How to choose the best seat on the plane
Content
- Classes of seats on the plane
- How to choose a seat on the plane in advance
- Themost comfortable seats in the economy class of an airplane
- Which seats in the cabin are the most uncomfortable
- Tips for choosing seats on the plane for short flights
- Tips for choosing seats on long-haul flights
- Which seats are better to choose in a large plane
- Tips on choosing seats in the Boeing 747 and other large aircraft
- Where to stay?
- What if you're not flying alone?
- What about security?
- Which row on the plane is better?
- More useful tips on choosing a location
- Recommendations from airline employees
I want to spend a flight on an airliner even for short distances in the most comfortable conditions. Experienced travelers know well which seats on the plane are better to choose. In this article, we will tell you how to choose a comfortable seat in the cabin for flights on domestic and international flights.
Classes of seats on the plane
There are three types of seats on aircraft:
- economy class,
- business class,
- first class.
Economy classis the most used among travelers due to its low cost. It consists of three rows of seats, with two, three or four chairs in each row. Comfort depends on the aircraft model and airline conditions.
The business class isseparated from the economy by a curtain. There are two chairs in a row, not three, but two, and they are located from each other in such a way that you can stretch your legs. In the business section, passengers are given the opportunity to choose their desired food from the menu and drink a couple of free alcoholic cocktails or champagne. Prices differ from the economy up by about one and a half to two times. But there are also profitable promotions.
First classis an airplane suite. Here you can arrange the chairs into a full-fledged sofa, but the price tag is an order of magnitude higher than in the "business". Flying in business class and first class is convenient for everyone, but how do you choose a good location in economy class? We'll talk about this later.
How to choose a seat on the plane in advance
People who care about the quality of their flight prefer to choose seats on the plane in advance, whether it's a window seat or near the exit. To do this, you need to know how to choose and buy a seat on board in advance.
It is best to choose the best place to sit on the plane immediately after the check-in is opened, otherwise other people will already have time to sort out the necessary options.
In order not to miss the start of check-in, you need to subscribe to this event on the airline's website. The notification can be in the form of a phone message or an email.
Regardless of how long ago the ticket was purchased, registration begins exactly one day before departure. It is during this period of time that you can choose a place for yourself by going through the online registration process.
Flight check-in instructions:
- Buy a ticket.
- One day before departure, log in to the airline's website (or open the flight information on your email) and enter the ticket number. A
- diagram opens where you can select a seat in the cabin.
- In some companies, you will have to pay a separate amount for choosing a location. The process of choosing a seat on an airplane can be performed at the airport, but then there is a high risk that all the best options will already be sorted out.
Interesting! If you are not flying alone and have not paid for the choice of seats, you may be put in different parts of the plane, but the child will always be given a seat next to one of the parents.
If a passenger has not chosen where to sit on the plane an hour before departure, they will fly in a seat chosen by the company or by chance. You can ask for the desired seat at the time of check–in from an airport employee, but the probability that the seat will be available is extremely low.
The most comfortable seats in the economy class of an airplane
We have already said that the simplest and cheapest class of service is economy. There are quite a lot of seats in the cabin, there is a small space between the rows.
In addition to the uncomfortable seating arrangement, there are always a lot of passengers in the economy class. People sit close to each other, which creates a characteristic discomfort for many tourists.
But the choice has been made, economy class tickets have been purchased, it remains only to choose the most comfortable seats on the plane for the flight to the chosen destination.
In the front of the cabin behind the business class
Passengers with small children are recommended to choose seats in the first rows in the economy class cabin. There is a small space in front of the seats where you can create a mini-play area for the baby, as well as special wall mounts for the cradle.
Passengers without children are not recommended to occupy such seats, although they have some advantages.
Advantages of passenger seats in the front part of the cabin:
- a large selection of food and drinks, because it is from the front of the cabin that catering begins;
- close access to the exit, which will allow you to be one of the first to get off the plane after landing.
Disadvantages of seats in the first row of economy class:
- These places are mostly occupied by mothers with children who do not always behave calmly during the flight, which will not allow them to fully relax or work during the flight.
Places at the emergency exit
The distance between the seats located near the emergency exit is significantly greater than in the other rows. This means that when traveling in such passenger seats, you will be able to take a more comfortable body position, stretch your legs and even sleep.
The advantages also include the availability of a free passageway, allowing the traveler to get up to go to the toilet if necessary, without once again disturbing the neighbor sitting next to him.
Citizens with small children, pets, and pensioners are not allowed to board passenger seats at the emergency exit. This rule applies to most carriers and is justified for reasons of increased safety.
