Most travelers I know do everything possible to avoid the dreaded middle seat on an aircraft.
But did you know there are other areas on the plane that are just as bad… if not worse?
Here are the main areas you should avoid when traveling by plane – and tips on how to score the best seat possible.
The Last Row On The Plane
You might think it’s strategic to choose a seat right near the bathroom for easy access…
… but that also means people will constantly be in your personal space – whether waiting for the bathroom… exiting the bathroom… entering the bathroom…or waiting for their friend outside the bathroom.
Of course, all of this is a major disruption to your peace.
Not to mention, you’ll be forced to breathe in all the lovely smells every time someone comes in or out of the bathroom.
AND you’ll be the last one off the plane – further extending your already long trip.
If you have a tight connecting flight – sitting in the last row could cause you to miss it.
Yeah, no thanks.
Exit Row
More legroom and space might sound tempting (especially if you’re tall like me).
But remember, if you sit in an exit row – you give up the space under your seat to store your personal items.
If you need to access your laptop for work, or prefer to have a bookbag full of your own snacks right under your seat – you’re out of luck in the exit row.
Plus – it’s a lot colder!
And trust me, you do not want to snuggle up with an airline blanket to stay warm.
Middle Seat
This should go without saying.
Airline seats are tight and crammed enough as it is – so sandwiching yourself between two people for hours is unbearable.
Especially if it’s between the two friends who “thought” they’d get the whole row to themselves since they cleverly booked the aisle and window seat…
… only to realize they still got stuck with someone (you) in the middle.
Have fun while they talk over you the entire flight!
So What Can You Do?
If it all possible, try and select your seat when you purchase your ticket.
Depending on the airline, you may have to pay a bit more – but it’s worth it for your peace of mind.
If you weren’t able to select your own seat – then as soon as the gate agent arrives – see if they are able to move you to an open aisle or window seat, or closer to the front of the plane.
Flights are pretty crowded and overbooked these days, but I’ve done this many times – and had about an 80-percent success rate in scoring a better seat – without paying for it.
And don’t forget to check out SeatGuru.com which has an interactive color-coded airplane seating chart full of tips specific to the exact plane you’ll be flying on.
Newbies and travel pros alike often check this website out before choosing their seats since each aircraft has its own unique quirks in certain areas like extra tight spaces or lack of windows.
Flying is miserable enough, don’t make yourself suffer even more by selecting a bad seat.
With just a little bit of strategic planning – you can score the best seat possible – and make your flying experience just a bit more pleasant.
What seat is your least favorite on a plane?
Do you prefer the aisle or window seat?
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(h/t Proud American Traveler)