The comfort and pleasure of air travel significantly depend not only on the equipment of the aircraft and the service on board, but also on what kind of seat in the cabin you get. And the longer the flight, the stronger this dependence, since sitting for several hours in the same position is not very comfortable, and, in general, there is no place to walk around the cabin.

And if for an ordinary passenger a seat is a kind of lottery, then an advanced one always tries to take the most comfortable seats, and, other things being equal, even chooses the airline whose planes are more comfortable to sit on. So, let's fly. What are the best seats on a plane?

Firstly, comfort is characterized by the width of the seats and the distance between the rows. Moreover, if the width is set by the manufacturer and depends primarily on the type of aircraft, then the distance between the rows is determined by the airline ordering the aircraft, and it is they who choose the balance between on-board capacity and passenger comfort. Thus, in economy class cabins, the distance can vary from 28 inches (71 cm) to as much as 40 (101 cm) - the difference is visible to the naked eye. In the first case, you will barely squeeze into your seat, rest your knees on the back of the chair in front and will hardly be able to move, and in the second you will even sit cross-legged.

Secondly, comfort is characterized by the relative arrangement of the seats. Most often they are arranged in blocks - 1+2, 2+2, 2+3, 3+3, 2+4+2, 3+3+3, 2+5+2, 3+4+3. For narrow-body aircraft the most common scheme is 3+3 (for all airlines); in wide-body aircraft, depending on the type of aircraft and airline, any of the last four schemes can be found.

Places located near the porthole, are convenient because, firstly, you control the window (close the bright sun, open it in the dark), and, secondly, no one will disturb you during the flight, you can sleep, read or watch movies peacefully the whole way. It's just inconvenient to get things out of hand luggage and go to the toilet, but these are more likely your neighbors’ problems than yours 😉 However, out of love for others, you can put your bag under the seat of the chair in front and not disturb anyone.

Aisle seats They are convenient because you can stretch your legs into the aisle if the distance between the chairs is small, and you can also get up at any time to stretch or go to the toilet. The disadvantage is that you are unlikely to be able to sleep or immerse yourself in reading: you will probably need to get up from time to time to let your neighbors out, and other passengers, moving along the aisle, will grab the back of your seat.

Places in the middle, that is, between other seats, no one likes: they combine the disadvantages of window and aisle seats, without having their advantages, while being squeezed between two broad-shouldered men all the way, for example, is also not very pleasant.

Third, the comfort of a seat is determined by its location in the cabin. The worst thing, of course, near the toilets: there is noise, and smell, and a queue in the aisle. As a rule, toilets are located in the rear of the aircraft, but in relatively larger ones they are also often located in the middle of the cabin, so general rule– sit as close to the front of the cabin as possible. However, some passengers, on the contrary, try to choose last rows, since if the plane is not fully loaded (and on average it is 80%, i.e. you should count on it), there are high chances that no one will be seated next to you, and then you can single-handedly occupy the entire block of seats, which significantly expands the list of available positions 😉

In general, the best thing is in a row at emergency exits , since there the distance between the seats is almost always greater than usual, which allows you to sit comfortably. Also, the chair at the porthole near the emergency exit may be completely absent, which creates truly royal comfort for the one who sits immediately behind the emergency exit at the porthole, i.e. on the next row. Some airlines may not have any other seats depending on the cabin layout. And here in the row before the emergency exit, most likely, the backrests will not recline.

There are, however, “controversial” places. For example, if the emergency exits are next to each other. In this case, the second row will be comfortable, but the backs in the first row will not recline. There is also a twofold situation with the first row of “economy” after business class. If the two salons are separated from each other by a curtain, then there will be plenty of legroom. If there is a rigid partition, then there will only be a lot of space for the knees, and it will be difficult to stretch the legs forward. But in long-haul airliners, the distance between the partition and the central blocks of seats is usually very large. But always be prepared for the fact that if there is a lot of space in front of you, it means that the chair itself may be narrower, since the table in this case is often retracted into the armrest. It may also happen that you are sitting at the emergency exit, and there is nowhere to put your legs: the box in which the inflatable ladder is hidden is in the way.

In business class, choosing a seat is not so difficult: you sit either by the window or by the aisle, and even with the rather rare blocking of seats 3 in a row, the person sitting in the middle will not be squeezed or disturbed, because both neighbors will sit in the aisles. The difficulty here is different: various airlines The chairs themselves are very different. For some, they fold out into a horizontal couch ( lie-flat), someone has it slanted ( angle lie-flat) - this applies to long-haul aircraft; in medium-haul aircraft, some have leg support, some do not, the angles of the backrests vary greatly, and some even use a transformable cabin. In it, “economy” turns into “business” by moving the armrests so that a three-seat unit becomes a two-seat unit, but with a wide central armrest - for example, AirFrance/KLM.

