BEST Airplane Seats in Economy | Where to sit on a plane in 2024
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- Äas pĆidĂĄn 11. 06. 2024
- TRAVEL HACKS and FLIGHT TIPS to pick the best FREE seat on a flight in 2024. What is the best seat on the plane in 2024?
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In todays video, we will cover how to choose an airplane seat so you have the best seat on the plane. You'll learn which seat to select, and which airplane seats are the worst. If you have ever wondered: where should I sit on the plane to sleep, how to get a full row of seats or yourself or and whether you should sit on the right or the left side of the plane on a long haul international flight - this video is for you!
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How to select an economy seat for free
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SeatGuru free seat map
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0:00 The best seats on a plane
0:25 first class, business class and premium economy
0:35 the best seat in economy class
0:45 should you pick the window or aisle seat?
2:00 seat with higher chance of getting sick on plane
2:07 the one benefit of the middle seat
2:35 best seat for tight connections
3:20 seat with least turbulence
3:34 downsides to the back of the plane
4:05 best part of plane to get a full row of seats
4:25 the safest place on the plane
4:50 the right or the left side of the plane
5:00 Productivity hack on flight
5:55 Bulkhead seats and the most legroom
6:35 Exit row seats
6:45 The coldest seat on the plane
6:55 The WORST seats on the plane
7:05 Where to sit based on airline seat maps [flight hack]
7:40 where I sit on the flight
8:00 do you pick the aisle, middle or window seat?
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// ABOUT
Hey there, I'm Megan and I've spent 5+ years living and working from over 50 countries around the world. I'm on a mission to prove that anyone (even you!) can do it too.
Portable Professional is a youtube channel full of actionable tips and guides to travel, live and work from anywhere in the world. Serving seasoned digital nomads and first-time travelers alike, it's the ultimate resource to hack the travel lifestyle.
www.megangougeon.com/
/ megan.gougeon
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When I first started flying, I always grabbed a window seat. But...after then having to travel for work on almost a weekly basis for 3+ years, I decided the aisle seat was better for me as I had full control of things if I needed a bathroom break, just a walk around or something from my carry on.
I'm a disabled Vietnam Veteran who fly's back home to the USA to visit from Sydney (14 hours) ... so after 50 years of flying from my Army (I was a paratrooper so getting off was quick on those flightsđ€Ł) and DOD around the States and the odd NATO country.. So I just sit and wait for plane to pretty much clear before getting off... also if I get right off, I'm still waiting for my luggage to appear on the baggage carousel....
If I don't get to sit at the front of the plane, we're not going anywhere. I'm the Captain...
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lol
Funny!! đ
Korny
Ya rightâŠ. đ
It's amazing to me that of all the times I've flown; I never really cared about where I sat. I'm not picky, I'm not a complainer, I find the cheapest fare and remind myself that WE WILL ALL arrive at the same time.
Keep telling yourself that on a 14 hour flight
irrelevant; because would still all arrive at the same time.
I sit as far back as possible to have easier access to a bathroom. Also, we frequently fly Southwest, which has open seating, and being far back increases the chance that the third seat in our row will go unoccupied. As for getting off the plane earlier, who cares, we all wind up at the baggage carousel together anyway.
Your right. Iâm the type of traveler who wants to board and exit last
Open seating? I've never heard of this before. How does it work?
@@Sdority905 Usually this means you pick your seat once you are on the plane. Those boarding first have lots to choose from, while the last passengers to board need to look for whatever is left.
I never understand all those people who bum rush the gate to board or try to bum rush off the plane. We all have assigned seats and weâre all getting on the plane! And if you have a tight connection try speaking to the FA who can arrange to get you off earlier.
On international flights sitting in the back is the worst because you will end up in the very last of the line going thru custom
I'm a frequent bathroom user, so the aisle seat is definitely my choice. If you have a motion sickness problem, DON'T sit all the way at the back. Also, some airlines run out of food choices by the time they get to you, for example, chicken or beef...?đ Thanks for the tip on Seat Guru! Never knew it exists
Seat guru is good. Thereâs a competitor website; I canât remember the name. đ
I just want to say I love your content and enthusiasm so much, Megan! You really think of the details and alternatives in your suggestions. Thanks for all your travel advice!
