How to find the most comfortable seat on the plane. How to find the most comfortable seat on a plane Emergency seats on a plane

An experienced traveler is confident even before boarding the plane that he will have a comfortable flight. He knows how to extract the information he needs from a plane's seat map and book the most comfortable seat long before he arrives at the airport.

He takes into account a lot of nuances and as a result enjoys the journey. Yes, to be able to do this, you need to take many flights - or read the Kidpassage article once.

It contains everything you need to know about the best seats on the plane and how to book them. Our review will be especially useful for parents with children: they definitely need to know how to choose a seat on the plane so that the flight goes smoothly.

Airplane seat classes

The comfort of the seats and the range of services on the plane depend on what class you are flying. All seats in the cabin are divided into three main classes - economy, business and first class.

Most often, tourists buy economy class seats. In terms of comfort, they can be compared with modern buses: the cabin is equipped with chairs, between which there is a small space for the legs.

People of average height will be able to get comfortable, but long-legged passengers need to know which seat is best to choose.

Parents with restless children will also need this life hack for choosing seats in economy class: who wants their child to trample on their feet during a several-hour flight?

However, flying in economy class does not mean you are deprived of all amenities. You will definitely be fed during the flight, and many airlines offer free baby food - ask how to order such a service (usually this need must be reported 24-48 hours before the flight).

For infants, you can reserve a hanging cradle. Air carriers often give little tourists gifts - toys, coloring books, stickers: a new entertainment will help the child pass the time during the flight. Each seat can be equipped with a TV.

Please note that an economy class ticket imposes restrictions on baggage allowance: most often you are allowed to carry up to 20 kg of baggage per person free of charge. You can take it to the salon hand luggage, placing it on a special shelf or under a chair.

Business class seats on the plane are somewhat more comfortable. The distance between the seats is greater, and the seats themselves are usually designed so that you can relax during the flight.

Business class passengers are offered more plentiful and refined meals, and the free baggage allowance is increased. Business class seats are also equipped with sockets, so passengers can charge a smartphone or connect a laptop.

Sometimes planes have first class seats. This is the most comfortable class for long-distance flights, but also the most expensive. A common bonus for first and business class passengers is a separate boarding check-in counter.

Please note: some airlines introduce their own gradation of seats on the plane, creating seats increased comfort in economy class.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane?

You will be surprised, but travelers do not have a consensus on which seats on the plane are best. Preferences are influenced by various factors, from the height of the passenger to his ideas about safety.

We suggest considering several cabin placement options to find out their advantages and disadvantages.

1. Seats along the sides of the aircraft. Convenient if your child wants to look out the window or you are going to read, draw with your baby, or do other things that require good lighting.

If your family occupies all the adjacent seats, you will have two additional advantages: you will not disturb the neighbors if you need to go to the toilet, and the tallest member of the family will have the opportunity to straighten their legs in the aisle.

2. Aisle Seats. They will be suitable if you have a restless child - he will have the opportunity to exercise at least a little in the aisle. With a baby who will sleep in your arms, it is better not to choose this place: on the one hand, you will be disturbed by fellow travelers who need to go to the toilet, on the other hand, by flight attendants delivering food around the cabin.

3. Front row seats. The most comfortable seats on the plane for flying with a baby: usually in the front row there are mounts for a hanging cradle. Since there are no seats in front, no one will lower the back of their chair and take away your space.

Also, passengers in the front seat usually receive food first and can choose from any of the menu options offered. But there are also disadvantages: a bag with children’s things that will be needed during the flight cannot be pushed under the seat in front.

You'll have to put it at your feet, and that will take up space. Another drawback is that, as a rule, the armrests of the seats in the first row do not rise, so it is impossible to turn neighboring seats into a solid sofa.

4. Middle row seats on wide-body aircraft. Not a bad choice if you manage to occupy three adjacent seats. If the flight is relatively short, then flight attendants and passengers passing along the rows will not annoy you.

5. Places in the tail. Statistically, these are the safest seats on the plane. If the fear of air travel is great, climb deep into the cabin and switch to dreams of what family fun We're expecting you in a few hours. But if you are not afraid of flying, it is advisable not to choose seats in the back of the plane - the disadvantages significantly outweigh the advantages.

The backs of the seats in the last row do not recline, and a long flight can be torture. Also, at the end of the salon there is usually a small queue of people wanting to go to the toilet.

