Picking The Best Airline Seats

If you’re flying for more than 2-3 hours picking the right seat could be the difference between arriving refreshed and relaxed or tired and grumpy. We obviously prefer the former so let’s take a look at some of the things you should do before booking that all important seat.

Decide What’s Important

The first step of the process is deciding what’s important for you. So for example if you’re tall or you like more space, the last thing you want, is to be stuck for hours on end cramped in a seat that’s too small. Apart from being down right uncomfortable you’re asking for cramps and muscle pains when you arrive at the other end.

The same goes for those who are easily irritated by noise, but can’t afford to fly first class. Sure, some might argue, stick in the ear plugs, listen to your mp3 player or whatever but lets face it not everyone enjoys wearing earphones or ear plugs for 8+ hour durations. So what can you do ?

Airline Seating Charts

Well once you’ve jotted down all the things that are important to you the next step is to check out the seating charts. Each airline has an Airline Seating Chart that can give you a visual of what to expect inside the plane and the overall seating configuration. Some even come with details about the seats themselves, the ones with less leg room, limited capacity to recline, or those that have misaligned windows.

The point is checking the seating charts will give you an inside look at the planes seating configuration and the types of seats available to you. Use the seating charts to do your research and use that knowledge when you come to book your seats.

Seating Tips 101

In addition to the above recommendations and depending on what you need, here’s a few more seating tips that might help you land that perfect seat.

• Before you book your ticket check the seat pitch (otherwise known as leg room) and seat width dimensions for a couple of airlines. Many times you’ll be surprised to see how significantly different the seat width and pitch dimensions are for similar priced economy seats on two different airlines. So do your research and find out which airlines suit you best.
• Once again before you book your ticket, check the basic entertainment and seat features for a couple of airlines. If having a power port to plug in your laptop or dvd player is important to you then check which airlines offer this facility. Once again this is all about knowing what you want! No point having larger seats if that’s not something that bothers you.
• If you’re looking for a quiet flight then the most peaceful seating areas are always near the front. These are perfect for those who need time to sleep, work or simply relax. The last thing you want is to have your seat booked near the back where people are constantly going in and out of the toilets.
• Tall people with long legs, or those who like a bit of extra space can further improve their comfort by opting for the first row seats near the emergency exits (sometimes referred to as bulkhead seats). You’ll have to book early to get these or if the airline doesn’t let these go till the day of travel then call up in the morning to grab them.
• If you value savings over other things, there are particular seats in Airlines that normally come at a lower price. Sometimes, it’s because of minor things such as misaligned windows, or less leg room and other times it’s simply due to their proximity to busy or noisy parts of the plane. Ask about these seats and see if you can haggle a smart little discount. If you’re going to be busy playing your PSP throughout the flight who cares if your windows are slightly misaligned.
• If you tend to use the toilet often, pick an aisle seat or seats that are close to the loo. Staying in aisle seats not only prevents you from bothering other passengers but means you can get in and out easily as soon as you see the toilet is vacant.

Final Words

Do your best to select what you need by browsing through the seating charts but if you still can’t figure out what’s right ask the flight attendant to recommend the best spot for you (based on your requirements). Remember the seats you pick can either enhance or depreciate the overall quality of your travel experience, so don’t take it lightly.