Thank you so much for these tips. I haven't flown as much as you have, but many of your tips I have had to learn by trial and error. How nice for newbies to learn from you before making our mistakes! Window vs aisle, for example.
Good job thanks. A couple of extra points and mainly pertaining to longer than short flights. 1) If you pick a window seat, I don't, and it's daytime outside the attendant will ask you to "darken" it so pax can watch the screens. 2) Especially on larger aircraft, space under the seat ahead of you is used for the entertainment centre electronics box and I have no accurate idea how this can be avoided. BTW rear sets don't experience less turbulence however, the plane rotates around the wing and centre of gravity thereby accentuating the angular movement at the rear.
Two other considerations that you missed that I think are worth mentioning. 1) Some planes have no windows in a row (for example row 24) because this is where the AC ducts come up to feed the overhead vents. This is another reason to check the seat rating web site for your specific plane. 2) I like window seats for the view and head rest. Think about where the sun will be during your flight so you don't have the heat of or have to look at the sun (don't forget it is always a sunny day above the clouds). So for example on a SB flight in the morning, WB flight mid day or a NB flight in the evening, I like the right side of the plane. As a bonus when flying on SW where I pick any open seat when I board I will check the wind direction at the airports. For example at my home airport of IND, if the wind is coming from the SW, I'll sit on the left side of the plane to get a view of downtown Indy on the glidepath in. (Yes I have been accused by friends of over thinking things)
On steamships going from England to India the word "posh" (which in England came to mean fancy)was invented. P port O outbound S starboard H homebound, so I don't think you are overthinking at all. They chose those cabins on the boat to avoid the sweltering sun in the days before air conditioning. :)
Great help, thank you very much.
@@lillianliber1798 I love this! What a treat to learn where that word, posh, came from. I plan to dazzle my dinner partners with this tidbit of esoterica.
@@lillianliber1798 I did not know where that word came from, but how interesting to learn something new. Thank you
sucks that seatguru doesnt say if the window seat actually has a window now I'll just have to lucky
I do have one friend that prefers a middle seat because she isn't a fan of flying. She didn't want to be near the window because she didn't want to look out and see how high up she was and she feared sitting on the aisle would make her feel exposed and anxious. I sat on the aisle, she sat in the middle and it acted for her in the way a weighted blanket can for those with anxiety or other sleep related problems can. She felt a bit more protected and enclosed so she didn't think so much about her various fears of flying. She's still very much fearful of flying (white knuckled the arm rest and my hand during takeoff and landing) but she was able to reload a little during the flight. That's the only time I've ever had someone prefer the middle seat.
I imagine having you next to her was very reassuring. Safe travels, Amorelle.
Always an aisle person. Also love the 1st row of seats behind 1st on Alaska. They donât have bulkhead wall so plenty of room for legs but they do have trays in arm rest, making arm rests solid. No strangers thigh against you!
This video is extremely helpful, thank you đ
For me being able to get up and move around is critical for long flights so I always choose the aisle. Iâve even changed the days I fly in order to get an aisle seat but I have a flexible schedule. I also try to be near the front because I often have a connecting flight and want the extra time. Even if I donât itâs annoying having to wait to get off the plane.
Thanks. Very helpful and useful information.
Thanks for the tip. Very useful for people who are frequent flyer.
Thank you for sharing your look at flying.
Thank you for the video. Great tips đ
On many, if not most, planes these days, the aisle seats have less space under the seat for your feet or personal item. As to bulkhead seats, you also have to be aware of whether that particular bulkhead has the crib attachment. On many airlines, those are located on the center bulkhead and starboard side bulkhead in each economy cabin. Two other big considerations about which side of the plane to choose: 1) if one side would have a particularly great view upon takeoff or landing - or even while flying (like over the Grand Canyon), and/or 2) if you want to remain comfortable temperature-wise during the flight and/or to be able to sleep regardless of what other people near you do with their window shades, you want to avoid the side which would be sunward during the flight.
