Not everyone can afford to fly in business class and take up slightly more space than a standard seat. Those who fly often know that the chance of sitting with a large person or someone with different ideas about hygiene than you is very high. It’s impossible to avoid this, but you can try to sit near a window or in an aisle if that makes it more comfortable for you to survive the hardships of the flight.

Russian Forbes gives practical advice on how not to make a mistake with your seat on the plane.

1. Find out more about the model and the location of seats on the plane

You can find out what model of aircraft a particular flight is on on the airline’s website. Aircraft different airlines They differ quite greatly from each other in terms of cabin comfort. The websites SeatGuru and SeatExpert have all the details about the layout of the most different planes: the presence of electrical sockets and TVs in the backs of the seats, the location of the toilets, the spacing between rows (usually it is 80 cm, but some companies, such as JetBlue, have increased it by 5 cm) - this seemingly small difference on long flights It’s very noticeable.

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 seat back on you, you will be the first to receive food, drinks, newspapers, you will get blankets and pillows, for 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 - because of the tables hidden in the armrests, it is impossible to lift these armrests and turn the chair into a sofa, or to 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 try 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 seat backs often do not lower (on long flights you will regret this) and cannot be kept on the floor hand luggage. The rules require that only tall adults be seated in these seats.

“Honestly, for obvious reasons, when registering, first of all they look to ensure that the person is physically strong, energetic and, how can I put it, smart,” says Boris Rybak, director of the consulting company Infomost. “In case of an emergency, he must open the door and help the crew evacuate the passengers.”

Although there are cases when even a fragile girl could convince an airline employee that she needed to fly in this particular row.

In the middle of the cabin, for a significant part of the flight you find yourself “locked” by carts with food, drinks, newspapers, and duty-free goods. In addition, rows 8-20 are usually the noisiest area on the plane; all the noise from the engines and turbines is concentrated here. But there is no such information on websites or cabin maps, and only airline staff at check-in can help you find a quieter place - different types of aircraft have different noise distribution schedules.

In the back of the plane, the space is a little narrower (this is the geometry of the plane) - sitting there is more crowded, the shaking is stronger, there is a small selection of food, newspapers and magazines (based on the principle of what is left), next to it is a toilet, which most often has a queue - which means noise. The only plus is that the tail seats are considered safer.

2. Book your seats in advance

Advance booking allows you to choose your seats on the plane long before the flight. This is especially convenient for those who fly in large groups - it is difficult to expect that they will all be able to seat you next to each other. British Airways has introduced an additional fee for bookings since October of this year: now, for the opportunity to choose a convenient seat, economy class passengers will have to pay 10 pounds ($16) on European flights and 20 pounds ($32) on long flights, and 20 pounds ($32). ) and 60 pounds ($98) respectively for business class passengers. But most airlines (with the exception of low-cost airlines, which charge everything) still provide this service for free when purchasing tickets both online and at airline offices. But few people know about it - because for some reason it is not particularly advertised by either the carriers themselves or the agents.

At pre-booking seats, you can also order special food for yourself (which few people know about either) - all airlines have different lunch options. Transaero, for example, offers a choice of about 30 different lunches - vegetarian, kosher, Muslim, low-calorie, diabetic and others, plus 2 types of baby food.

3. Use online registration

You can also choose a seat that is convenient for you during online check-in; this procedure is becoming increasingly popular - you can check in at the airport at special kiosks, and even on the airline’s website. This way you save a lot of time (you can arrive at the airport at least 50 minutes before departure), however, there are a number of restrictions - you must travel without luggage, without small children, without animals. In general, this option is suitable for a businessman traveling light. In addition, some companies, for example, Delta or Air Berlin, do not display seats near emergency exits (which are considered good by travelers) in the online check-in system, reserving them for tall and large passengers. The second point is that not all companies in Russia have online registration counters, and so far only in Moscow - at Dodomedovo and Sheremetyevo-2.

