How to choose the best seat on a plane

Is there truly a perfect seat on a plane? That depends on what you're looking for when booking your flight tickets. Nowadays, most airlines charge extra for seat selection on a plane – even for middle seats – so if you're going to pay to choose a seat, do so carefully and pick the seat that suits you best!

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Comparing the different seats in Economy Class

You can, of course, choose to leave it to chance and be randomly assigned a seat during check-in, at no extra cost, if you're travelling in basic economy. However, if you prefer to know where you'll be sitting in advance, here's a breakdown of the different types of seats you can choose in Economy Class.

 

Window Seat

These are perhaps the most popular seats and the ones almost all travellers request!

These seats are ideal if you like to sit by the window and look out. It's easier to sleep, and you get the chance to enjoy the view during take-off or landing. If you don't like the sun during the flight, this is the best seat to avoid it. Furthermore, you won't have to worry about being squeezed between other passengers. The only downside is that you'll have to wait for other passengers in your row to get up, or disturb them every time you want to go to the toilet. However, the good thing is that you can sleep during the flight without having to get up for other passengers who want to go to the toilet.

 

Aisle Seats

Aisle seats are perfect if you want to stretch your legs and have the freedom to get up whenever you wish, without disturbing your fellow passengers. However, be careful with your belongings when sitting there, as it's easy to hit your elbow or knee in the aisle when flight attendants are serving. An additional advantage is the ability to store your bag in the overhead compartment, thus freeing up the space under the seat in front of you to stretch your legs.

 

Middle Seats

It's rare to find someone who willingly chooses a middle seat, unless they're travelling with company. Some couples prefer to pick aisle and window seats, hoping that the middle seat will remain empty for more space. If this doesn't happen, you can always offer to switch seats with the passenger in the middle seat. Also, there's an unofficial rule that the middle seat passenger has the right to both armrests, and some airlines offer a little more space in these seats.

 

Emergency Exit Row Seats

For those looking for a seat with extra space, emergency exit row seats are ideal. These seats usually have no other seat in front of them, offering ease of movement and more legroom. Be aware that they might not recline if there's another exit row behind you, and you must be over 15 years old and willing to assist in an emergency. Additionally, you need to have a good command of English, and you cannot have your bag under the seat in front of you.

 

Bulkhead Seats (1^st row)

Many people get excited when they find their seat is in the first row of each section of the aeroplane, i.e., at the bulkhead. The biggest advantage of these seats is that they don't have seats in front of them, thus providing more space. However, there is often less room to stretch your legs, as there is a wall directly in front of you.

 

Does each seat cost differently?

Depending on each airline's policy and the type of flight ticket, you may pay extra for your desired seat on the plane.

Usually, seats with more legroom and exit row seats are more expensive than the others.

For example, Aegean charges approximately 7-10€ for a legroom seat where you have more space for your legs.