Nice tips, thank you. I've always preferred window seats about three quarters length inside to enable me see fellow passengers heads plus I'm addicted to viewing landscapes from a bird perspective.
I love the Canuck hand gesture theatrics lispy. good tips as always for a novice traveler without 100 flights.
keep up the good work.
Love your videos and learned a lot for them. Thanks Sis.
Another thing to consider about aisle seats: your arm and shoulder often get bumped by passengers walking by, and by the drink/food carts. And if you sit towards the back of the plane you'll end up getting your drink and food served last; you'll have to wait a long time for a beverage or snacks/food.
Thank you for your awesome tips.
Thanâk you Megan. Seat Guru is terrific. Take care.
You are SO welcome. SeatGuru is fantastic!
Great advice. Thank you!
Awesome video, very informative, great job. Thanks for sharing, big liked.
Iâm a window flyer. I like the view and having something to lean on when I sleep. I never thought about the left vs right side of the plane - thanks so much for the tip!
My pleasure! Enjoy the view!
This was really informative and useful, thank you đ
Thank you!
Most of my flights are with in those 2 hrs so yep i am one who likes the window seat
And I always choose the side opposite the sun rise or sun set :)
All helpful stuff, thank you!
I was a little bit surprised by how much information you've provided. Thank you!
You are very welcome!
I found your video truly helpful. Thank you!
Great video. Thank s for posting
One thing you didn't mention which may not be of concern to a seasoned traveller like you but would mean a lot to most people who are travelling for pleasure and like to take photos, vlog, make insta stories etc. Depending on where you are going a window seat will give you great opportunities for taking some post-able videos and photos. If you are going to Paris, just before landing you get nice views, in Norway, I found that both take-offs and and landings from Oslo and Bergen provided me with some lovely shots and even in the middle of the journey there were some mountains that were much appreciated by my friends when they saw the video taken on my phone. So, consider your destination and the time of day when you would take off or land there.
Good tips for considerations Iâd never really thought about.
I always prefer the aisle seat because if it is a very long flight sitting next to the window can have disadvantages if the passenger in the row go to sleep and you have to wake them up to go to the toilet and if you have any digestive issues on board , using the toilet multi times during the flight can be a real problem getting past other passengers if sitting in the inner location next to the widow , also the aisle is closest to the crew and looking at menus , getting served or asking questions is made easier and access to your bags is much easier .
The front of the plane is far better because usually you are off the plane much quicker when it lands if the rear stairs are not being used and this means getting to the border control area quicker and out of the airport quicker without standing in queues for longer times .
The worst seats on the plane are those next to the toilets where people are coming and going all the time and those seats right at the back of the plane against the wall which don't go back fully .
It is not wise to be the last passenger aboard the airline because sometimes the overhead lockers are fully loaded and they can take your luggage to put under the plane where the risk of it being lost is possible .
So helpful. Thank you.
Great video, Helped to select the right seat...Thank you so much....
I never thought about my arm like that so thatâs great information to half and I will readjust my favorite spot which is usually the second. Iâll on the plane right side. I like to be in the aisle because I donât like to have to ask people to get up and I like to work while I fly. I fly a lot and have flown all my life so this is really good tips. Thank you very much for consolidate them all in one place. At least quite a few good tips.
I flew to London on a 787 in the very back row. It had a closet behind it, not a bathroom, and the seats did recline. It was a great seat because I could recline without being in someone else's space, and because the bathroom wasn't there the traffic was low. I did check seatguru before i booked.
The big negative to this seat was that because the airplane is composite and more flexible a little turbulence made the tail wag side to side the whole flight. My head was going left right left right the whole way.
The way back was smooth so that ride was good.