In the near future - the creation of a single group boarding pass, which will allow, for example, a large family or a group of passengers to get seats next to each other - for this they will not all have to come to the airport at the same time, 1 person will be able to register the entire company: the data of several travelers at once will be stored on the chip of one ticket

4. Arrive early for registration

Do 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. According to the director of the press service of Transaero airline Sergei Bykhal, “the airline’s employees at check-in always try to meet passengers halfway and take into account their wishes.” For those traveling alone, this option is also possible: take a chance and play the lottery - on the contrary, arrive at the very end of check-in: if you are lucky, you may be given a seat in business class, and if you are unlucky, you will get a seat from which all other passengers have already refused.

5. Choose days of least traffic to fly.

Experts recommend, if possible, scheduling 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.

6. Try "unofficial ways"

Just a few years ago, it was a widespread practice to get good seats on board or to get into business class by bribing airline employees (500 rubles included in your passport can still open your way to a seat at the emergency exit, but we do not recommend this). American Forbes.com tells the story of a passenger who, on a flight from New York to Germany, was helped by a hundred-dollar bill to get into business class. True, on the way back with the German airline staff, the same trick did not work.

When registering online. Previously, this could only be done when checking in at the airport counter (or at the ticket office of an authorized agent, which no one knew about), which forced passengers using this service to arrive in advance, otherwise there might not be enough seats. What are these places and how much?

On this moment The airline offers 4 categories of seats available for an additional fee:
“Space+” - seats with increased legroom, mainly near emergency exits; it costs 1000-3200 rubles. behind domestic directions and 15-55 euros on international flights (depending on the duration of the flight - there are three gradations:<3, 3-6 и >6 hours).


“Space+ Upper Deck” - seats with increased legroom on the upper deck of a Boeing 747, it costs 3000-5600 rubles. on domestic flights and 75-90 euros (or $85) for international ones.


“Front Rows” - seats in rows 1-4 of Boeing 737-800 (300-500 rubles on domestic flights and 5-8 euros ($10 on international flights).


“A-zone” - seats in the bow of a Boeing 747 (the first cabin of the lower deck with 55 seats): 700 rubles or 12 euros ($14).

It is worth noting that all the innovations concern Rossiya flights (FV5501-5900), which are operated without a code share with Aeroflot; For check-in, DCS “Astra” (Sirena-Travel) is used here, and not Saber, which does not have such a function: only a platinum-level passenger can choose comfortable seats in Aeroflot not at the counter, and for free. Privileges on bonus cards of Aeroflot elite levels do not apply on these Rossiya flights, so you can only get these seats for free by chance by going to the airport counter at the very end of check-in.

How to choose the most comfortable and safest seats on a plane? What should you pay attention to based on your needs?

Spending several hours in the sky is quite difficult. Therefore, airline passengers try to make themselves as comfortable as possible. The first step is to choose the optimal chair. Of course, you need to arrive at the airport at the start of check-in, and not 30 minutes before departure. Otherwise, you will not get the best, but worst place in the cabin.

Another option: check in for the flight yourself using an online service - there will definitely be a place to show your skills in practice.

How to choose a comfortable and safe place?

There is heated debate about the tail section of the aircraft. Proponents argue that seats in the rear of the aircraft are the safest. Air crash statistics confirm this. In addition, most of the rear seats are often left empty, so on a night flight you can always fold out several seats and go to bed in comfort. But many passengers don't like the tail section of the plane because the toilets are located there. Therefore, you will constantly have to endure a queue of people in the immediate vicinity of your place. This is not always convenient.

Many passengers choose exclusively a seat near the window. Some people like to look at the sky and earth through the clouds, while others value natural light. And luggage from the upper compartments will never accidentally fall on your head. But if you have to go to the toilet, you will have to disturb two neighbors at once.