Almost all the necessary information about the benefits of a particular place can be obtained by studying the salon plan. You will find it on the websites of air carriers or on aggregator websites that offer a search for air tickets.

For example, the SeatGuru service allows you to find an aircraft by flight number and study the cabin layout. A description is given for each seat on the plan: the width of the seat, the distance between the seats, the location of the windows, sockets, and toilets are indicated.

If the airline offers premium seats, they will also be marked on the diagram.

Emergency exit seats on the plane

Emergency exits on an airplane are usually located on both sides in the middle part of the cabin. If you manage to take seats in front of which the emergency exits are located, then you will feel very good during the flight.

The main advantage of these seats is the increased distance between the seats. The child will be able to move around without going out into the main aisle, it will be easier for you to get to the toilet, and the lowered backs of the front seats will not be particularly bothersome.

But it should be noted that they usually try to seat strong passengers near emergency exits, who in case emergency situation will be able to help other people get out of the cabin. Children under 12 years of age and pregnant women are not seated in these seats.

Even if there are a lot of empty seats on the plane, and you manage to get a seat next to the emergency exit, you will have to put your hand luggage in the overhead bin.

Please note: Some airlines offer emergency row seats at an additional cost.

Where is the best place to sit on a plane with a child?

Despite all the pros and cons, the best place on a plane to fly with children is the front row of seats. It is important that there are much more advantages: increased space in front of the chair, the presence of mounts for a crib, the ability to choose food.

In addition, there is less shaking at the front of the airliner if the plane encounters turbulence.

It must be said that employees checking in for a flight often try to allocate seats on the plane for children under 2 years old in the front part.

This means that there may be several babies next to you, not all of whom will snore peacefully all the way. If quiet is more important to you than a hanging bassinet, ask for a seat in the middle section of the cabin.

If you are flying alone with a child over 2 years old (and such a traveler needs a separate seat), try to take the first and third seats in a group of three seats.

If the flight is not full, they may not seat anyone in the empty seat between you. And you will have extra space - on a plane with a child it is better to have at least a small island for games and relaxation.

When choosing a seat on a plane with children, do not try to get into the rear section. But if there are a lot of empty seats left on the plane, then after the announcement of the end of boarding, you can move to the rear and take three adjacent seats. It is quite possible to put a child to sleep there.

Please note: check-in staff do not always pay attention to the age of travelers and may give parents and children seats at different ends of the cabin. Therefore, during check-in, please ask to be placed next to your children.

How to choose a seat on a plane using an electronic ticket

There are two ways to find the seat you like best on the plane. The first is to find a location before departure seats on the plane, study their benefits, show up at the check-in counter two hours before departure and ask to be seated in your chosen seats.

The front desk person will most likely accommodate you unless the seats are already occupied. The fact is that advanced travelers try to book a seat on the plane immediately upon purchase. electronic ticket.

Booking your seats in advance is the second way to ensure your comfort during the flight. We recommend that you select your seats online immediately after you have purchased your e-ticket.

This service is provided by many airlines, as well as aggregator sites. When there is no line of people waiting to check in for a flight behind you, you can calmly study how the seats on the plane are located and choose the most comfortable ones.

It is enough to mark the required seats on the interactive diagram, and the airline will receive information about booking seats. Then at the airport you will be sure that you will be seated comfortably in the aircraft cabin.

Sometimes during booking it turns out that the best seats are already taken. Don't get upset: this may mean the airline is holding back the most comfortable seats until check-in opens.

Often they are left in order to accommodate passengers with children or tall people. In this case, we recommend using method one - come to registration early and ask to be seated more comfortably.

Important: not all airlines provide the ability to reserve seats before registration opens. It is also not possible to reserve seats on low-cost airlines.

Now you know what you need to do to make your flight go smoothly. Let's share a few more little things that will help you get the best seats.