How to find and choose the place of your dreams? The algorithm is like this:

First, we study the sites listed here: On them you can find options for cabin layouts of various airlines. Unfortunately, not everyone - this time. And, unfortunately, even for one airline, the layout of different boards of the same type can be different - they are often published on airline websites, but not all of them. It is unknown which one you will get, so you will have to check the seat maps after registration has begun. However, preferred places can be spotted in advance.

In any case, it is important to remember that the layout of the cabins and the numbering of seats different airlines different, so numerous tips found on the Internet like: “On the A320 you need to sit in seat 10A” are valid only for a specific airline, and even then not always. You can only listen to general councils like: “In a Boeing 747 it’s better to fly on upper deck” or “The Tu-154 is much more spacious in the first cabin.”

Secondly, as soon as it opens online registration, if it is available for your flight, you need to go through it. The closer to the beginning, the greater the chances that good places not busy yet. However, more often than not, you will find that they are “busy” from the very beginning. In fact, this most often means that they are blocked - for example, places at emergency exits are closed for online registration because not everyone can sit on them, but only those who, if something happens, will be able to open this exit manually. Since the airline does not know if, for example, you have a broken arm or a dislocated joint, or if you are a fragile girl, you can only get these seats at the check-in counter at the airport. However, some airlines, such as Aegean Airlines, allow you to select “emergency” seats online, asking you to confirm that you will be able to open and hold a hatch of a certain weight.

On seats near the partition passengers with children are seated in bassinets - therefore, these rows are also often not available during online check-in, and they can also only be obtained at the counter. And good seats may be unavailable because they are placed there only for an additional payment or for special merits - for example, Aeroflot has a “Space +” service, within the framework of which they are offered. By the way, they do not consider the seats at the emergency exit by the window “elite”, since there is no ordinary armrest there, but only a small one built into the hatch, so you can get legroom for free.

Why then online check-in if good seats are only given at the airport? Very simple. Online, you need to choose slightly less preferred seats: for example, immediately behind the emergency row (because the one with his legs stretched out, as a rule, is less likely to want to recline his back in your direction), or simply on a block of two seats, or on the last row - in general, so that in the event that it is not possible to occupy the most best places, you wouldn’t get very uncomfortable ones.

Now with boarding pass we go to the airport to the business class or baggage claim counter ( Drop-Off), where there is no queue, and ask to be moved to the right place (I don’t remember even once being refused). We can find out whether it is free (or just blocked) on Expertflyer or using their free mobile application(Android, iOS). If the seats are occupied, then all that remains is to board the plane last and assess the situation - perhaps there are empty rows somewhere, and you can take them after the announcement “boarding is over.”

Some 150 years ago, people covered a distance of 200 km in 2 days. Who among them could imagine that at the beginning of the 21st century, after spending just a few hours, you could find yourself on another continent. An airplane is one of the best gifts that humanity has given itself. Learning to understand the intricacies of choosing a class of service on board and booking an air ticket will not hurt either those who fly rarely or regulars of airships.

Classes of service in passenger air transportation

The aircraft service level classification includes three main classes:

  1. Economy class;
  2. Business Class;
  3. First grade.

Note! For air carriers, this gradation is not mandatory. Some airlines introduce their own scale or add new positions between the well-known ones: business premium between first and business class on an airplane, economy comfort between economy and business, etc. This practice is rare, because for the convenience of both passengers and the carriers themselves it is easier to use a single system.

Standard level of service

Economy class is the most popular among airline passengers. Most of all seats on a ship falls into this category. On the ticket, class membership is indicated by a special letter in the “CL” column. Depending on the airline and the chosen fare, this can be any letter of the Latin alphabet. For different carriers, the same letter may indicate different tariffs.

Disadvantages of air travel in economy class on an airplane:

  • Economy class air travelers have to spend more time on board upon arrival. The seats here are located at the tail of the liner or in the center, so passengers with seats increased comfort are the first to leave the plane;
  • The width of the seats and the distances between the rows are minimal. It will be difficult for a large person to fit on board an Aeroflot flight, on seats up to 46 cm wide. Standard aisles between the rows from 75 to 90 cm also reduce the comfort of such a trip;
  • Not all seats in the standard cabin recline. The places at the emergency exits, in front of the sanitary block and the food compartment are equipped with seats, the backs of which can only be in a vertical position;
  • Economy meals may differ between carriers. The diet and assortment in this class are much simpler than in the business class cabin;
  • Check-in for a flight for passengers from this category does not provide any benefits and takes place at a standard counter at the airport. A special bus delivers travelers to their planes. Large airports have telescopic bridges to which aircraft dock. In this case, passengers themselves board as soon as boarding is announced;
  • The maximum weight of Aeroflot hand luggage should not exceed 10 kg. Luggage compartment will transport a suitcase no heavier than 23 kg free of charge. Sometimes free transportation baggage is not allowed, it depends on the conditions of the air carrier.