Near the passage the places are the most restless. Flight attendants with trolleys and other cabin passengers will constantly walk by. But during quiet hours, you can easily put your feet into the aisle and fly in more comfortable conditions. When leaving the plane, you will not need to wait or disturb anyone. The most uncomfortable chairs are those located in the middle of two neighbors.

If you come across a 3-lane salon, then it is especially important to choose comfortable seats.

At the front of the aircraft, mounts for cradles are often installed. Therefore, passengers with babies are most often seated there. And it doesn't come close worthwhile places comfortable for other passengers.

Onboard service most often begins from the bow, less often from the tail. Therefore, passengers occupying the front seats have more options for choosing food and soft drinks. The gangway is also located closer to the front of the aircraft. When disembarking from the plane, passengers sitting in the forward section have a slight advantage over other people.

Are the emergency exit seats comfortable?

There is another type unusual places, which can also be intentionally selected on an airplane, are emergency exit seats. For example, in airbus 320/321 they are located in the area of ​​row 10. Many travelers consider them to be the most advantageous in the entire cabin - the distance between the seats is wider, and therefore it is possible to comfortably stretch out your legs. True, there are three nuances that may warn you against flying on these specific rows:

  • The distance to the seats in front, although impressive, is the backrests do not recline . Be prepared to spend the entire flight sitting at an angle of almost 90 degrees. There's no time for stretched legs here!
  • Passengers who unexpectedly received tickets for “emergency” seats, on foreign flights knowledge will be required in English . The flight attendant will certainly ask you how “do you speak English”? And if you don’t immediately understand what this pretty girl wants from you, she will strongly suggest that you change the comfortable and certainly the safest seat on the plane to the one that comes to her hand first.
  • In the rows of seats near the emergency exits you will be asked to send all your hand luggage upstairs prepared for flight. This applies to absolutely everything - even women's handbags. Getting anything - water, pillows, books, tablets, napkins, warm clothes, comfortable shoes, etc. - will have to happen during the process. And the flight attendants will not be happy about it. This is because the passages in these rows should be as free as possible and ready to provide access to emergency hatches at any time.

The most comfortable seats on the plane

The right seat on the plane means both comfort and safety!

Now let's summarize. What seats to choose on the plane to make the trip comfortable, and at the same time protect yourself and your loved ones?

  • Seat by the porthole . The advantage is daylight. In addition, passengers enjoy the most breathtaking views. The disadvantage is the neighbors who will have to be disturbed every time they leave the chair. But in the end, these are not your problems 😉
  • Seats in the rear section at a relative distance from the toilets . The advantage is that they often remain free, and therefore give the opportunity to get comfortable! Again, getting to the toilet is not difficult 😉
  • Seats near the aisles towards the front . These are the most comfortable seats on the plane for short flights. If you don’t want to waste extra time when going out, choose them!

The most uncomfortable seats on a plane

Based on the results of the article, it turned out that there are seats on planes that you shouldn’t rush to occupy:

  • Seats in the middle of the row . There may be 1 or 2 of them (if it is a large airliner, like a Boeing 777). No particular advantages were found. There is only one drawback, but a significant one - neighbors, neighbors and again neighbors.
  • In the popular airbus 320 and 321 airliners catastrophically uncomfortable 8th and 9th rows , where not only the distance between the seats is narrowed, but also the trajectory of the reclining backrest is limited. All thanks to the 10th row, where the emergency exit is located (see plan below).
  • Seats in the front with provisions for carrycots . The advantage is comfortable seats if there are no children under 1-1.5 years old on board. If they are present, then the advantages turn into one continuous disadvantage.

The most controversial places on board

These, of course, are the rows of seats at the emergency exits - the same 10th row. We found a lot of disadvantages in such accommodation, but passengers continue to snap up these seats like hot cakes. This is partly explained by the layout of the classic airbus 320, where the seats near the emergency exits are called "seats increased comfort"(see plan).