Great video Megan! As a longtime airline industry employee I have never lost the love of flying and prefer the window seat. Iâve never understood why some people get on and automatically close the shade. I will say that exit rows were never a problem for me but 757âs have that mid-cabin door in economy (Y). I sat next to that door as a nonrev and it was COLD! I was able to move about half way into the flight as the airplane was only about half full on a domestic flight from LGA. I had a similar seat at the rear of a much newer A321 and had no problems at all. The legroom was wonderful!
Thank you so much! Happy travels!
Great info.. nice presentation.. beautiful smile.. Again.. Great info! Thx
Good advice Megan,I'm an American watching from a hostel/Bar in Budapest on a 25 day trip,having a blast Vlogging the fun.
Great tips. I suggest using different words than right or left side of the plane, unless you say something like, left while facing forward.
Excellent. Thank you.
Interesting, I'm ambidextrous and automatically always choose the right side of the plane, but never ever thought about it being less crowded , but indeed , it was always less crowded. I also intuitively always choose the same level of the plane as you do for those specific reasons, except that I do take the window seat cause it feels more like a nook
Thanks for the Seat guru tip!
you are so welcome, Lisa!
Your video should win the award for the most comprehensive one for the topic. Kudos, I love it. Thanks! â€
I had 2 flights this weekend. I am a nervous flyer and havenât flown for years, so my husband chose seats near the wing, (nice and stable) but not at the exit (too much opportunity to dwell on an emergency and freak out) and a middle seat (could lean over him and look out if I wanted to, but didnât have to face the height if I felt wobbly) and being wedged between two people was oddly comforting. BUT we didnât know the seats didnât recline, and far worse for me there were no air conditioning nozzles so I was absolutely roasting and miserably hot! At least I know for next time! đâïž
On your next flight bring a small refillable plastic spray bottle with you. It can be filled up with tap or mineral water after you've passed security check, and feels great when sprayed on the face while on the plane. But please try not to spray on your seat neighbours đ..... unless you're asked to do so.....
I am traveling to Vietnam in January. I went on seatguru before i watched your video. I always take an aisle. Especially on long haul flights. I paid $15 just to book row 25. My lucky number and i didn't want to chance not getting an aisle for the long ride.
One important consideration you missed is there is more engine noise on the back seats. This is especially important on long flights where you want to sleep. I always try to choose a seat ahead of the wings.
Some might actually like the sound to fall asleep with đ
Exactly the same as you!!! Used to be back of the bus talking to the staff and getting a drink .....always loved to be back of the bus ....but often had a fan club accumulating around me after dinner and before landing..... so found eventually that half way up the aisle gets less congested!!
Very informative đ Iâm an Isle seat left side traveler itâs d most convenient for me đ„°
It is amazing how you think of so many nuances to consider regarding choosing a seat including turbulance, priority of unloading plane, and inconvienences. Your tips are quite practical. As for wanting to know what's going on in the plane, I think you have a mild case of fomo, aha! :))
Great stuff!
Always a window seat, and the one on the extreme left as you're walking down the aisle. I have piriformis syndrome, so sitting for long stretches of time is painful. I get some relief by leaning against the window. I will pay extra to choose my seat when I book my flight.
I always like seating at the window seat because I always like to look out and take pictures or videos. As for which side of the plane I'll be seating it depends which direction the plane is flying. If it's flying east to west, then I'll sit on the right side. West to east, I'll sit on the left side. It's more of avoiding where the sun is when flying during middle of the day. I didn't mind at first but sometimes I get a little heated up when the sun is hitting me. It gets uncomfortable for a while. I wished there are more planes that has only 2 seats on the side instead of 3. It's hard to find those anymore.
Oh yes. My wife and I really miss the older MD-80s with their 2 x 3 seating configuration. I like windows and she likes aisles, so the two seats on one side were perfect.
We are all trying to sleep...and your like "oh look..another cloud...wheee"
Thank you for the excellent tips. One thing I would like to add is when setting at the back .Check what plane you will be on as planes that have rear mounted engines can be very noisy at the back. Also you can get the smell of jet fuel also
I like to watch the scenery go by, so I choose a window seat on the north side of the plane, which means: right side westbound; left side eastbound. That way I don't have the sun beating in on me or in my eyes when I try to watch the scenery out the window.