  • Don't be lazy to study the airplane diagram. This way you will know in advance how to avoid ending up in an inconvenient place - for example, next to the toilet (and in large airliners bathrooms are not only located at the back of the plane).
  • Look for reviews from travelers who have flown on the same type of aircraft as the one you are about to fly on. From there you can get useful information: from the temperature on board to small services that make the flight easier.
  • Try to get on a less crowded flight - you will have a better chance of getting a good seat. Typically, flights on weekdays, except Fridays, have fewer passengers than on weekends.
  • During check-in, ask to be seated in the seats you want. If you are undecided on a seat, simply say that you would like to sit next to the window, or in the aisle, or in the front row. You can also ask " quiet place": the plane's plan does not provide information about the location of the engines, but employees know where the hum of the engines is least audible.
  • If you still get unfavorable seats, change to better ones after the announcement of the end of boarding.
  • Do not occupy places behind which emergency exits are located. These chairs usually do not have reclining backs or the backs only recline slightly.
  • Some airlines provide passengers with the most comfortable seats for an additional fee. You can use this service to play it safe. But if you use our tips, then in most cases you can get comfortable on the plane without paying extra.

So what are the best seats on the plane? This question worries mainly beginners. If a person goes on an air trip for the first time, he wants to get only positive emotions from this event. Very often, the unfortunate location of the chosen seat leaves an unpleasant impression of the entire trip and a reluctance to use the airline’s services again.

Those who have to fly very often know better than others how important comfort is during long flight. Therefore, “old-timers” tend to book their seats on the plane in advance by choosing good places at your own discretion.

The choice of the most comfortable place depends on a number of factors, the main one of which is its cost. The aircraft cabin is divided into three classes - first, business class and economy.

First class is not available on all planes. This is the most comfortable class for long-distance flights, where there are even lie-flat seats, but it is also the most expensive. Business class is a little cheaper: it is equipped with comfortable seats with a large distance between them, which makes it possible to take a comfortable position during the flight. Business class passengers have the opportunity to use built-in sockets to recharge their gadgets.

Regular tourists prefer to fly in economy class, which resembles the interior of a long-distance bus with rows of seats close together and little legroom between them. This causes a number of inconveniences for those with long legs, passengers with children or people with special needs.

However, a number of amenities are guaranteed for economy class passengers:

  • free lunch;
  • baby food, which should be ordered a day or two before the flight;
  • hanging cradle for infants;
  • Depending on the carrier, economy class seats are equipped with televisions.

It is very important that a person feels comfortable during the flight, and that the trip leaves only pleasant impressions. Therefore, even when purchasing economy class tickets, you need to foresee in advance which seats are best to choose.

In this matter, everyone is guided by their personal preferences, physiological characteristics and safety considerations.

Window seats

If you want to look out the window while traveling and admire the beauty of the sky, clouds, and landscapes passing under the wing, then you will probably prefer to sit near it. In addition, it is more convenient to sleep or read here. Advantages of a window seat:

  • the opportunity to observe a wonderful view overboard the ship during daylight hours;
  • no one will disturb you during the flight;
  • good lighting for reading.

Important: despite the undoubted advantages, porthole seats have their disadvantages, the main one of which is the need to disturb neighbors in order to go to the toilet.

Aisle seats

For long-legged people flying economy class, it is better to choose an aisle seat - this will give you the opportunity to relax by stretching your legs in the space between the rows. In addition, there are other advantages of sitting near the aisle on an airplane:

  • the ability to stand up without disturbing your neighbors;
  • unhindered access to the toilet at any time, which is very important for people with special needs;
  • a chance to get to the boarding gate before others.

Despite the ease of movement, the places at the extreme ends of the aisle also have their disadvantages:

  • Passengers and flight attendants going to the toilet, serving food or drinks, will constantly scurry past you, and sometimes even touch you while moving;
  • You will have to get up every time to let your neighbor out or let him into his place.

Of course, you have to choose between two evils - and if you feel uncomfortable sitting in the middle of a row or by the window because it’s too short distance between the rows of seats, it is still preferable to choose an aisle seat.

Airplane seats above the wing

As for the seats on the plane above the wing, take them better for people with a weak vestibular apparatus - in the area of ​​the wing the “bumpiness” is practically not felt, this is the most stable place on board. At the same time, there may be no porthole, which is not suitable for lovers of contemplation of heavenly beauties. Also, according to statistics, the wing area is the most dangerous place for passengers in case of an emergency, since the fuel tanks are located in the wings of the aircraft.

Seats near emergency exits

Each aircraft has emergency exits, which are located in the middle part of the aircraft on both sides of the cabin. Many experienced air travelers prefer to choose seats that are located after emergency exits. The advantages of this choice:

  • the distance at the emergency exit to the front row has been increased;
  • in some models of passenger airliners, there is no row of seats in front of these seats;
  • There are no constantly lowered backrests of the front seats, which cause a lot of inconvenience during the flight.

