One thing that can lessen the pain a little is to make sure you choose the
best airplane seat
from the beginning.
However, how can one determine which seat is considered the “best”? To find out, we consulted four flight attendants along with an aerospace engineer experienced in designing big jets. They shared their inside knowledge regarding the optimal seating choice for a Boeing 737-800—a widely used commercial airliner—as well as some other airplane types. The clue lies in considering certain locations within the cabin.
airplane’s bathrooms
are located!)
Oh indeed, flight attendants often have their favorite spots when picking a seat, 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 among us invariably share strong opinions on which seats they believe are superior.
So whether you’re after
extra legroom
For those seeking an easy escape or a superior vista, 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. To put this into perspective: There isn’t much room. Therefore, choosing the appropriate seating position becomes increasingly crucial.
Nevertheless, these measurements might differ based on the airline and the type of aircraft. As an example, the seating arrangement in an Airbus A320 typically provides broader seat width compared to what you’d find in a Boeing plane. On the flip side, low-cost carriers such as Ryanair could reduce legroom to accommodate additional seats within the cabin space.
Certainly, business and first-class seating offers more space and comfort. If luxury and ease are what matter most to you, and you have the budget for additional expenses, these might be preferable options.
upgrade your flight
to a roomier class.
Which is the optimal seating position on a Boeing 737-800?
Best seat:
The exit row
“Absolutely, I always prefer seats in the exit rows 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 has an alternate selection: “If I had to choose a second preference, it would be a window seat in the first row. It offers additional legroom, a great view, and easy access for exiting the aircraft upon arrival.”
Rosie Awad, who works as a flight attendant for Virgin Australia, prefers a separate choice. She stated, “I would consistently opt for seat number 5 by the window,” according to her comments to the magazine.
Tyla
There are stunning vistas, you can spot the airplane wing, enjoy additional legroom, have no emergency exit duties, you can stow a bag beneath the seat ahead, it’s convenient for deplaning, and you’ll be 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 apologetic for anyone sitting in those spots,” Awad commented about the seats next to the restroom. “I believe it’s quite clear why these were selected!
Ethan Smith, who works as a flight attendant for an international carrier, points out that the least desirable location is “specifically any seat in row 30 (typically the final row on most Boeing aircraft) since you have limited space.”
recline the seat
, and it’s near the bathroom. It’s loud, and there’s usually a queue of passengers waiting 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 exit row seat where nothing is ahead of it.
My top pick—and many others share this preference—is
frequent fliers
—Anderson explains that this particular exit-row seat, which has no seat in front of it, is known as the ‘daddy longlegs’ seat. Tall passengers often vie for this spot because they consider it the most comfortable. He 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? “My alternative choice would be an aisle seat in the emergency exit row since it offers extra legroom,” Anderson suggests.
Worst seat
:
Anderson concurs with Awad regarding the seats near the bathrooms, and Smith reaffirms his earlier warning about 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 frequently take long international trips, my preferred seat is one where I can get the most rest—personally, that would be any window seat,” Smith explains. “The rounded wall helps me snuggle up more comfortably, and I find it quite calming to gaze out of the window, particularly during nighttime.
Certainly, he doesn’t get to
sleep on the plane
When he’s flying as a passenger but isn’t working, he doesn’t face the same limitations. Unless you’re a flight attendant, these restrictions don’t apply to you. For lengthy overnight flights, considering sleep should influence which seat you choose; otherwise, you might not be comfortable during the journey.
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 explains, “These seats offer more room for your legs without having to pay the premium price of business class.”
Worst seat:
Smith mentions that he tries his best to avoid sitting in the middle seats. “It’s difficult to get some rest, and there’s also a high probability of being seated beside someone talkative,” he explains.
Which is the optimal seating position on a Boeing 777?
Best seat:
A seat by the window in row 26 (if you’re in premium economy) or row 31 (for standard economy).
Smith points out these seats provide excellent visibility along with additional legroom, all while keeping a comfortable distance from both the kitchen area and bathrooms. “Additionally,” he adds, “you can utilize my sleep technique by pressing against the window.”
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 considered 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 they aren’t a flight attendant, they travel frequently and contribute to designing big aircraft, which means they opt for whatever position would offer the best safety during an emergency situation involving the airplane.”
He explains that it’s not just about avoiding crashes; these safer seats provide better protection during severe turbulence.
Safest seats:
The aerospace engineer we spoke with mentioned that airline data indicates the middle and aisle seats in the back five rows of the aircraft are the safest. “I consistently pick one of these seats, and indeed, I make sure to listen carefully during the safety demonstration and locate the closest emergency exits,” he states.
Deadliest seats
:
According to him, the seats located in the middle to rear ten rows along the aisles carry the greatest risk of fatalities during accidents.
In our piece about the
the most secure seating positions on an aircraft
Doug Drury, who serves as both a professor and the lead for aviation studies at Australia’s Central Queensland University, verifies that these positions within an aircraft are historically recognized as the most secure and risky seating options respectively.
What steps should one take to determine which aircraft model they will be boarding?
Discovering your airplane 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 option to get detailed information about your flight.
- Contact customer support or inquire with the gate agent when you reach the airport.
-
Utilize an application. Platforms such as
AeroLOPA
,
SeatGuru
and
FlightAware
Not only recognize the aircraft model but also point out 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:
-
Time of day:
If you’re
taking off early in the morning
Or late at night, a window seat allows you to doze without interruption. -
Flight duration:
Extended journeys warrant investing additional funds into premium economy or extra Legroom choices. Seats by the aisle provide more convenient access to restrooms. -
Your priorities:
Prioritize your requirements. The wish for additional legspace, a more peaceful environment, and closeness to an exit will influence your decision. -
Your travel companions:
When traveling with individuals who require special assistance like children, elderly passengers, or those with disabilities, selecting seats that offer extra space and are located closer to the aircraft’s entrance 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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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 for 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
Airline crew member shares why she consistently chooses seats in the fifth row.