Emergency exit seats

There is usually sufficient legroom in front of emergency exit seats. These places have only one drawback: choosing them when registering online is almost impossible. An airline employee must seat you there upon check-in at the airport. This is done so that passengers sit at the emergency exits, who in an emergency will be able to open the hatches and help with evacuation.

You are much more likely to get these advantageous places if you or your companion is a physically strong man.

Seats in the front of the cabin

These chairs often also provide increased legroom in front. An additional bonus: food begins to be served from the nose of the plane, so you can choose dishes from the entire assortment, and not from what is left.

But there are nuances. Many airlines reserve the first row for mothers with children, as this is where a bassinet for an infant can be installed. So, even if you find yourself in the coveted place, there is a risk of being surrounded by crying children.

Porthole seats

From these seats you can look out the window, read in natural light, and take pictures of clouds (if the airline allows photography on board). No restless neighbors will squeeze past. And you can sleep not only by leaning back in your chair, but also by clinging to the wall.

What are the worst seats on a plane?

Places in front of the emergency exit

As a rule, the chairs here do not recline so that the backs do not block the road in case of an emergency. At the same time, the seats in the row in front are fully functional. Therefore, there is a high risk of flying with your nose and knees buried in the back of your neighbor in front.

Seats in the last row

These chairs also do not recline because there is a wall behind them. One of the disadvantages can be added to the fact that the flight attendants' trolley with food and drinks reaches the passengers of the last row fairly empty. There will be nothing to choose from, you will have to eat what they give.

Seats near the toilets

The flow of passengers rushing to the restroom and the sound of doors opening and closing will not allow you to get enough sleep.

How to get a comfortable seat

Pay

When checking in for flights and non-refundable tickets the place is assigned automatically. As a rule, these are uncomfortable chairs. But airlines offer to choose a seat for a fee: the more convenient it is, the more expensive it is. For Pobeda, changing a seat will cost 149–999 rubles, for S7 - 300–1,000 rubles, for UTair - 1,500 rubles. Since the service is provided on a commercial basis, in the salon diagrams best places stated honestly.

Choose a place in advance and indicate it when registering

The arrangement of seats in the cabin depends not only on the aircraft model, but also on the airline. For example, on boards performing charter flights, most often the maximum possible number of seats is installed. This means that the distance between them is reduced to a minimum.

To understand where on the plane emergency exits, toilets, how many rows there are in the cabin and which one is the last one, read the reviews. On the SeatGuru website you can enter the aircraft model, flight number and get a cabin diagram. Seat layouts in cabins are also available on airline websites.

Use the knowledge gained when checking in online or at the airport. For example, the best economy class seats on Aeroflot's Boeing 737-800 are in the sixth (first row of economy class) and thirteenth (near the emergency exit) rows. But the twelfth row is not the best choice: although the legroom is increased, the seats most likely do not recline.

Aeroflot.ru

Choose the least crowded flight and transfer

The fewest people wishing to fly are on flights on Monday, Tuesday and Thursday in the middle of the day. You can register for any seat, and then change to a comfortable one. It is better to first ask the flight attendant if this is allowed. Airlines that offer seat changes for an additional fee do not welcome such amateur activity.

Keep in mind that on the eve of the holidays, any flight will be busy.

Be one of the last to register

An option for those who fly with a low-cost airline, but do not want to pay for a seat. The system automatically places you in uncomfortable chairs. Passengers choose the most comfortable ones for money. By the end of registration, seats of average comfort remain free, one of which you can take for free. But you shouldn’t delay registration too much either: if you overbook, you simply won’t be put on the plane.

What tricks do you know for choosing the best 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 hand luggage into the cabin by placing it on special shelf or under the 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 norm free transportation luggage increases. 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, by flight attendants delivering food around the cabin.

3. Places in front row . 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 your fear of air travel is overwhelming, retreat deep into the cabin and dream about what family fun awaits 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 usually they try to seat strong passengers next to emergency exits, who in case of an emergency 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 bed- 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 when purchasing an 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 located not only 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 seated a good place. 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 for a “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.