This makes it possible to freely get up from the chair without creating inconvenience for your neighbors in the row, and also to sit comfortably in it with your legs stretched out.

A person who loves freedom of movement will like seats near emergency exits/hatches.

The same cannot be said about those who are used to traveling in comfortable chairs. The fact is that in the seats located next to the emergency exit, the backs of the seats are fixed at a slight angle, and it is impossible to change their position. This is due to the need to ensure free access to emergency exits if necessary.

In addition, the emergency exit row has its disadvantages:

  • You cannot carry hand luggage with you - it must be put on the top shelf;
  • These seats do not accommodate passengers with children under 12 years of age, pregnant women, or people with physical problems.

This is interesting! The ban on placing children, pregnant women and disabled people near emergency hatches is explained simply - almost all airlines, with rare exceptions, place physically strong passengers in these seats, who in the event of an emergency could help flight attendants open the emergency exit and organize the evacuation of passengers.

Therefore, if you are a physically strong person, you can safely choose a seat near the emergency exit - at least you will be guaranteed freedom of movement.

Places in the tail

The tail of an airplane is not the best for amateurs long trips. The main advantage, which only a few pay attention to, is the comparative safety for those sitting in the rear section in the event of an aircraft accident. As American statistics show, 67% of survivors of plane crashes are passengers sitting in the back of the plane. True, there are still small advantages:

  • if the airport is not equipped with telescopic bridges, and passengers are released through the nose and tail of the plane, you have a chance to be among the first to leave the plane;
  • Seats in the back are not popular, so if the flight is not fully booked, you can sit comfortably in a row of empty seats and sleep during the flight.

Disadvantages of places located in the tail:

  • the backs of the seats in the rear do not recline, so you can’t count on a comfortable flight;
  • the “bumpiness” is felt most strongly in the tail, which causes a lot of trouble for passengers with a weak vestibular system;
  • Since there is also a toilet in the rear section, you will be constantly disturbed by passengers passing through it, slamming doors and specific odors.

Therefore, after weighing the pros and cons, most passengers prefer to choose seats away from the rear of the plane.

The best seats on a plane with a child

Passengers traveling with young children try to choose the best seats on the plane to ensure comfort for the child. Taking into account all the pros and cons, the most comfortable seats on the plane for children are the front row of seats.

Front row advantages:

  • in front of the seats there is increased space for the child’s free movement and movement;
  • there are mounts for a hanging cradle, which is important for passengers with babies;
  • When the flight attendants start serving lunch, passengers in the front rows get their food first;
  • it is possible to select the appropriate option from the proposed menu;
  • The shaking is not so strong when the airliner enters a turbulence zone.

Along with the undoubted advantages, seats in the first row of seats are not very comfortable for passengers with small children for several reasons:

  1. There is nowhere to put away a bag with things that are necessary for babies on a flight.
  2. The armrests of the first row seats do not rise, so it is uncomfortable for the baby to sleep in the arms of the parents.
  3. During check-in for a flight, company employees allocate seats for passengers with children in the front rows. If there are several babies nearby, they may interfere with each other.

Therefore, if you do not need a hanging cradle, it is better to choose a place closer to the middle of the cabin. The most advanced passengers choose the first and third seats in a row - there is a high probability that no one will be seated next to you in the middle seat, and then you can, by folding down the armrests, arrange a sofa for your baby to sleep on, or a place to play.

It is better to avoid choosing seats in the rear section if you are flying with a child. However, if the plane is not fully loaded and the last row is completely empty, you can, by coordinating your actions with the flight attendant, occupy it. Then you will get maximum free space to ensure normal sleep for your child.

Important: you can get the necessary information about the seats in a specific aircraft model, the width of the seats, the distance between them, the location of utility rooms, and windows, using the services of the SeatGuru service. The given interior layout diagrams also show the best locations for this model.


We have covered only the main characteristics of the seats located in various parts of the aircraft. However, each airline, depending on the model of the aircraft it operates, has its own characteristics and preferences when implementing the most comfortable seats. If you don’t want to get into trouble, it’s better to find out in advance which airline and which model of aircraft you will use for the flight, go to the company’s website, select the desired model and in the “ Best places» see the options that suit you. Even if you haven’t found the diagram for the model you need, use our tips - they will help you make the right choice.

