Long Haul Flights: Choose the Best Seat (Window or Aisle) Middle

Here you will find facts to get the idea of choosing the best seat for your long-haul flight. Why and when to choose a window seat, the art of managing hours with a middle seat, and what makes an aisle seat good for day-long travel

In short: For night flights with lesser movement, window seats are better with a pillow to lean on and have better sleep. For daytime long-haul flights, aisle seats are better for legroom, shoulder space, stretching, and access to restroom and call crew members

Middle, Aisle & Window Seats: Best Seats for Long Hauls Flights

Selecting the right seat for long-haul flights can significantly enhance your comfort and overall experience. Here are some factors to consider when choosing a seat:

1. Seat Type:
   • Window seat: Offers a view, a place to lean against for sleep, and more privacy.
   • Aisle seat: Provides easier access to the aisle, allowing you to stretch your legs or use the restroom more conveniently.
   • Middle seat: Typically the least preferred option as it offers limited space and reduced privacy.
2. Legroom:
   • Exit row seats: Often have more legroom, but may have restrictions on storing personal items and require assistance in case of emergencies.
   • Bulkhead seats: Located in the first row or partition, providing extra legroom, but may have limited under-seat storage.
3. Seat Position:
   • Front of the cabin: Quieter and less crowded, but maybe closer to the lavatories and galley, resulting in more foot traffic and potential noise.
   • The rear of the cabin: May experience more turbulence, noise from the engines, and increased foot traffic, but can offer quicker access to the restrooms.

Quick Links: Art of Relaxing in an Economy Class Seat | How to pack light for your trip | Quick Tips to Recover from a Jet lag

Youtube Video Link: Best Seats in Economy

Research Seat Maps and Go for the Selection

1. Research Seat Maps:
   • Use online resources to review seat dimensions, features, and passenger reviews for the specific aircraft you will be flying on
2. Personal Preferences:
   • Consider your own needs and preferences. For instance, if you prefer to sleep during the flight, a window seat might be more suitable. If you need to move around frequently, an aisle seat would be a better choice.
3. Seat Selection Fees:
   • Some airlines may charge extra fees for certain preferred seats, such as those with extra legroom or in premium sections. Evaluate if the added comfort justifies the additional cost.
4. Exit Rows or Bulkhead Seats: These seats often offer extra legroom, allowing you to stretch out more comfortably during the flight. However, keep in mind that some exit row seats may have restrictions on storing personal items and require assistance during emergencies.
5. Front of the Cabin: Seats located near the front of the aircraft can offer several advantages, including quicker disembarkation upon arrival and be served meals and drinks earlier. Additionally, being seated towards the front may provide a quieter and less crowded environment.

When to Choose Aisle Seat?

1. Easy Access: The primary advantage of an aisle seat is the convenient access to the aisle. You can easily get up and move around without disturbing other passengers. This is particularly beneficial for stretching your legs, visiting the restroom, or accessing overhead compartments during the flight.
2. More Legroom: Aisle seats often provide slightly more legroom compared to the window or middle seats. This extra space allows you to stretch your legs more comfortably during the flight, reducing the feeling of confinement.
3. Frequent Bathroom Access: If you anticipate needing to use the restroom frequently during the flight, having an aisle seat ensures quick and hassle-free access. You won’t need to disturb fellow passengers to get in or out of your seat.
4. Convenience for Mobility: If you have mobility issues or find it challenging to move around in confined spaces, an aisle seat provides easier entry and exit from the seat. It can be particularly beneficial for passengers with medical conditions or those who require assistance or special accommodations.
5. Better Interaction with Crew: Being seated in an aisle seat allows you to have closer interaction with the cabin crew. You can easily request assistance, ask questions, or communicate any specific needs or concerns during the flight.
6. Enhanced Comfort for Longer Flights: During long-haul flights, the ability to stretch your legs, stand up, or walk a bit can significantly contribute to your overall comfort. The aisle seat offers this flexibility without inconveniencing other passengers.
7. Views and Space: Although window seats provide scenic views, aisle seats offer their own advantages. You have a more open view of the cabin, extra shoulder space, and don’t need to maneuver around others to look out the window.

What Makes a Window Seat a Better Option?

1. Scenic Views: One of the primary advantages of a window seat is the breathtaking views it provides during the flight. You can enjoy stunning landscapes, cityscapes, and aerial perspectives that can enhance your travel experience.
2. Control Over Light: With a window seat, you have control over the window shade, allowing you to adjust the amount of natural light entering your space. This can be particularly helpful for regulating sleep or reducing glare on screens.
3. Limited Disturbance: Being seated by the window means you have fewer disruptions from other passengers moving in the aisle. You can enjoy a more peaceful and uninterrupted journey, especially on long-haul flights.
4. Personal Space: The window seat offers a sense of privacy and a physical barrier on one side, allowing you to lean against the wall for additional support or rest your head for more comfortable sleep.
5. Reduced Foot Traffic: Window seats are typically situated away from the aisle, resulting in less foot traffic passing by your seat. This can contribute to a quieter and more serene environment.
6. Additional Storage Space: Many window seats have a small storage compartment between the seat and the cabin wall. This space can be useful for storing personal items like a book, water bottle, or small bag within easy reach.
7. Comfortable Sleeping Option: If you enjoy resting or sleeping during the flight, the window seat provides a solid surface to lean against and doze off without worrying about being bumped by passing passengers.
8. A Sense of Adventure: For those with a love for aviation and a sense of adventure, the window seat allows you to witness takeoffs, landings, and the overall experience of being in an aircraft up close.

Youtube Video Brightside Link: Things to consider before choosing your seat

What to Do If I Got a Middle Seat on Long Haul Flight?

Having a middle seat on an airplane can be a less desirable experience compared to window or aisle seats.

1. Stay Positive: While it may not be your preferred seat, maintaining a positive attitude can help improve your overall experience. Remind yourself that the flight will eventually come to an end, and focus on making the best of the situation.
2. Communicate with Seatmates: If you’re seated in the middle seat of a row, it’s essential to communicate and coordinate with your seatmates. Discussing when you might need to get up, how you can share armrests, and being considerate of each other’s space can help create a more comfortable environment.
3. Be Prepared and Organized: Since you’ll have limited access to the aisle, make sure to have all your necessary items within easy reach. Keep your essentials like headphones, entertainment devices, and personal belongings organized in a small bag under the seat in front of you for easy access.
4. Make Use of Both Armrests: The middle seat is known for having limited armrest space. However, remember that both armrests are shared among the passengers in the row. Claim your right to one armrest and negotiate with your seatmates for a fair distribution of the other armrest.
5. Take Advantage of Entertainment Options: Most airlines provide in-flight entertainment systems or offer Wi-Fi for passengers. Make use of these amenities to keep yourself entertained during the flight. Bring a book, download movies or TV shows, or listen to music to help pass the time.

Comforts and Rights

1. Stretch and Move: While you may not have direct access to the aisle, it’s important to find opportunities to stretch and move around during the flight. Take advantage of restroom breaks or when your seatmates get up to stretch your legs and prevent stiffness.
2. Bring Comfort Items: To make your middle seat more comfortable, consider bringing a travel pillow, a blanket, or a cushion to support your neck or back. These items can provide additional comfort during the flight.

Remember, the middle seat experience may vary depending on the flight duration, the size of the aircraft, and the behavior of your seatmates.