Wing seats. What are the most convenient places? Seat position in a row: pros and cons

What are the best places on the plane to choose is the question that any traveler asks, immediately after he has found and booked. It is especially difficult to do this for a beginner who does not have experience in flights. We have prepared tips and recommendations that will help you decide on a place in the cabin of the liner so that the journey is not a burden and leaves only a pleasant aftertaste.

The best seats in the cabin

Let's not beat around the bush, let's start with the main thing. What are the best chairs? Here, both travelers and airline employees themselves are unanimous: in economy class, these are the seats located immediately after the emergency exits.

Of course, there is also a fly in the ointment here. Often, the armrests of such chairs cannot be raised, tables are built into them, so if you are flying with your soulmate, you will no longer be able to hug her. They can be occupied by travelers without small children, who, if something happens, will be able to open this exit. In addition, there are no portholes and it will no longer be possible to enjoy the views overboard. But, as a rule, these are trifles compared to the large space and the ability to stretch your legs forward. And if we add that some models of aircraft require the placement of not triple, but double seats here, all this contributes to a more comfortable journey.

On the other hand, booking such seats often involves a surcharge. At Aeroflot, they are estimated at 700 rubles or more, at S7 Airlines, the amount of surcharge starts at 1,000 rubles.

It's quite common to book seats superior comfort You can only at the check-in desk at the airport. And since the number of such seats can be counted on the fingers, most often of one hand, it is very difficult to get here. After all, there are many more people who want to take them. What to do if you're out of luck? Read on.

Choosing a compartment

Conventionally, the internal space of an aircraft can be divided into three parts: nose, middle and tail. Each of them has its own advantages and disadvantages.

bow

It is no coincidence that the business class is located in the bow, immediately behind the control cabin. The fact is that turbulence is less felt here. If we talk about economy class, then it is from the front rows that flight attendants begin to distribute drinks and meals, so you can count on quick service and more alternatives from the hot menu. True, this advantage applies to small vehicles with one kitchen, on large long-haul liners there are several catering units and they are serviced from several points at once. Another plus is that people sitting in the front rows are the first to get off the plane after landing. Another nuance is that this is where the attachments for cradles are usually located. So there is a high probability of neighborhood with small children. However, for some, this is a disadvantage, because babies endure the flight in different ways: some will sleep from the moment of takeoff to landing, others will be nervous and often cry.

middle

This is a neutral choice. It doesn't shake as much here as in the tail, but on big liners can be quite noisy, especially if your seat is next to a toilet or kitchen. Several rows located in the middle may not have portholes - this is the design of some liners. Among other things, the view from the window limits the wing of the aircraft.

Seats in the tail

Traditionally, the seats located in the tail are the cheapest. Service here in terms of food on small liners is the last thing, so it is highly likely that you will no longer have to choose a menu. However, on large liners, the distribution of food begins both from the beginning and from the tail, so there is no need to worry here.

The shaking here is much more noticeable than at the beginning of the cabin. And the last rows usually go to late travelers - after all, these are the most inconvenient options. Limited reclining seatbacks on the last row, narrowing of the fuselage, constant queues for the toilet - do not add comfort to passengers. On the other hand, it is here that there is a high probability that some of them will remain free, so that passengers can take several seats at once.

Another important point - tail section considered to be the safest in the event of emergency. The views from the portholes are also good - nothing blocks your view.

Liner layout

The next thing you need to know in order to get the best seat on an airplane is its layout. Consider the arrangement of the economy class cabin. Depending on the size, model and airline, developers use several types of layouts.

Narrow-body aircraft (Airbus A320 family, Boeing 737) are characterized by a small fuselage diameter, usually up to 4 meters. Therefore, a maximum of six seats in a row can be installed here. Therefore, on small aircraft the seats are installed on the sides in a 3+3 layout with one aisle in the middle. On some (Russian Sukhoi Superjet 100) there is a 2 + 3 layout.

The diameter of wide-body airliners, which are usually intended for flights on long distance, will allow placing up to 10 passengers in a row with two aisles between rows of seats. It is rather difficult to name a typical seating arrangement here, there are different variations: 3 + 4 + 3 (Airbus A380 and Boeing 747); 2+4+2 (Airbus A330); 3+3+3 (Airbus A340) and others.

In connection with the foregoing, one more classification of chairs can be distinguished: window seats, aisle seats and seats in the middle. Let's analyze their pros and cons.

Watching the flight from the window

Let's start with the positives. It's worth it to sit by the window if you want to sleep during the flight. Here you will not be pulled by passengers who needed to get up. As a rule, the lighting here is brighter than at the aisles, and you can work efficiently.

It is from here that great views open up, so do not put your phone or camera far away. True, if you have a night flight, visibility will be limited, but this is compensated by city lights during takeoff and landing.

Their main disadvantage is that you have to disturb your neighbors to get up.

We sit on the edge

If you are uncomfortable from confined spaces, then it is optimal to sit at the aisle. Another thing is that you will be forced to let your neighbors into the restroom, so it is unlikely that you will be able to sleep here.

Another plus is that there is a little more space because you can stretch your legs. But at the same time, other passengers or stewards delivering food on carts can hurt you.