Issues of a comfortable flight are of concern to beginners who are traveling this way for the first time and want the trip to be enjoyable. The relevance of the topic increases when you have to travel to distant countries or have to fly with a child. Choosing a good seat on board determines the passenger’s comfort, so let’s figure out how to find your seat on the plane.

Let's start with general information about the interior design. Considering that most people prefer to fly in economy class, let's consider the arrangement of passenger seats on boards of this type. After all, in order to find out where it is better to sit on an airplane, you will need to clarify the nuances of the seats and figure out which one is potentially the best choice.

When developing the interior of the airliner, the designers plan to divide the side into three parts: bow, middle and tail sections. Moreover, traditionally, the best seats on the plane are located immediately behind the cockpit. According to reviews from travelers who fly frequently, there is less shaking in the first compartment of the cabin. Turbulence is most pronounced in the tail of the airliner.

On different models of aircraft, developers install seats according to several possible schemes - on small airliners, the seats are attached to the sides. Modifications of aircraft that are adapted for long-haul flights require additional installation of seats along the central center line.

Typically, designers design chairs in a 3:3 or 3:4:3 format. Thus, another evaluation criterion appears. In addition, it should be clarified here that on any board there are chairs, the distance between which is large enough and allows you to sit comfortably. Also, on all airplanes there are seats where there are small defects: restrictions in folding, curvature, close placement with the adjacent seat. Let's look at the details of how to choose a seat on a plane, and learn the secrets of experienced tourists.

We sit on the edge

The seats on the farthest aisle are a bad choice for a person who wants to get some sleep during the flight. After all, the passenger who occupies such a seat is forced to let his neighbors pass when they want to leave the seat. In addition, there is a risk that the stewards will hit you with a trolley while serving food and drinks. Travelers say the only advantage here is mobility and the ability to sit comfortably, stretching out to your full height.

Middle seats

The seats that are installed in the middle of the block can hardly be called comfortable due to the lack of a “personal” armrest. Here you will have to let your neighbor through, who takes a seat at the porthole. In addition, leaving the seat inevitably requires disturbing the person sitting on the edge. This place is not suitable for single travelers.

Watching the flight from the window

The good thing about window seats is that no one will disturb the passenger who is flying in this seat. Moreover, in such areas of the cabin the lighting is much better than in the seats next to the aisles. The only drawback is the difficulty of getting out - you can leave the seat only by lifting your neighbors.

Such seats are good for people who like to watch the flight from the window. True, flights at night deprive travelers of such an opportunity. Although you can sleep or work well here, the certain distance of the seats from the center of the plane, where it is always too noisy, contributes to this.

Selecting a cabin compartment

Now we’ll find out which part of the plane is best to fly in. As we have already briefly described, the forward bow compartment is traditionally more comfortable. Since kitchen blocks are located here on small boards, food and drinks are offered to passengers in the first rows. True, on liners where several catering units are installed, the relevance of this point is somewhat lost.

In addition, airline customers flying in these rows are the first to leave the cabin after the aircraft is announced to board. Equipment for installing baby carriers is also located here, so the bow compartment is occupied by passengers with children. However, other travelers assess this factor ambiguously. After all, babies often cry, which disturbs the peace of their seat neighbors. And parents of babies are forced to periodically go out with their baby to warm up, which also does not have the best effect on the comfort of their neighbors.

The middle part of the cabin is considered a neutral choice. Tourists cite the lack of portholes on several rows in some airliner models as a disadvantage here. In addition, on large board models it is always quite noisy here, especially near the seats that are installed close to the catering areas or bathrooms.

If the neighboring seats are empty, company employees will be loyal to the passenger’s desire to take them

The last compartment is considered the cheapest. There are usually no comfort elements here, and there are restrooms at the end of the cabin, so passengers occupy the seats in the last rows only if there are no other options. However, the tail section of the airliner is characterized by high safety relative to the rest of the cabin.. In addition, there are situations when seats here remain free. So, the passenger has the opportunity to occupy several seats in order to get a good night's sleep. On large airliner models, customer service begins both from the bow and the tail, so on such boards the client will also have a good selection of food and drinks.

Seats near technical blocks

We will separately highlight the groups of seat lines that are installed in front of the emergency evacuation hatches and between them. Here the seats closest to the exits are slightly curved. In addition, all such places imply the impossibility of fully reclining the chair. Considering that the passengers sitting in front are unlikely to refuse the opportunity to travel reclining, the situation is further complicated by the difficulties of entering the cabin. After all, the back of the front seat blocks the exit of a person and creates discomfort during the flight.