In an emergency, the person sitting near the emergency exit must immediately orient themselves in order to open the emergency hatch and help the rest of the passengers quickly leave the cabin. That is why such places are more often offered to physically strong young people.
The disadvantages of passenger seats at the emergency exit include a ban on placing hand luggage near the escape hatch.
Seats at the portholes
The best seats on the plane are at the portholes.In such chairs, passengers can fully relax, sleep, read a book, look at the wonderful clouds and fascinating views of cities from a great height. During the flight, you will not be bothered by a neighbor sitting next to you asking you to tuck your legs a little to let him go to the toilet or on other important business.
The only drawback of seats near the porthole is the lack of free access to the aisle of the cabin. To get out of the row, you will have to disturb the neighbors.
Near the wings
The passenger seats located around the perimeter with the wings of the aircraft are convenient for people with motion sickness problems to fly.
Aisle seats
Many passengers choose seats near the aisle, and this choice is fully justified. The free passage allows the tourist to take a more comfortable body position. You can safely get up and move around the cabin without disturbing people sitting next to you.
The only drawback is the flight attendants moving down the aisle with trolleys, which can slightly touch the passenger sitting on the edge.
Which seats in the cabin are the most uncomfortable
In the cabin, all passenger seats can be divided into comfortable and uncomfortable. We have already told you about the most comfortable seats, now we suggest exploring the second option, which will be useful in case there are no more available best seats in the cabin when checking in for a flight.
Places in front of the emergency exit
The seats in front of the emergency exit do not have a folding mechanism, which is due to the safety regulations of the aircraft. Choosing such a place, the passenger will have to spend the entire flight in a sitting position.
The last rows are from the 8th to the 20th
There are not very convenient places to place in the last rows. In addition to the good audibility of aircraft engine noise, a table with a good selection of food and drinks offered by a flight attendant rarely arrives here.
Near the toilet
It is unlikely that you will be able to relax normally in the armchairs located next to the toilet room, which is regularly visited by passengers from the entire cabin. The sounds of the door opening and closing are also unpleasant.
Tips on choosing seats on the plane for short flights
- If the flight is short, it's better to ask for a window seat. But remember that if you choose a wing chair, there won't be much to look at.
- It is better not to sit in the front row: you cannot hold your bag at your feet during takeoff here. The last row is also not worth booking: the backs of the chairs next to the restrooms do not lower. So, unless you intend to spend the entire flight strictly vertically, it is better to avoid such places.
- When booking online, take a seat in the row where one aisle seat is already occupied. Then there will be a chance that the middle seat will be empty. They are filled in last. Otherwise, there is a high probability that a noisy couple or a mother with a child or a dog will get hooked up to you: it's not the most pleasant neighborhood. However, you can also sit in the middle if you only fly for a couple of hours.
Tips for choosing seats on long-haul flights
- On flights longer than 5 hours, it is better to sit at the aisle. You can get up at any time, take a walk, stretch your legs.
- When booking online, make sure that one of the 3 seats next to you is already occupied: there is a higher chance of being with a single person, rather than with a couple or a lady with a child. Do
- not take tickets in the front row. The armrests of the chairs often do not rise there, and if there is an empty seat nearby, then you will not be able to stretch for 2 at once.
Which seats are better to choose in a large plane
In large airplanes, there can be 3 seats in each row. But even in this case, the aisle seats in the middle of the row are the most convenient. It's easy to get up, and at most one passenger will bother you with requests to let you through. And if a couple sits next to each other, then you won't have to let anyone out at all.
Tips on choosing seats in the Boeing 747 and other large aircraft
- Despite the fact that there are 4 seats in the middle section, the aisle seat remains the most advantageous. You will still be bothered to get out by only one person (the passenger in the seat closest to you). Do
- not take seats near the aisles in the left and right sections of the aircraft. There may be two neighbors who will have to be released in turn.
- Even if there is an aisle seat, do not choose it when there are 2 empty chairs nearby. A couple can take them at the last moment. It is better to choose one where only one seat is occupied – on the other side of the aisle.
Where to stay?
A pleasant and comfortable flight is not only the right seat on the plane, but also the location and rest after the flight. And if for some reason the first one didn't work out, choosing a hotel plays an even bigger role - after all, you need a comfortable place to recuperate more than ever. Preferably close to the airport, as a trip to the city can sometimes be as exhausting as the flight itself.