Seats in the middle

If you are traveling alone, do not sit in the middle. You will have to release one neighbor, and to get up yourself - disturb the other. Moreover, you will not have a personal armrest, which can also cause some inconvenience.

Places at the technical blocks

Armchairs in front of technical blocks and emergency hatches cannot boast of comfort. The reclining function is noticeably limited here, so taking a nap in a sitting position will be inconvenient. There is also less space here, as the front seats are likely to be reclined, which creates additional discomfort.

Proximity to technical rooms is fraught with noise, smells and crowds of people waiting for the bathroom to become free. And the curvature of the fuselage, especially in the tail, threatens that stewards with carts will touch you.

On the other hand, you do not have to go through the entire salon and stand in line for the restroom.

What else to consider for beginners planning a flight? To properly prepare for registration, first study the scheme of your aircraft. This information can be found on the website of your air carrier, because companies use different layouts.

If you buy a ticket at an airline ticket office, feel free to ask questions: how many seats are on the line, what is the space between them, are there individual monitors and sockets, where are the technical blocks and what rows are located nearby. Representatives of the carrier will give you comprehensive answers to all questions.

Do not neglect the possibilities of online registration, because this way you can make a choice in a relaxed atmosphere. As a rule, online check-in opens 24 hours before the flight departure, so you will have enough time to decide.

If you're checking in at the airport, it's a good idea to take a printout of the floor plan with you - it's unlikely you'll be able to figure out the numbers right off the bat. The earlier you arrive at check-in, the more alternatives airline staff will offer.

Focus on your plans. If you want to get enough sleep or sort out the accumulated cases - sit by the window, plan to get up - at the aisle.

If you are flying during the day, it is useful to know which direction the sun will shine from. After all, at the moments of takeoff and landing, the curtains of the windows should be open. For example, if you are heading south in the morning, the sun will shine on the left, in the evening on the right, and vice versa. You can read more about what views open from the window and the cockpit.

The workload of flights should also be taken into account, giving preference to those when there is the least flow of customers. In particular, as airline workers admit, the maximum load falls on the days from Friday to Sunday. Again, most prefer to fly in the morning or evening, so you will have more chance o choose the option you like.

How to fix the situation

Of course, situations are different. What to do if you were put on the most unfortunate row? You can try to move to another free seat. To do this, during landing, pay attention to the empty seats. If it remains unoccupied after all passengers have boarded the plane, then ask the flight attendant to transfer you. Usually the stewards are quite loyal and will not refuse you. Just do it before takeoff. After the “fasten seat belts” icon lights up on the scoreboard, your request will be ignored.

The question of choosing a seat on an airplane is very individual, much depends on your personal preferences and plans. But it is enough to make only one flight to understand where you are more comfortable to sit. And the rest is a matter of technology: book last-minute flights in advance (you can learn how to do this from), study the layout of your liner and check in on time for a flight and you can take the best seats for you.

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

Russian Forbes gives practical advice on how not to miscalculate with a seat on an airplane.

1. Learn more about the model and seating arrangements on the aircraft

You can find out on which model of aircraft a particular flight is made on the airline's website. Aircraft different airlines quite different from each other in the comfort of the salons. The sites SeatGuru, SeatExpert have all the details about the lineup of the most different aircraft: about the presence of electrical outlets and TVs in the backs of the seats, about the location of the toilets, about the spacing between the 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 very much felt.

The first row behind the business class is considered the most convenient: there is more legroom, no one is sitting in front of you - which means that no one leans back on you, you will be the first to get 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 put a child seat. But even here there are drawbacks - because of the tables hidden in the armrests, it is impossible to raise these armrests and turn the chair into a sofa, or put a sleeping child on your lap. And if, for example, you are going to work or prepare for a business meeting on the way, it is hardly worth striving to sit in the front rows: neighborhood with children (and they are usually the most here) is unlikely to contribute to concentration.

Seats at emergency exits are also held in high esteem by experienced travelers: the row spacing here is 15 cm more than in the rest of the cabin, but depending on the layout of the cabin, the backs of the seats often do not fall (on long flights you will regret this) and cannot be kept on the floor hand luggage. The rules prescribe to plant only tall adults in these places.

“Honestly, for obvious reasons, the first thing they look at at registration is that this person would be physically strong, energetic and, how should I put it, quick-witted,” says Boris Rybak, director of the consulting company Infomost. “In the event of an emergency, he must open the door and help the crew evacuate 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” in carts with food, drinks, newspapers, and duty-free goods. In addition, rows 8-20 are usually the noisiest zone in the aircraft, all the noise of engines and turbines is concentrated here. But there is no such information on the websites and schemes of salons, and help to find more quiet place only airline employees at check-in will be able to you - in different types aircraft have different noise distribution graphs.