Although there will be an advantage - an increased distance between the rows of seats. This moment slightly eliminates the described inconveniences and allows you to periodically change the position of your legs.

A similar situation occurs with chairs that stand in front of technical blocks - dressing rooms, kitchens, restrooms. In addition, there is also extra noise caused by other passengers and staff frequently passing by you. When occupying these seats, be prepared to patiently endure slamming doors and constant crowding of people next to the chair. Such shortcomings are especially pronounced in the last row of the cabin.

Passengers call the best seats on the plane the rows located immediately behind the airliner's emergency hatches.

Now let's look at the best seats to choose on the plane. Travelers and airline employees unanimously claim that in economy class cabins, the best option is the seats located immediately behind the emergency exits. Some airliner models offer paired seats rather than three. In addition, sufficient space in front of the seats contributes to comfortable travel. Such seats cannot be booked when purchasing an electronic ticket - after all, airlines require an additional payment for such seats. In addition, childless and physically strong passengers will be able to occupy these seats; a similar opportunity will not be available for other categories of citizens.

In order for the trip to be remembered as pleasant impressions, it is advisable for a beginner to take care of the comfort of the trip in advance. Today you can buy air tickets online and check in yourself. This method is recommended by experienced travelers - after all, the passenger selects seats by looking at a schematic representation of the aircraft’s interior in a calm home environment. At the same time, it is appropriate to remember that different models aircraft are characterized by individual layout. Therefore, look for the cabin layout of your aircraft on the airline portal.

To choose a seat in the cabin that suits you, when checking in for your flight, clarify the details you are interested in with an airline employee

When buying a ticket at a carrier company branch, ask an employee about the number and quality of class service, the number of seats on the line, and the space between the rows. It is advisable to find out about the availability of monitors, the ability to charge gadgets, the layout and specific location of technical units on board and the immediate proximity of the proposed location to these elements. Feel free to voice your personal preferences - if you want to take a chair by the window, ask about this opportunity. In addition, arriving at check-in on time will guarantee successful and comfortable seat reservations.

Keep in mind that the airliner’s workload varies with the seasons of the year, days of the week and hours, so try to choose a departure date and time with the least amount of people. This method increases the chance of finding a good seat on board. Airline employees note a decrease in demand on weekdays except Friday. Accordingly, it is appropriate to plan the departure time at lunchtime, since morning and evening flights fly with a full cabin load.

Focus on choosing a place where you will be comfortable flying. When planning to spend your flight reading a book, it is appropriate to choose the sunny side of the cabin. You will not be short of natural light when flying to south direction on the morning flight, sitting on the left side of the aircraft. Other tasks will determine the choice of a chair on the opposite side.

How to fix the situation

In cases where check-in has been completed and the boarding pass indicates a bad seat, experienced passengers correct the unpleasant situation. When planting, pay attention to the places that would suit you and remain empty. The passenger has some time to take his favorite free seat after the end of boarding is announced. Airline employees are loyal to such situations, so there will be no difficulties here.

Buying air tickets in advance and checking in for your flight yourself is a smart choice. Typically this function is available one day before the flight departs. Remember, the comfort of a flight is an individual criterion, so it is important to focus on personal needs and preferences.

Cabin seating safety diagram
The seats furthest to the aisle are not suitable for travelers planning to sleep during the flight
The window seats allow you to watch the clouds, but leaving these seats along the way is quite problematic
Each compartment of the aircraft has positive and negative characteristics, so the choice is determined by the needs and preferences of the passenger.

Many passengers want to choose a seat on the plane, and it is very desirable that this seat be by the window, because you really want to look at the clouds, seas and cities floating below... But when choosing seats, there are other interesting and important points things to consider:

