Where Should You Sit on a Plane? A Guide to Choosing the Best Flight Seat

Picking your flight seat might seem like a small part of booking a trip, but it can actually make a difference to how comfortable your journey feels.

Want to get off the plane quickly? Need extra legroom? Hoping to avoid too much movement during turbulence? Or simply want to sleep without people constantly walking past you?

There is no single best seat on a plane for everyone. It really depends on what you want from your flight. Here’s what to consider before choosing your next airplane seat.

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Want to get off the plane quickly? Sit near the front

If you would rather not wait for half the plane to get off before you can leave, a seat towards the front of the cabin is worth considering.

You will generally be closer to the aircraft door, which can make getting off the plane quicker once passengers are allowed to disembark. This can be especially useful if you have a connecting flight or simply want to get through the airport sooner.

Front seats can also cost more, depending on the airline and fare you book, so check the price before selecting one.

Need more legroom? Check the exit row

For taller passengers, exit row seats can be one of the more comfortable options in economy class.

They often have more space in front of them, giving you extra legroom to stretch your legs during the flight. However, sitting in an exit row comes with safety requirements. Passengers must be able and willing to assist in an emergency, and airlines may have additional restrictions.

Some airlines also charge extra for these seats, so check the seat map and fare conditions before paying more.

Want a smoother ride? Sit around the wings

If turbulence makes you uncomfortable, consider choosing a seat around the wings.

The area around the wings is closer to the aircraft’s centre, so movement can feel less noticeable there compared with seats further towards the rear.

This does not mean you will completely avoid turbulence. It can affect the entire aircraft, but some passengers may find the movement less noticeable around the middle of the plane.

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Want some peace and quiet? Stay away from the lavatory

A seat close to the lavatory might seem convenient, especially during a long flight.

The downside is that these areas can get busy. Passengers may queue nearby, while the constant opening and closing of the door can become distracting. There can also be more noise and movement around the area.

If you are planning to sleep during the flight, choosing a seat further away from the lavatory and galley may give you a quieter experience.

Thinking about sitting at the back? Know the trade offs

The last few rows of the plane are not necessarily bad seats, but they do come with a few things to consider.

Depending on the aircraft and how full the flight is, you may sometimes find more available seats towards the back. Being near the rear lavatory can also be convenient if you need to use it frequently.

The downside is that passengers seated at the back will usually be among the last to leave the aircraft. Seats close to the lavatory or galley can also be noisier because of the extra foot traffic.

The back of the plane is sometimes associated with more noticeable movement during turbulence, although turbulence can affect the entire aircraft.

So, what’s the best seat on a plane? It depends on you

There is no one seat that works for every traveller. The best airplane seat depends on what matters most to you.

• If you want to get off the plane quickly, look towards the front.

• If you want extra legroom, check the exit rows.

• If you want to feel less movement, consider a seat around the wings.

• If you want to sleep without too much disturbance, choose a seat away from the lavatory and galley.

• If you do not mind waiting a little longer to leave, the back of the plane can still be a reasonable option.

Before choosing a seat, take a good look at your airline’s seat map. Aircraft layouts can be very different, even between flights operated by the same airline. A seat that looks ideal on one aircraft may not offer the same experience on another.

And if your airline charges for seat selection, think about what actually matters to you before spending extra. Sometimes a standard seat in the right part of the cabin can be all you need for a more comfortable flight.

A few minutes spent choosing your flight seat before your trip could save you hours of wishing you had picked a different one.

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