Pros of traveling in a regular cabin:

  • Prices for tickets in economy class when traveling on the same plane are very different from first and business;
  • According to research, the tail of an aircraft is the safest place during flight;
  • Service in the cabins of some airlines includes the provision of a blanket, pillow, headphones, folding table, and a pocket with standard literature. The list is different for each air carrier. Depending on the company's rules and conditions, other accessories may be added to this list or vice versa.

Superior class

The intermediate type of service was first launched by KLM in 1976. Business class is between the highest and lowest levels of service. The differences from Aeroflot's economy are in the food and attention paid to passengers.

Advantages and disadvantages of traveling in a cabin with a higher level of service:

  • The ticket price assumes compliance with the definition of “price-quality”. A ticket to such a cabin on the same plane will always be more expensive than in economy and cheaper than in first class;
  • The seats are usually wider than standard, the intervals between the rows are more spacious, and the aisles in the cabin are wide. Depending on the airliner, the business class cabin may vary. Types of seats can be fully reclining and with an angle of 160 degrees;
  • Business passengers have unlimited access to food and beverages throughout their flight. The menu offers a wide range of dishes;
  • The weight of hand luggage and main luggage, which can be carried free of charge, is 2 times greater than that of economy. These conditions are provided by Aeroflot;
  • Business class passengers check in for the flight out of line, at a separate counter. Upon completion of registration, travelers are offered a free area with food, drinks, and the Internet. Here you can comfortably wait for boarding to begin;
  • Many airlines offer transfers to the airport, as well as delivery to your destination upon arrival. The cost of the service is included in the price of the air ticket.

It is worth noting that the stated level of service does not always correspond to reality. A situation is possible when a plane arrives for landing, which only has economy class seats. In this case, even having a ticket to the increased comfort zone in hand, the passenger is forced to fly under general conditions, without ever knowing the difference between business class and economy class.

In favor of these travelers is their right to free cancellation of the ticket, with a refund of the full cost without fees. He can also reschedule the flight to another day.

Flight with royal treatment

First class passengers enjoy many privileges. Free delivery to the airport and taxi to the hotel at the end of the trip. The lucky person will wait to board in the best airport lounge. In large air harbors it happens that the increased comfort zone is equipped with sleeping places and showers. Fine snacks and drinks are served here. Most often, these passengers do not go to the check-in counter at all - they are met by a specially designated airport employee (from a separate entrance), escorted to the VIP lounge and themselves carry out the check-in procedure.

Each passenger in this class has a large individual space on the plane. This is a whole room with a bed, a business area with a table and chair, and other attributes. The chairs fold out completely and turn into a full bed. The interior varies by carrier. Elite menu, expensive drinks are provided in unlimited quantities. The quality of interior materials, tableware, and accessories are all at the highest level. 1st class passengers board first, using special transport. Carriage of baggage over 45 kg and unlimited hand luggage is free of charge.

The disadvantage is the high price, which not everyone can afford. Also, not all flights provide this type of service - such a cabin is more common on transatlantic flights.

Booking classes

Each airline develops its own tariffs and the conditions they offer. The conditions include the comfort of the seat, rules in case of exchange or return of a ticket, and others. The list of conditions that accompany the selected fare will be more profitable for the passenger, the higher the type of booking.

When booking, each fare is indicated on the ticket by a letter of the Latin alphabet. Two tickets purchased in the same class may differ in price if they have different booking types.

Note! The lower the price, the more restrictions the ticket will have for all classes of service. But the service always corresponds to the selected class.

T class booking in the economy cabin from Aeroflot is popular. The tariff has its limitations - the date of the return flight is strictly fixed, the ticket is redeemed within 24 hours from the moment it is issued, you cannot select a seat in advance, unfavorable conditions in case of cancellation of the reservation. The inconveniences are compensated by the favorable price, for which the tariff is popular.

For comparison, class Y from the same carrier involves flying in economy, with an open date for the return trip, without restrictions on paying for such a ticket, with the opportunity to get a seat in business class (there are rules specified in the fare description) and many other permitted benefits. A ticket with reserve type Y will cost much more than class T.

Some airlines have strict cabin seating policies, depending on the type of booking. In the recent past, Kuban Airlines had a tariff “Flying strictly in row 20”. Two people in business class may have different menu options, while in first class someone will be able to hear their neighbors more.

Important! The lower the class of the booking, the fewer tickets are available for sale at this rate.

Video

Airplane seat classes are a way for people to choose the best conditions for their air travel. Passengers with different needs and wallet thickness fly in full accordance with their capabilities.

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 seats 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, the best places are honestly indicated on the salon diagrams.

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 the emergency exits and toilets are on the plane, how many rows there are in the cabin and which one is the last, 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?

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 general rules when purchasing tickets, 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 rest properly, especially if it is a long flight.

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

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

All these characteristics are different for different airliner models.

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 level 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.

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 passing below... But when choosing seats, there are other interesting and important points that need to be taken into account:

  • There are airlines that offer to choose a seat 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 all be able to seat you 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 advice from Airlife and fly comfortably! Pleasant flight!