If you are looking for tickets to Moscow and your flight arrives at Domodedovo Airport, first of all pay attention to Maxim Domodedovo Airport Hotel, which is located on the airport grounds just 50 meters from the check-in counters and is connected to it by a pedestrian gallery. There are 95 SMART rooms in a couple of minutes, which have everything that will help you regain your strength.
Electronic control system (brightness control, individual climate settings, remote control of curtains), king-size beds, rain shower in the bathroom, on-site restaurant.
The city center is only 43 minutes away by Aeroexpress train. Use the link to view and book a room, or call the front desk at +7 (495) 777-27-27 to clarify any details. What if you're not flying alone? Which seats to choose on a flight with a friend
It's best to sit across the aisle from each other. You can get up whenever you want, but you'll also have a great chance to chat. Plus, everyone will have an average seat next to them, which may remain empty.
The main thing is not to forget that in this case the side seat in the middle section is better than the aisle seat in the back rows. And it's up to you to give it to a friend or take it for yourself.
Which seats to choose if you are flying as a couple
If you book online, it's best to find 3 empty seats in a row and lock them on both sides: one by the window, the other by the aisle. In this case, there is a good chance that no one will sit between you. And if someone takes the chair, you can always switch with that person.
Where is the best place to get seats on the plane if you are flying with a child?
It is best to book the necessary seats in advance. First of all, this applies to passengers with children. For them, the ideal location would be near the wall. There you can mark and secure the cradle, car seat.
Initially, you can make a reservation for the desired location, but in some cases, a fee is required for this. If you are with a child, it is unlikely that you will be denied the necessary places at the airport when checking in. Often, the employees of the aircraft themselves offer to change seats, and they are interested in making passengers with children as comfortable as possible.
How to get on a plane nearby for free
If you are flying with a family with one or two children, you will most often be allowed to board the plane next to them for free, even without paying extra for the choice of seats. Just don't ask, otherwise the front desk will understand your interest and will try to get money from you.
It is best to treat this philosophically: when a father with one child is in one part of the plane, and a mother with another child in another, or one of the parents is seated separately, it is convenient, since you can transfer the baby from scandalous passengers or give dad or mom a break, alternately sitting down during the flight.
When the two of you have not paid for choosing a seat on the plane, you are usually given boarding tickets with very far away seats – what should you do?
There are the following options:
- be patient, because the service is quite expensive, and the flight is only a couple of hours. After takeoff and climb, it will be possible to walk around the aircraft and meet somewhere.
- immediately calmly sit next to each other, taking one seat and one not his own, without attracting the attention of the flight attendants. The plane may not be fully filled with passengers. If you manage to stay in one wrong place for a long time, then be sure that other people will already sit in another "right" place, doing the same thing. When you are asked to sit down, you will also have to ask someone to leave their rightful seat, and this can all lead to the two of them sitting down at once and you will get one additional seat without persuading anyone.
- walk and look for double seats after takeoff and climb. It is also necessary not to attract the attention of the flight attendants, otherwise they will be forced to sit down as it is written on the ticket stubs and will remember.
- when you were initially given seats nearby, just 1-2 rows apart, there are great chances to negotiate with other passengers about mutual transfers.
All of these methods do not have a one hundred percent chance of success. But in 9 out of 10 cases you will reach your goal, and in one out of ten cases you will have to be patient and fly separately. Is it possible to change seats on the plane?
This is a difficult question, it directly depends on the airline and the flight attendant. Many companies meet their regular customers halfway. If all the passengers are seated and there are several available, you can politely ask the flight attendant to allow you to change seats.
There are often disputes about places near emergency exits, as there is a lot of legroom there, which makes it more convenient to fly. Centering is of great importance. It is for this reason that flight attendants may ask to move to a specific location. This is necessary to balance the aircraft. This is especially true for small regional aircraft.
Another point of view is that everyone has the right to create the most comfortable conditions when flying on aircraft, especially if such an opportunity exists. Therefore, many travelers advise: if you mistakenly chose an uncomfortable seat, and after placing all passengers on the plane there are empty seats, without hesitation and unnecessary questions, quickly move to an unoccupied seat. Such quick-wittedness will be beneficial and will not cause outrage from the service staff or the neighbors sitting next to them.
What about security?
Of course, air transport is the safest in the world. However, the feeling that you have chosen the right place in terms of safety can give confidence and reassure those who are afraid of flying.
The safest places on the plane
The safest seats on the plane are located at the end of the liner. However, this rule does not fully apply to aisle seats. If the damage to the liner is partial and the cabin has caught fire, then the places closest to the emergency exits will be safe. The easiest way to leave the cabin is from these seats and not suffocate with acrid smoke.
