How to Secure the Best Seat on an Airplane

Not everyone can afford to fly business class and enjoy extra space beyond the standard seat. Frequent flyers understand the risk of sitting next to a large passenger or someone with differing hygiene habits. While this is unavoidable, you can improve your comfort by choosing a window or aisle seat based on your preference to better endure the challenges of air travel.

Russian Forbes offers valuable advice on how to avoid disappointing seat choices on a plane.

1. Research the Aircraft Model and Seat Layout

Check the airline's website to find out which aircraft model will operate your flight. Different airlines have varying cabin comfort levels. Websites like SeatGuru and SeatExpert provide detailed information about aircraft layouts, including the availability of power outlets, seatback entertainment screens, restroom locations, and seat pitch (the space between rows). For example, while the standard pitch is around 31 inches (80 cm), some airlines like JetBlue offer an additional 2 inches (5 cm), which makes a noticeable difference on long-haul flights.

The row immediately behind business class is often considered the most comfortable: it offers extra legroom, no reclining seat in front, priority service for meals, drinks, newspapers, blankets, and pillows. Families traveling with infants can attach bassinets to the wall and secure child seats here. However, these seats have fixed armrests due to built-in trays, limiting reclining or holding a sleeping child on your lap. Additionally, if you plan to work or prepare for meetings during the flight, this area might be less ideal due to the presence of many children.

Seats near emergency exits are popular among experienced travelers because they offer about 6 inches (15 cm) more legroom. However, seatbacks often don’t recline, which can be uncomfortable on long flights, and storing carry-on items under the seat is prohibited. Regulations require that only physically capable adults occupy these seats.

“At check-in, staff prioritize seating physically strong, alert, and quick-thinking passengers near emergency exits,” explains Boris Rybak, director of consulting firm Infomost. “In emergencies, these passengers must be able to open doors and assist crew members in evacuations.”

There have been cases where even petite passengers convinced airline staff to assign them emergency exit seats.

The middle section of the cabin often feels cramped due to frequent service carts passing by. Rows 8 to 20 are typically the noisiest, as engine and turbine sounds concentrate here. This noise distribution is not usually detailed on seat maps, so airline staff at check-in can assist in selecting quieter seats based on aircraft type.

The rear of the plane features narrower seats due to the aircraft’s tapering shape, increased turbulence, limited meal and reading material options, proximity to busy restrooms, and higher noise levels. However, these seats are generally considered safer in emergency situations.

2. Book Your Seat in Advance

Reserving your seat early allows you to select the best spot well before departure, especially important for groups wanting to sit together. British Airways, for example, introduced fees for seat selection starting October: economy passengers pay $16 for European flights and $32 for long-haul routes; business class passengers pay $32 and $98 respectively. Most other airlines still offer free seat selection when booking online or at their offices, though this service is often under-promoted.

Advance booking also enables special meal requests, a service many passengers overlook. Airlines like Transaero offer around 30 meal options, including vegetarian, kosher, halal, low-calorie, diabetic-friendly, and children’s meals.

3. Utilize Online Check-In

Online check-in is increasingly popular and allows you to select your preferred seat via airline websites or airport kiosks, saving time by arriving just 50 minutes before departure. However, this option suits travelers without checked baggage, young children, or pets. Some airlines, such as Delta and Air Berlin, reserve emergency exit seats for physically fit passengers and exclude them from online selection. Additionally, in Russia, online check-in kiosks are currently available only at Moscow's Domodedovo and Sheremetyevo-2 airports.

In the near future, unified group boarding passes will allow families or groups to secure adjacent seats with one person checking in for all travelers, storing multiple passenger details on a single ticket chip.

4. Arrive Early for Check-In

One of the simplest ways to get your preferred seat is to arrive promptly when check-in opens. Sergey Bykhal, press service director at Transaero Airlines, notes that airline staff often accommodate passenger seat requests during check-in. Solo travelers can also try arriving at the end of check-in to take a chance on last-minute upgrades or seats vacated by others.

5. Fly During Off-Peak Days and Times

Experts recommend scheduling flights on less busy days like Monday, Tuesday, or Thursday to avoid crowded cabins. Fridays and Sundays are typically the busiest. Morning and evening flights tend to be fuller. On quieter flights, flight attendants may offer passengers the chance to move to empty rows, allowing for more comfort or even sleep.

6. Consider Unofficial Methods

Several years ago, it was common to secure better seats or business class upgrades by discreetly tipping airline staff (approximately $7). For instance, Forbes.com recounts a passenger who used a $100 bill to upgrade from New York to Germany but failed to replicate the success on the return flight. While not recommended, such practices highlight the value placed on premium seating.

Source: Yulia Kaul

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