I used to fly a lot when in the military. I must say, I never thought that I'd become a "window guy", but I like it because it grants me nice views. In my earlier flying days, I was flying out of Richmond International, then called Byrd Airport, and I had an aisle seat. We hit severe turbulence, and it caused the cockpit doors to open and we all could see the pilots literally wrestling with the controls to maintain flight of the aircraft. Not something I wanted to see. Now military flight (MAC), I've flown on the C-5 Galaxy (cargo) which has "no windows" for passengers. We rode in a capsule and the seating was arranged backwards (safety reasons). You got earplugs, a box lunch, and a blanket. I loved it! Try that for 9 1/2 hours. For $40 round trip (then)...not bad at all!
Thanks!!đ
Great video, thanks for sharing. I am an aisle seat person. đđ»
Awesome thanks đđŸ
Megan, what about planes that have a 2-4-2 configuration in economy? What's your recommendation for those middle section seats?
I started watching your videos, to know if i am doing the right thing everytime i travel internationally. To my surprise almost everything you mentioned are the ones i am actually doing, Seating at the back, how to book flights etc. I guess i am doing it right & it works actually. I am now one of your your "subscribers"...Thank You, Keep it Up!!!
Welcome to the channel!!
mentioned all the thing's i've learned to do myself. I always take window so i don't need to get up for others. I also find planes very hot so i wear very lightweight clothing and my vent is always blasting. I'll pay extra for a seat near the entrance if i have a short connection, but generally i'll pay more just to avoid an intinerary with close connections in the first place. 2.5hrs is my comfortable layover length.
Oh !! Good Tips !! Thanks !!
My pleasure, Gregg!
On anything wider than a 767 or Airbus A300/310/330/340, my favorite economy seats are the last 2-3 rows where seating goes from 9 or 10 abreast to 7 or 8 abreast. In the case of the 747, the last 3 rows are in a 2-4-2 configuration and window seat occupants have a little extra stretch room between the seats & windows.
New subscriber here and great travel tips on âïž Thanks beautiful
my son loves the middle seat. he gets to snuggle with either me or my wife anytime he wants..love every second of it always.
Very informative
Thanks for your flight tips. I'll keep them in mind the next time I fly. I prefer window seats on short flights and aisle seats on longer flights. You're correct about the seats that don't recline. I had the unfortunate experience of booking a flight to find my seat didn't recline. It wasn't in the back of the plane or at the exit. The seat was just broken. That flight was totally uncomfortable.
Excellent video. You've reshaped my thinking.
Glad it was helpful! Happy travels, Kenneth!
Thanks foe sharing about seat guru
Several years ago, I attended a conference in Miami with some coworkers. On the return trip, I was the only one not upgraded to first class. I was also the only one not hungover (or maybe still drunkđ). We hit heavy turbulence which I barely noticed in my seat near the wing. My colleagues were decidedly green when disembarking.
I have often chosen an exit seat and paid for it because of the leg room but I do like the other strategies you mentioned and will use some of them.
I've gladly paid for exit row seat many times to Asia from U.S.. The seat at far end of bulkhead looked good to though for tall people.
I love exit row window!!! I love how cold it can be and the extra leg room
I actually love the back of the plane the most. I actually like the fact that I am able to get to the bathroom easily. I like the fact that I am not rushed by anyone behind me to get my stuff or having people shove past me because the need to catch a connection or whatever the reason. I am also not bumped by people who are getting on the plane either as I am trying to get my kids settles safely. Plus the whole safer thing is a thing for me too
I haven't flown much and the flights I've taken so far haven't been longer than 3-5 hours. I've had aisle seats before and I will avoid them at all costs! I had 2 aisle seats on my last trip and it was the worst! Everybody and their grandmother decided to walk up and down the aisles bumping on me, and even the flight attendants hit my elbow with their cart twice. It was awful, no matter how small I tried to make myself in those seats.
