Aren’t you just annoyed with those narrow and cramped plane seats the airlines force you to sit in? This is something that affects all passengers, if they were to tell the truth. As long as you step onto a plane, you have to deal with those narrow and cramped plane seats. In today’s video, we’ll dive into the best seats in economy and the seats that you should be avoiding at all costs. I’ll also explain why after hundreds of flights, the aisle seat is no longer my favorite. Let’s begin with the pros and the cons.
Imagine snagging a window seat on your next flight, ready to enjoy the skies—only to realize it’s not all smooth sailing. Is it worth the trade-off? Let’s break it down.
Plane Seats: The Pros
The pros of sitting by the window are pretty compelling. We’ve all been mesmerized by that view from the window seat—the clouds looking like fluffy cotton candy, the tiny cities below like intricate model sets. It’s like your very own TV screen in the sky. The window seat isn’t just about the view, though. It doubles as a cozy headrest for power naps. No awkward elbow jabs from strangers, no fighting for the armrest or forced aisle small talk. It’s peace, comfort, and a touch of privacy.
For many travelers, this added window support makes it easier to get comfortable or even drift off to sleep. Another perk? Fewer interruptions. While your seatmates in the middle or aisle are getting up and down, you can stay seated, undisturbed. And if you’re concerned about germs, sitting by the window means you’re slightly more isolated from others, potentially lowering your chances of catching something.
Plane Seats: The Cons
But there are some serious cons to consider, too. Mobility is the biggest drawback. Anytime you want to stretch your legs or use the restroom, you’ll have to negotiate your way past the passengers in the middle and aisle plane seats. This can get awkward if they’re asleep, and no one enjoys the “wake them up or shimmy awkwardly” dilemma. Even when they’re awake, some seatmates make it clear they’d rather you perform acrobatics than simply step out of their seat—don’t be that person!
Plane Seats: The Window
Window plane seats also tend to be a bit colder, so if you’re prone to getting chilly, bring an extra layer. And when the plane lands, you might be at a disadvantage during deplaning. If your aisle and middle seatmates decide to take their sweet time gathering their belongings, you’re stuck waiting while everyone else moves past you.
Let’s talk about temperature. One minute you’re freezing like you’re on a polar expedition; the next, you’re sweating like it’s a sauna. It’s a rollercoaster of hot and cold that can leave you digging through your bag for layers.
And then there’s the dreaded Great Escape. The seatbelt sign finally goes off, and you’re ready to grab your bag and dash to catch your connecting flight or to grab your bag at baggage claim—except you’re stuck behind your row mates, who seem to be moving in slow motion. It’s enough to make you reconsider your seat choice, especially if you’ve got a tight connection schedule.
So, is the window seat worth it? That depends on your priorities. For views, support, and fewer interruptions, it’s a clear winner. But if freedom to move and quick exits are high on your list, you might want to think twice. What’s your go-to seat on a plane? Let me know!
The window seat has its undeniable perks for those who prioritize comfort and views. But we’re just getting started, so stick around because we’re about to dive into why the aisle seat might be the MVP—and trust me, you don’t want to miss this.
Plane Seats: The Middle Seat
Before we go to the middle seat, let me mention that I have a sneaky hack I am going to share at the end for the aisle seat. So stick with me. The only advantage of sitting in the middle seat is that you get first preference of both armrests.I call the middle seat, “the seat from misery.”
The dreaded middle seat—where dreams of a comfortable flight go to perish. It’s the Bermuda Triangle of air travel, a purgatory of cramped elbows and resigned sighs. Let’s be honest: the middle seat is what you get for not booking your flight early enough. Sandwiched between two strangers, you’re locked in an unspoken war over armrest supremacy, all while battling a creeping sense of claustrophobia.
But the struggle doesn’t end there. Cue the “excuse me” relay: you’re the unfortunate middleman in every bathroom break on the row. Up, down, up again—it’s practically a cardio routine. And don’t forget the endless negotiation with your neighbors over personal space. It’s a test of patience, endurance, and sheer willpower.
Plane Seats: WILMA
Here is a ray of hope! United Airlines has flipped the script on boarding with their new WILMA system. WILMA—short for Window, Middle, Aisle—reorders the chaos. Instead of boarding row by row, passengers now board by seat type: window seats first, then middle, and finally aisle.
For middle and window seat passengers, this is a game changer. You’re virtually guaranteed overhead bin space—no more gate-checking your carry-on because someone with an aisle seat decided to haul half their wardrobe onboard. Sure, you’ll still have to navigate the awkward “excuse me” dance when nature calls, but at least your bag will stay within reach.
Plane Seats: Securing Your Spot
Once you’ve secured your spot, the question remains: where on the plane should you sit?