The most dangerous places
Statistics show that the worst seats in terms of passenger survival are in the middle of the cabin, at the aisle, and also in front of the aircraft.
The closest to the cockpit is less likely to survive damage during takeoff or landing. This is due to the fact that when falling from the ground, it is the front part that primarily collides with the largest mass. The main shock wave falls on the cockpit and the front seats, and the tail suffers less.
The cause of shaking is in different parts of the cabin
If turbulence makes you nervous, the seats in the tail section are not the best choice for you. Why is there more shaking in the tail of the plane? The wings of the aircraft keep it moving smoothly, while the tail of the aircraft can swing more. The difference is negligible, but if you sit in the middle or in the front, it means that you will be less exposed to turbulence. It can help you feel more comfortable both physically and psychologically.
If you're nervous about flying
When you board your flight, inform the flight attendants of your fears and let them help you find a place where you feel most comfortable.
A magazine, story, or puzzle book can be pleasant distractions during takeoff and landing, and the rest of the time you can turn on electronic devices such as headphones or laptops to keep you entertained.
To minimize nervous experiences, do not look out the window of the plane. Remember that airplanes can withstand much more than the slight turbulence you're likely to feel throughout the flight, and flying is safer than driving.
Which row on the plane is better?
As we have already found out, everything depends on the duration of the flight and the composition of passengers. To summarize the above tips:
There are usually a lot of children in the front row. This is due to the ability to attach car seats and bassinets. Therefore, if you want silence, then don't take these places.
The most comfortable seats are considered to be in business class at the front. The staff comes here the fastest.
It's quite uncomfortable in the tail. But if safety is taken into account, then these are the most reliable places. In the event of a crash, passengers in these places will remain alive.
The escape hatches are not very comfortable. The seats are fixed here and they do not recline. On the contrary, the emergency exits have spacious seats and you can stretch your legs. It makes sense when you're tall.
The seats at the portholes are comfortable if you fly during the day. No one will disturb you, but when going to the bathroom you will have to walk through the entire row.
More useful tips on choosing a location
As we have already said, the comfort level of the flight depends on the seat on the plane. In order not to lose money and mistakenly choose the most uncomfortable passenger seat in the cabin, we recommend that you listen to the advice of experienced travelers.
How to choose a comfortable seat on the plane:
- To study the layout of the seats in advance, specifying the exact model of the liner for which the ticket was purchased.
- Decide on your own desires – which option is most convenient for you: seats at the porthole, at the aisle, near the emergency exit and in the front rows.
- If the flight is long-distance, do not save your budget and buy a business class plane ticket or pay extra money for booking the most comfortable seat in the cabin.
- When booking, you need to pay attention to which alphabet is used for numbering seats, Russian or Latin, otherwise you may confuse the seats.
- During the flight from east to west, the sun shines on the left, and during the flight from west to east – on the right.
It would seem that such a simple action is choosing a seat on an airplane! But in fact, you need some knowledge and training. The most important thing is which place is best to choose – to take into account your desires, preferences and characteristics (physiological and psychological). After that, it is much easier to decide which place you need, and, starting from this, choose several options.
Recommendations from airline employees
Airline employees also share their thoughts on how to get the best seat. According to them, first of all it is necessary to determine priorities and choose a reliable option:
If you like to watch the views from the porthole and take photos, it matters which side of the liner you are sitting on. For example, when flying from Moscow to Vladivostok, to watch the sunset and sunrise, you need to sit on the left side during the flight. In order not to lose money, study the reviews of passengers on the forums, taking into account the specifics of the route.
Do you want to sleep during the flight? A number of factors play a role: engine noise, the presence of neighbors who want to stretch their legs, and the comfort of the backrest. To find the optimal combination, choose seats in the front of the aircraft, preferably near the porthole.
Delicious food lovers are advised by Professor Charles Spence, known for discoveries in the field of gastrophysics. According to him, the dry air in the cabin and the noise prevent travelers from focusing on the dishes served. If you like to eat with pleasure, buy business class tickets or choose seats in the economy sector, located closer to the bow. The air will be moist, which will allow the sense of smell to work better. And the connection between smell and taste sensations is well known!
Have you chosen the best places for the month? Check if the carrier has changed the terms of service. There is also a chance that a previously reserved seat will be vacated and you will take it. Sometimes, due to passenger capacity or the need for technical inspections, airlines send another model of the liner on the flight. The armor is removed, and your efforts are in vain.
The source of the photo is an image from freepik.
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