I prefer the window seats. I get a view, a place to rest my head, and best of all no disturbances. In short flights I don't have to get up to the restroom and I don't have to put up with being hurt by the traffic from the aisle seat.
I love the front window seat rows 2 to 6 because I like to get on and off faster. Plus I take pictures during takeoff and landing.
Iâm flying to Germany in September and as Iâm paying dirt cheap air ticket, I would only choose the seat during check in and I might sneak some food onto the plane as I donât want to pay for it. Haha. This video is great!
Have fun! I always bring snacks too. A plane essential!
Itâs perfectly fine to bring food on the plane.
@@PortableProfessional The airline is Scoot and they have a policy of no outside food and beverage. I might sneak in some fast food and chocolate bar on board. Middle row Aisle left seat is my go to always. Hope I manage to pick on during check in!
You can actually bring food..from home. Please no fish or tuna!đŹđ€ąđ«ą
@@toosexy12jmb or onions!
I always prefer a window seat so I can look out at the scenery. And, as some others have mentioned, try to pick the side with the best potential views. Also, I try to time my potty breaks with the person in the aisle, so as to disturb them as little as possible when I need to go.
Love your video
Thank you so much!
When taking off from and landing in Bermuda, I prefer choosing the sides that give me the view of the island.
One other benefit of the middle seat is that there's often more room for personal item storage under the seat in front of you.
True. And on the flights Iâve taken lately I have noticed that the aisle seat has less under-seat storage. My underseat bag would not fit in the space given to an aisle seat. There was room to spare in the middle and just enough room on the window. All under-seat spaces are not equal!
Thanks for sharing. I never would have thought of that.
NOT A CHANCE... Under the seat in front of me is where my feet go.!
Window seat on long haul. Have figured out my sleeping game, aisle on short flights, unless I'm flying into a particularly scenic airport/city.
Window seat as my flights are always short. Thank you for the info!
YES INDEED. 14.5 hour flight from LAX back home & we asked for the exit row seats & were with the toilets. No big deal - except it becomes a place for people to chat at 0200. After a delayed take off we had a few screaming kids to entertain us all the way. I invested in Ear Plugs for the next flights then went Business Class Only. Domestic I prefer an aisle seat only - even in Business Class.
Thanks
Good info
Thank you
I have been devouring your vids. My last flight from IND to MAN I selected all port side window seats 4 months early for all 46 hrs of the flights to & from. Delta blessed me with all middle seats for a reason never given. It was my rule I was taking both armrests. They did put me in the middle of an older couple for a 16 hr leg so that was an ez swap. I still get a little fired up thinking about it.
Good points
Thanks! Glad you think so!
Good information but frequent fliers learn these pretty quickly. I am right handed and donât work on a computer during the flight. Not big issue but I choose a right hand aisle seat because I donât want someone walking by hitting my arm while I eat or drink.
I've got well over 5 million miles and just found you today! Great channel. One consideration: Including time-stamps statistically hurts your viewing time. Consider discontinuing them. (Saw that on Sean Cannell's Think Media channel.)
My husband and I both prefer Aisle people when we fly coach. We choose seats across the aisle from one another to accommodate this. If we are flying First Class, then he will take the window and I still like the aisle, but since the seats are just 2 in a row, no one has to be stuck in the middle.
I Think Very Helpful Video For Every Traveler â€
Thanks! Glad you think so!
With my daughter if it's long haul 3/4/3 configuration we always go with the centre 4 seat aisle since no one will cross over us to get out of their seat on a 14 hour flight.
I can relate with sitting closer to the back, so i can see what's going on in the front of the plane :). As youâve mentioned, like about three quarters near the back. But for me, i would choose a window seat on the right side, considering it tends to be fewer people on that side. While hoping no one sits in that middle seat next to me đ . I also like to record the take-off and landings. Fun fact: lately, I have been binge watching your videos because I'm learning a lot as a novice traveler. Even if you donât get to read all the comments. I just want to say i sincerely appreciate you. Thank you for helping us in so many ways. God bless you. đđŸ