The front is prime real estate. You’re first off the plane, first through immigration, and first to receive that lukewarm airplane meal. It’s also quieter and statistically a touch safer in an emergency. But here’s the catch—this area is often packed with families and their crying babies. If you’re sensitive to noise, you might want to reconsider.
The middle of the plane is the Goldilocks zone. You’re close to the exits without being too far from the bathrooms, and you’re less likely to hit bottlenecks during boarding or deplaning. It’s a sweet spot for balance.
Plane Seats: The Back
The back of the plane? It’s a gamble. You might luck out with an empty row all to yourself, but it’s also bumpier, noisier, and often means a longer wait to get off the plane. It’s not for the faint of heart.
When it comes to seating, the back of the plane is a mixed bag, depending on the airline and your priorities. Sitting near the back often means you’ll board last, which might leave you scrambling for overhead bin space—a frustrating start to any flight.
Additionally, the back of the plane tends to experience a bumpier ride compared to the middle, where the wings provide more stability. However, there’s a silver lining: studies suggest that passengers seated at the back of the plane have a statistically better chance of surviving a crash. It’s a sobering fact, but worth considering.
Plane Seats: Which to Avoid
Now, let’s talk about the plane seats you should absolutely avoid. The very last row is often the worst. These seats don’t recline, and they’re uncomfortably close to the bathrooms. The constant foot traffic, flushing noises, and, yes, the smells, can make for an unpleasant journey. Avoid turbulence!
Plane seats directly in front of exit rows are another trap. They may look fine at first glance, but they often come with limited or no recline. This can leave you sitting bolt upright for the duration of your flight—a nightmare on long hauls.
Before booking, it’s worth using a tool like SeatGuru. This free website lets you input your flight number and reveals the best and worst seats on your specific aircraft. It even highlights quirks like misaligned windows or malfunctioning tray tables. For example, a seemingly innocent window seat in row 33 might leave you staring at a wall instead of clouds. It’s a game changer for savvy travelers.
Plane Seats: The Bulkhead and Exit Rows
Now, let’s discuss bulkhead seats. These are located directly behind a wall, and while they offer extra legroom and prevent anyone from reclining into your space, they come with drawbacks. There’s no under-seat storage, meaning all your belongings must go in the overhead bin. The armrests in these seats are often fixed, housing tray tables and entertainment screens that pop out. Some people love the spaciousness; others hate the inconvenience.
Exit row seats are another specialty option with their own pros and cons. They offer excellent legroom and a prime spot for evacuation in an emergency, but they are also the coldest seats on the plane—so pack an extra layer. Additionally, airlines often charge extra for these seats, turning them into a premium option. We will revisit this again shortly.
Ultimately, your ideal seat depends on your preferences, priorities, and budget. Just remember: a little research can go a long way in ensuring a comfortable flight.
Plane Seats: The Perfect Side
Let’s dive into the art of picking the perfect side of the plane. If you’re eyeing a window seat and plan to snooze against the side wall, let your sleeping habits guide you. Do you sleep on your right side? Snag a seat on the right. Left-side snoozer? You know the drill—head for the left. But if it’s an aisle seat you’re after and you’ve got work to do, think strategically. Choose the side of the plane that lets you extend your dominant arm into the aisle without bumping elbows with your neighbor. It’s a small hack, but it makes a big difference for comfort and productivity.
No strong preference? The right side of the plane is often a winner. It tends to be less occupied, giving you a little extra breathing room.
Now, while side selection is important, where you sit in the cabin often matters more. Let’s break it down.
Plane Seats: The Front and Back
The front of the plane is all about speed. Faster boarding means you’re more likely to snag overhead bin space before it’s full. When it’s time to deplane, you’ll be among the first off, which is a lifesaver if you’re rushing to make a tight connection or want to beat the crowd to immigration.
Bonus points: meal service starts up front, so your preferred choice is more likely to be available. The front is also generally quieter—engine noise is a distant hum compared to the roar you’ll hear further back.
But the front isn’t perfect. Families with babies and toddlers often cluster here, turning the “quiet zone” into an unpredictable symphony of cries and coos. It’s also a high-traffic area, with passengers and crew bustling around.
Meanwhile, the back of the plane offers a different vibe. Sure, it’s noisier with the engines nearby, but that consistent hum? It’s like white noise, soothing for some. The back can also feel less crowded, and you might even score an empty row if the flight isn’t full. The trade-off? You’ll be the last to deplane, so patience is key.
Personally, I’ll take the steady engine sounds of the back over the unpredictable noises of people noises up front any day. But hey, that’s just me. What’s your go-to spot? Share your tips in the comment section, and let’s crack the code to the ultimate flight experience together!
Some seats are just bad news. And, here are my thoughts about that. The back row, for instance, is a no-go. They often don’t recline, you’re practically on top of the bathrooms, and you’ll endure the endless soundtrack of flushing toilets and crying infants.
