How to Choose the Best Seat on a Plane

Let’s be honest: everyone loves traveling and exploring new countries, but no one loves airports and flights. Flying for six hours in an uncomfortable seat is not much fun. Choosing a seat on a plane is one of the important components of a successful flight. Here are strategies for selecting a comfortable seat during your flight.

Seating Arrangement in a Plane

Remember that the layout of planes can vary greatly.

Boeing Aircraft

The company has 38 models, the most popular of which is the 737. There is no single layout for aircraft because there are several modifications. Let’s talk about a plane with 168 seats. The cabin has two classes. The first five rows are business class, followed by economy. The plane is divided into six rows: seats A and F are by the window, and C and D are by the aisle. It is not recommended to sit in the last seats here because there are two toilets in the tail, which the entire business class uses. The most comfortable seats are in the sixth row—there’s plenty of legroom, and no one in front will recline their seat—and in the 15th row before the emergency exit.

If you want to take a nice photo from the window, do not choose seats from rows 13 to 17: they are right above the wing.

In Boeing 777 aircraft, for example, the situation is completely different. For instance, in the 777 300ER model, the economy class consists of 34 rows, occupying rows 17 to 51. The first ten rows are business class, and rows 10 to 16 are comfort class. This model consists of three cabins. The most comfortable seats are where the seat in front does not recline: these are rows 17, 24, and 39. However, the 24th row is next to the toilet, and the 39th next to the kitchen.

If you are flying as a couple, pay attention to the window seats: there are only two seats (A, C and H, K).

Airbus Aircraft

The situation is similar with Airbus. The most popular model is the A320. Let’s consider the A320-20C model. The plane is small: economy class occupies only 20 rows, and business class five rows. The sixth row has a lot of legroom, suitable for tall people or those who need to stretch their legs during a long flight. The seats in the eighth and ninth rows are uncomfortable due to their proximity to the emergency exits and the inability to recline the seat. The view from the window is also spoiled by the wings of the plane.

The tenth row is comfortable: there is more space between the seats, and there will be no children or passengers with animals sitting next to you. It is not advised to sit in the tail: firstly, the toilet is close by, secondly, the seats do not recline, and thirdly, the engine noise is very loud.

What to Consider When Choosing Seats on a Plane

Of course, it’s difficult to navigate by aircraft models alone, as you need to google which aircraft the airline uses. It’s easier to navigate by the location of the seat and what is nearby. Here’s a detailed guide.

Window Seats

Choose these if you feel uncomfortable in closed spaces for long periods, want to take great photos, and generally prefer more surface area to lean on while sleeping (especially during night flights).

✅ Pros:

• Great view from the window and something to look at.
• Natural light source if you want to read.
• You can lean against the closed window and sleep.
• Plenty of space, reducing claustrophobia.

❌ Cons:

• The view may not be very attractive if the seats are directly above the wing. Also, there might be no window at all in some side seats.
• Nothing to see during night flights.
• You have to constantly ask neighbors to get up when going to the restroom.

Aisle Seats

Choose the aisle seat for long-distance flights. You can stretch and go to the restroom without disturbing anyone.

✅ Pros:

• Autonomy of movement.
• You can stretch your legs, though you need to pull them back when someone passes by.

❌ Cons:

• You have to constantly let neighbors pass.
• Sometimes there’s nothing to lean on while sleeping.
• No great photos.

Middle Seats

These seats are what Generation Z might call “mid.” They have neither significant advantages nor disadvantages.

✅ Pros:

• Convenient: you can see the window and only disturb one person when going to the restroom.

❌ Cons:

• You have to fight for the armrests.
• You are surrounded by two strangers if you are flying alone.

Seats in the Front of the Plane

The front part of the plane is the most convenient for passengers: service starts here, you get to your seat quickly, and you don’t have to wait long to disembark. However, these seats have many downsides.

✅ Pros:

• If you are flying with children, you can place a cradle or stroller in the free space.
• Service starts here.
• You will be the first to disembark.

❌ Cons:

• Sometimes you have to pay for these seats.
• Often, families with children sit here, making it the noisiest section. If you can’t stand a baby’s cry, it’s better to choose a distant seat.

Seats in the Middle of the Plane

The middle of the plane is optimal for those who fear turbulence. There’s less shaking here during turbulence.

✅ Pros:

• Comfortable seat location.
• Seats can likely be booked for free.
• Less shaking.
• Emergency exits are nearby.

❌ Cons:

• Poor view from the window: you usually only see the wing.
• Loud engine noise.
• Fuel tanks are nearby, which is unsafe during an air crash (though, to be fair, nothing is safe during an air crash).

Seats in the Back of the Plane

The back part is usually given to those who didn’t register on time. Sometimes, those who have studied air crash statistics choose these seats. It is believed that the plane’s tail is the safest part.

✅ Pros:

• No children nearby.
• Safe seats (more than 60% of passengers survive in the tail section during air crashes).
• Free seats.
• This is an unpopular part of the plane, so you may get more than two seats.

❌ Cons:

• The toilet and people standing in line are nearby.
• Service is provided last.

Where to Sit in the Plane with Children

The front rows are the most convenient for passengers with children. If the child needs a cradle or stroller, it will be handy. You can let the child walk a little in the free space in front of the seats. Flight attendants’ services are also always accessible.

For older children, choose seats in the middle of the plane: there won’t be babies nearby who might wake your child during the flight.

Traveler’s Lifehacks

1. Understand what you will do during the flight. Before choosing seats, decide how you will occupy yourself. For example, if the flight is at night, choose a seat where you won’t be disturbed, and you can lean against the closed window and sleep. If you suffer from stiff legs or body, choose an aisle seat: you can stretch without disturbing anyone.
2. Study the aircraft model. Information about the plane you will fly on is available online. For example, Air Astana flies on Boeing 767-300ER, Airbus A320neo, Airbus A321, Airbus A321neo, Airbus A321neo LR, and Embraer E190-E2. By the way, you can find out which seats are good on the plane at SeatGuru.
3. Register for the flight online. This increases your chances of getting your desired seat.
4. Indicate your preferred seat during airport check-in if you didn’t register online. Arrive at the airport early to avoid uncomfortable seats.
5. Avoid flying during busy periods: morning and evening, Friday and Sunday.
6. Consider the sun’s movement when choosing seats. If flying east to west and north to south in the morning, the sun will shine from the left, and west to east and north to south in the evening—from the right.
7. **If you get an uncomfortable seat, take any free seat after the last passenger boards, and the crew announces “Boarding is over.”