Travelling comfortably by plane: what is better, the seat near the window or the aisle?
Travelling by plane, you may have to answer the classic question at the check-in counter: “Which seat do you prefer: by the window or the aisle?” Choosing where to sit is an important choice, especially for long haul flights. So in order to travel comfortably, which is the best choice?
In the past, the choice of the seat usually took place at check-in directly at the airport and often you chose it by instinct without thinking too much about advantages or disadvantages. Today, instead, You can book your seat in advance and view the plane map in detail to make the best choice.
The selling of the best seats by the airlines
Airlines understood that selling the best seats is a real business. For many years, RYANAIR operated without seat booking. Whoever got on first, took the best seat and didn’t end up fighting to sit at the emergency exits because there was more legroom. Then, they began to introduce extra fees based on the type of the seat and its position (front, the centre of the plane and back). Other airlines started to do the same. If you want a comfortable seat on a transatlantic LUFTHANSA flight, get ready to pay a significant difference in price.
Putting aside the cost factor and returning to our initial question, we begin to see the advantages and disadvantages of either choice, especially if you are travelling alone. If you travel with one or more people, usually the answer is “next to eachother seats” and so the “where” question is no longer a priority.
Why choose a window seat on a plane
This is my favourite choice, at least on short or medium duration flights. In addition to being passionate about taking pictures, I like to look outside the window regardless of being on a plane, car or train. Sometimes the views are breathtaking: the arrival in the cities on the coasts, the colours of the sky especially during sunrises and sunsets to the luck of seeing other planes flying in opposite directions.
Furthermore, you have a visual idea of where the plane is (above the sea, a city) and at which height concerning landing and the position of the clouds above and below us.
This is the seat that makes you dream and that you can imagine with your mind. Try to avoid being near the wings or motors (which take up most of the rows) to have a completely unobstructed view.
The window seat is generally quieter considering only the noises inside the cabin (the seats near the engines are less quiet) and ideal if you want to sit comfortably and turn on your laptop to work or watch a movie. By sitting near the window, I can isolate myself more from the rest of the plane. Do not opt for this choice if you generally are afraid of the plane or if you are one who needs to that stand up or take a walk often.
Why choose the aisle seat on a plane
This is my favourite choice for long flights (more than 5 hours, to give you the idea). First, this type of flight often operates at night and with different time zones, so the onboard staff precisely impose that the window blinds must remain closed for many hours. It does not matter if it is broad daylight outside, because they can serve you dinner, turn off all the cabin lights and make you close the windows. Therefore, the advantage of seeing the view outside is over!
If you are sitting by the window, you risk being a little more “sacrificed” than sitting near the aisle. In fact, at the corridor, you can stretch your legs more (just make sure to avoid the food trolley since you risk having them cut off… I tell you this from personal experience!). In general, you have a little more space and comfort by not having the plane wall on one side.
If you like standing up several times, I recommend the aisle so as not to depend on anyone. You can stand up to stretch your legs (important on long flights), visit the lavatory or if you have forgotten something in the backpack stored in the cabin bin above.
If you sit by the aisle, you are free to do what you want without depending on others.
Therefore, which seat should you choose on a plane?
This is my favourite choice for long flights (more than 5 hours, to give you the idea). First, this type of flight often operates at night and with different time zones, so the onboard staff precisely impose that the window blinds must remain closed for many hours. It does not matter if it is broad daylight outside, because they can serve you dinner, turn off all the cabin lights and make you close the windows. Therefore, the advantage of seeing the view outside is over!
If you are sitting by the window, you risk being a little more “sacrificed” than sitting near the aisle. In fact, at the corridor, you can stretch your legs more (just make sure to avoid the food trolley since you risk having them cut off… I tell you this from personal experience!). In general, you have a little more space and comfort by not having the plane wall on one side.
If you like standing up several times, I recommend the aisle so as not to depend on anyone. You can stand up to stretch your legs (important on long flights), visit the lavatory or if you have forgotten something in the backpack stored in the cabin bin above.
If you sit by the aisle, you are free to do what you want without depending on others.