Avoid the seats in front of the exit row too. They may seem appealing at first—extra legroom, right? Wrong. These seats usually don’t recline, and you’ll constantly be bumped by people making their way to the emergency exit.
Then there are the infamous “wild card” plane seats. Maybe the tray table is broken, the entertainment system doesn’t work, or the seat itself won’t recline. This is where SeatGuru becomes your secret weapon. Enter your flight details, and it’ll reveal the best and worst seats for your specific plane.
Plane Seats: Final Showdown
Now for the final showdown – and that is the aisle seat. Ah, the aisle seat—a haven of legroom liberty and unparalleled convenience. Picture this: you’re stretching your legs, maybe even daring to sprawl. You’re the master of bathroom breaks, no awkward negotiations or tiptoeing past sleepy neighbors required. If you’re feeling bold, you might even attempt a mid-flight yoga stretch (just don’t knock over the beverage cart).
When it comes to efficiency, the aisle seat is a clear winner. In the unlikely event of an evacuation, you’re the first one out, leading the charge like a seasoned pro. And let’s not forget its productivity perks. With ample space and decent lighting, you can actually open your laptop without feeling like you’re encroaching on someone else’s bubble. It’s the perfect spot for getting work done or indulging in some mid-flight binge-watching.
But don’t let the aisle seat’s allure fool you—it comes with a dark side. Brace yourself for the bump and grind. You’re in the direct path of every passing passenger, beverage cart, and flight attendant. Elbows, hips, and snack trays will collide with you as if you’re living inside a pinball machine. And forget about catching any meaningful sleep—the aisle seat is a thoroughfare for all. Passersby, restless travelers, and even the occasional wandering child will interrupt your attempts at a nap.
Let’s not overlook the germ factor. The aisle seat is Ground Zero for coughs, sneezes, and random handrail touches. If you’re seated here, hand sanitizer isn’t just a recommendation—it’s your best friend.
Plane Seats: Center Aisle
Here’s the sneaky hack I mentioned before and this one often flies under the radar but can make a world of difference if you’re on a larger plane with a center row of three or four seats. This might just transform your flying experience—or at least make it a whole lot smoother.
Now, I know what you’re thinking: “A center aisle seat? Really, Cheryl?” But trust me on this. In this position, you’re guaranteed at least one armrest to yourself—a luxury in the world of air travel. And if the stars align, you might even score an empty seat next to you, giving you a bonus buffer zone for added comfort.
Choosing a center aisle seat in one of these rows can be far more convenient than opting for an aisle seat on the sides of the plane. Why? Simple: in the center row, there’s a good chance you won’t have to get up at all.
The benefits don’t stop there. Sitting in a center aisle seat means you’re just one seat away from the aisle, making bathroom breaks and deplaning a total breeze. No awkward shuffles, no pleading glances to sleeping seatmates—it’s a sweet spot that often goes overlooked but can make all the difference.
Yes, unlike aisle plane seats on the left or right side, where you’re constantly on-call to move for passengers in the middle or window seats, a center aisle seat eliminates much of that hassle. In many cases, those seated beside you in the center rows have the option to leave on the other side. This subtle yet brilliant detail could mean the difference between sitting uninterrupted for hours or playing musical chairs every time someone wants to stretch their legs or use the restroom.
For an optimal experience, aim for a center aisle seat near the middle of the plane, away from the bathrooms. This keeps you clear of both unpleasant odors and constant foot traffic. It’s my personal go-to when I’m not flying with United Airlines and following their new WilMA boarding process.
Plane Seats: Strategic Choice
So, the next time you’re booking a flight, consider this strategic choice—you’ll thank yourself when you’re sitting peacefully while everyone else is shuffling up and down the aisles!
So, is the aisle seat the ultimate in-flight throne or an open invitation for chaos? That depends on your priorities. But one thing’s for sure: the aisle seat is never boring. Now, are you ready to pick your perfect seat? Buckle up, because there’s more insider wisdom coming your way!
Air Travel
Air travel doesn’t have to feel like a punishment. Whether you’re strategizing around United’s WILMA process or using tools like SeatGuru to dodge seat nightmares, a little planning can go a long way. And next time you’re stuck in the middle seat, just remember—you’re one step closer to landing.
So, there you have it: your secret weapon for tackling the seating dilemma on larger planes. Armed with this knowledge, you’re now ready to find your perfect slice of airplane heaven.
Final Thoughts
But wait—I want to hear from you! Have you ever scored a whole row to yourself or landed in the middle seat from hell? Share your most memorable airplane seat stories in the video comments after you subscribe. And don’t forget to hit that subscribe button and notification bell for more travel tips, hacks, and adventures on my channel. Check out my main website and blog. I will leave all the links in the description of the video. Anything you purchase will help to support the channel. Thanks in advance. Also, below the video, you will see some additional travel resources that could help from the Youtube Shopping Area. Until next time, safe travels and happy flying!