  • There are airlines that offer to choose a seat in the aircraft cabin during online check-in (for example, UIA, Turkish Airlines, Lufthansa). This is especially convenient for those who fly in large groups: it is difficult to expect that they will be able to seat you all next to each other;
  • You can always choose your seat when checking in at the airport. Therefore, you should not neglect the simplest and most proven way to get the desired seat in the cabin: do not be lazy and arrive at the beginning of registration;
  • If you fly with low-cost airlines, you will most likely have to pay extra for choosing a seat (about $10-15);
  • If you often fly with one airline, then get a “Loyal Customer Card”. Show it at the counter, and getting a seat with a more comfortable location will be very likely;
  • Often planes are not 100% full. After boarding, you can take any free seat;
  • For those traveling alone, the following option is possible - arrive at the very end of registration. If you are lucky, you may be given a seat in business class, and if you are unlucky, you will get a seat that all other passengers have already refused;
  • By choosing a seat by the window, at the back of the plane, there is a chance that the flight will take place without neighbors nearby;
  • It is more comfortable to sit on two, three or four seats than on one =), so, if possible, plan your flights on days and times when airports are least busy - Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. The busiest days are Friday and Sunday. The busiest flights are morning and evening. In the half-empty cabins of “weekday” flights, the flight attendants themselves will offer you to change seats to unoccupied rows - it’s quite possible to sleep on three seats;
  • Most passengers like to sit by the window, some in the aisle, no one in the middle;
  • Passengers prefer to sit closer to the front of the plane. Every day, hundreds of laptops break because the passenger sitting in front suddenly reclines the seat, which breaks the computer on the lap of the person sitting behind. The chances that it will be broken by the person sitting in front are reduced if you choose a seat at the front of the cabin, or behind the passenger who sits in front of the emergency exit (the seat backs do not recline);
  • Sitting near the emergency exit will give you more legroom;
  • If you are flying with animals, it is also more convenient to sit near the emergency exit;
  • It is better for those who get motion sickness to sit near the wings, since there is less “chattering” in this area;
  • In a 2-4-2 layout, if the fours are completely free, then sit in the middle seat in the middle row. Due to the dislike of the middle row, you have a greater chance of sitting comfortably in two chairs with the armrests raised;
  • When traveling as a couple and with a 3-2-3 layout, you can book one seat by the window and the second by the aisle. Most often there are no people willing to take the middle place;
  • There is no safest place to sit on an airplane. All seats are at the same risk;
  • The first row behind business class is considered the most comfortable. There is more legroom, no one sits in front of you - which means no one reclines their chair back on you, you will be the first to receive food, drinks, newspapers, blankets and pillows. For those traveling with small children, it is possible to attach a cradle for babies to the wall and install a child seat. But this also has its drawbacks: due to the tables hidden in the armrests, it is impossible to lift these armrests and turn the chair into a sofa or place a sleeping child on your lap. And if, for example, you are going to work on the road or prepare for a business meeting, you should hardly strive to sit in the front rows: being close to children (and there are usually more of them here) is unlikely to contribute to concentration;
  • Seats near emergency exits are also held in high esteem by experienced travelers: the spacing between the rows here is 15 cm greater than in the rest of the cabin, but depending on the layout of the cabin, the backrests of the seats often do not lower (on long flights you will regret this), and you cannot keep them on half hand luggage;
  • Typically, rows 8 to 20 are the noisiest area on the plane; all the noise from engines and turbines is concentrated here;
  • In the back of the plane, the seats are a little narrower, it’s more cramped to sit there, the shaking is stronger, there’s a small selection of food, newspapers and magazines (based on the “what’s left” principle), there’s a toilet nearby, which most often has a queue.

Use tips from Airlife and fly comfortably! Pleasant flight!

If the flight is short, then perhaps this issue is not urgent for you. And for those who fly often and who are going on a long flight, it is important to know where the best seats on the plane are located. After all, you must admit, when planning a vacation to distant hot countries, we dream that it will be a great success, and the impression of it will not be blurred by the “difficulties of the flight.” You don’t want to sit somewhere in a cramped middle row, squeezed between overly plump passengers, or end up in the tail section, where there is not even a window, or be next to the toilet, where passengers are endlessly plying around.

If you know the make of the aircraft on which you are planning a flight, then the diagram of the aircraft can be viewed on the official website of the carrier. In most cases, such information is not available and it is better to use some when purchasing tickets general rules which we will describe here.

Porthole seats have many advantages:

  • good lighting, especially if you are going to read;
  • you can admire the views of cities during takeoff and landing or the bizarre views of clouds;
  • you won't be bothered by squeezing your way to the exit.

These places have only one drawback: it will be difficult for you to go out into the passage, if you need to go to the toilet, you will have to disturb your neighbors. If you do not like to do this, but have a need to go out often, then it is better to take a ticket closer to the aisle.

