How to get the best airline seat
Select the best seat in the aeroplane with these pro tips.
1. Determine what seat you want
What makes a great seat to you may not make a great seat to someone else. Some seats have more legroom than others and some recline and some don’t. Some passengers may prefer a seat with a window while other passengers prefer an aisle seat. Narrowing down the seat features you want will help you choose your perfect seat on an aeroplane.
2. Passenger types and seat feature combinations to consider
- If you have a connecting flight to make, consider an aisle seat which will give you the opportunity to be first off the plane.
- Travellers with large carry-on luggage should consider seats at the back of the plane as most airlines board from back to front. This means you’ll have a better chance to find the space to stash your carry-on.
- Nervous flyers should consider sitting over the wing, which is less affected by turbulence.
- Overnight flyers hoping to sleep should choose a window seat or an exit row seat, which offers space to stretch out.
- Tall passengers should choose exit row or bulkhead seats which offer more legroom.
3. Look at a map
Each airline and aeroplane model configures their seats differently so it’s important to look at a seating map for your specific plane.
4. Book early
The earlier you book your airline ticket, the more options you will have to choose the best seat. If you can’t select a seat when booking, try checking-in online, which often allows you the chance to choose seating.
5. Keep an eye out for empty seats
When you board the plane, keep an eye out for any empty seats or rows. If you spot one, ask your flight attendant if you can make a switch. Remember, it’s first come, first served, so keep your eyes peeled.
6. Join a frequent flyer program
Joining a frequent flyer program can help when choosing a seat as most airlines offer their best seat to loyal customers.
7. Don’t be afraid to ask
Whether it’s the ticket agent or the gate agent, don’t be afraid to politely ask if the seat you want is available. Last minute cancellations, no-shows and seat upgrades can mean good seats to be freed up last minute. And if all that fails, ask other passengers if they’re willing to trade seats. Some passengers don’t mind where they sit so take a chance and ask.