By the passage

The places have advantages for long-legged and restless people. Here you can stretch your legs into the passage, stand up, stand for a while, and go to the toilet without hindrance. After landing, again, you will get off the plane faster. On the other hand, these are the most restless places. Flight attendants drive around with trolleys endlessly, sometimes even hitting us. Every time you have to get up when someone goes to the toilet.

Golden mean

Some, having weighed the pros and cons of the outer seats when deciding where it is better to sit on the plane, will take the seats in the middle; they are not too restless and they will not have to disturb their neighbors too much. If you need to get up, then at least you don’t have to go through everyone and fewer people pass through you, which means they will bother you less often.

Places behind emergency exits

These seats are located further away from the previous row, so it’s quite comfortable to sit here; you can stretch your legs and go to the toilet without disturbing anyone. Air carriers often leave such places for physically trained people, who in the event of an accident and evacuation (God forbid!) will be able to open an emergency exit. Also, according to the rules, it is strictly forbidden to block the passage to these places with suitcases.

Places behind emergency hatches

This is very uncomfortable places in the sense that the chairs are not thrown back, they are fixed so as not to block the passages to the emergency exits. If the row is located between two emergency hatches, then the passenger has the advantage of having some additional space in front of him.

At the front of the plane

They are convenient because passenger service begins precisely from these places, and you have a larger selection of food and drinks. In addition, passengers in the front rows have the advantage of being able to walk down the plane faster. The negative aspect of these places is that passengers with children often take tickets here, since there are mounts for baby strollers in the bow. Well, everyone knows what it’s like to fly next to a child who is naughty.

Seats at the back of the plane

The seats here are usually economy class and there are considered to be few amenities. However, the biggest benefit that may outweigh all others when deciding which airline seats to choose is safety. According to statistics, during crashes and accidents, it is the passengers in the tail section who most often survive, since the main impact always falls on the nose of the plane.

Often on unloaded flights these seats remain free, and you can easily take several at once and even sleep. The disadvantages of these places include the fact that passengers in the tail section are served last.

What's good about the first row?

There are no seats in front of the first row on the plane, this is a big advantage:

  • you will be able to stretch your legs;
  • No one will recline the chair on you.

However, please note that the first row, in front of which there are no seats, may be after the rows of a different class of service or the one in front of which the kitchen is located. In this case, you will have to look at the wall the whole way, and bassinets for babies are often mounted on the wall. You can buy tickets for these places if necessary.

The last row

The seats in the last row are very uncomfortable because the seats do not recline, and if they recline, it is only a little, and you will not be able to relax properly, especially if it is a long flight.

This is a brief description of all types of seats on the plane, but the following factors need to be taken into account:

  • number of service classes in the cabin;
  • distance between rows;
  • number of seats in a row.

All these characteristics are different various models liners.

Scheme for purchasing good seats on a plane

  1. Find out the model of the airliner you will be flying on. It would be a good idea to consult with airline employees and find out in general about the degree of comfort of the cabin: the presence of sockets, the distance between the rows, whether there is a TV, where the toilet is located.
  2. Buy your ticket online or at self-check-in kiosks at the airport, if available. So you can choose free comfortable spot. On airline websites you can find diagrams of aircraft cabins.
  3. If you buy tickets at the regular box office, just ask where you want them, “window” or “aisle.”
  4. Think about what is most important to you during the flight, what will you do - look out the window or sleep. It may be important for you to freely get out of your place at any time.
  5. Please note that the numbers and letters that indicate places can be written in both Cyrillic and Latin alphabet, and the place may have a different location depending on this.
  6. Try to buy tickets on more open flights. Typically, planes are busy on Fridays and weekends, with morning and evening flights. If you want to choose comfortable seats, try to plan your trip in advance and take tickets from Monday to Thursday, for flights that depart at lunchtime or 2-3 hours later.
  7. To choose good seats, you must also take into account the direction of flight. For example, if you are flying from North to South in the morning, the sun will be on the left side. If you were flying in the opposite direction, to the North, the sun would be on the right.

What to do if you only managed to buy an inconvenient place

Try to arrive at the airport on time for check-in and boarding. Then you will have a few minutes after landing to find a more comfortable seat, in case one is available. Do not ask the flight attendant for permission; change seats yourself. When the landing is completed and the plane begins to gain altitude, it will be impossible to change planes. When the liner already gains altitude and it is allowed to get up from your seat, it may turn out that these seats are already occupied by more efficient passengers. In any case, you shouldn’t be upset, since you will always have time to take your purchased seat.