At the tail of the plane, the seats are a bit narrower (such is the geometry of the plane) - it’s closer to sit there, it shakes harder, a small selection of food, newspapers and magazines (according to the principle - what’s 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 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 companies - it is difficult to expect that you can all be seated side by side. Company british airways since October of this year, it has introduced an additional fee for booking: now, economy class passengers will have to pay £10 ($16) for European flights and £20 ($32) for long flights, and £20 ($32) and 60 pounds ($98) respectively for business class passengers. But most air carriers (with the exception of low-cost ones, which charge everything) still provide this service for free when buying tickets both on the Internet and at airline offices. But few people know about it - because for some reason neither the carriers themselves nor the agents particularly advertise it.

When booking a seat in advance, you can also order special food for yourself (which few people know about either) - all air carriers have different lunch options. Transaero, for example, offers a choice of about 30 different meals - vegetarian, kosher, Muslim, low-calorie, diabetic and others, plus 2 types of baby food.

3. Use online registration

You can also choose a seat convenient for you during online check-in, this procedure is becoming more and more popular - you can check in at the airport at special kiosks, and even on the airline's website. Thus, 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, such as Delta or Air Berlin, do not display seats near emergency exits (and they are considered good by travelers) in the online check-in system, holding them for tall and large passengers. The second point is that in Russia not all companies have online check-in counters, and so far only in Moscow - in Dodomedovo and Sheremetyevo-2.

In the near future, the creation of a single group boarding pass, which will get the seats next to each other, for example, big family or a company of passengers - for this they will not have to be all at 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 check-in

Do not neglect the simplest and 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 Sergey Bykhal, "the airline's employees at check-in always try to accommodate passengers and take into account their wishes." For those traveling alone, this option is also possible: take a chance and play the lottery - arrive, on the contrary, at the very end of registration: if you are lucky, you can be given a seat in business class, and if you are not lucky, you will get a seat from which all other passengers already refused.

5. Choose Low Traffic Days to Fly

Experts recommend, if possible, to schedule flights on the days and hours of the least busy airports - these are Monday, Tuesday, Thursday. The busiest days are Friday and Sunday. The busiest flights are in the morning and in the evening. In the half-empty cabins of “weekday” flights, the flight attendants themselves will offer you to transfer to unoccupied rows - it’s quite possible to sleep on three chairs.

6. Try the "unofficial ways"

A few years ago, the practice of getting good seats on board or getting into business class for a bribe to airline employees was widespread (500 rubles invested in a passport can still open your way to a seat at emergency exit but we don't recommend it). 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.

Meeting the sky is always exciting, even if it's a business flight, especially if you have to fly often enough. Why feel uncomfortable from an uncomfortable seat if you can find out in advance which seats on airplanes will be most convenient for you and, based on what considerations, it is better to choose them. It is one thing to get off the plane fresh and rested, and quite another to be tired and broken, especially if you get a seat, for example, next to the toilet or you are constantly forced to get up from your chair by a restless and fussy neighbor. We will try to give you a number practical advice and, using them, you can choose a seat that will allow you to enjoy the flight.

Of course, if you know which airline you will be flying on and know the brand of the airliner, you can choose a seat for yourself according to the aircraft scheme in advance, but if you do not know this, you should use the general recommendations. You will learn them from this material, which you should definitely study, especially if air travel is a part of life for you.

Place near the porthole

pros

If you decide to take a chair by the porthole, you can be sure that it will, in most cases, be the quietest. Firstly, you will have only one neighbor, from whom you can always turn away if he annoys you and take up the contemplation of the view over the side of the plane. Secondly, your neighbors in the row will not walk past you, that is, you will not have to get up and, for example, be distracted from reading an interesting book.

Minuses

There is only one, very dubious disadvantage at the window seat, which you will only feel if you have difficulties in communication, and it will be unpleasant for you to disturb your neighbors if you need to go, for example, to the toilet.

Location next to the aisle

pros

If you like to sit with your legs stretched out, here you can do it completely freely, without fear of disturbing anyone. Like near the porthole, here you will also have only one neighbor, which means that there will be less chance that you will just be bothered. In addition, you will have more time to exit the plane when it lands.

Minuses

Of course, you may be somewhat disturbed by passengers and flight attendants carrying carts past you, which they can accidentally hit. In addition, you will have to get up if your neighbor or neighbors in a row want to get out.

The seats in the middle are the neutral seats

These places combine the positive and negative qualities of the extreme places on the row. You will be somewhat calmer on them than in the aisle seat, but you still have to get up if your neighbor, sitting by the window, wants to get out.

In addition, in any case, you will have two neighbors, and if you do not like talking with random fellow travelers, the likelihood of experiencing some discomfort from them is doubled.

Seats behind the emergency exit

pros

Due to the passage to the emergency hatch, the distance between the row before and after it is much greater, so you will be as comfortable as possible on the row behind the emergency exit. You can stretch your legs, get up and go freely, without even disturbing your neighbors, just as they will not disturb you.

Minuses

However, a number of airlines select passengers for these seats according to certain criteria, who are quite young and physically strong. In fact, they rely on the fact that, if necessary, they will assist the crew in an emergency.

You will also have very little chance of getting to these places if you are flying with children, older people or pets. In addition, the disadvantages include the approach to hatches that cannot be blocked by hand luggage.

Seats in front of the emergency exit

Here, as a rule, chairs are installed that either do not recline at all, or the angle of deviation back is very limited. If this is critical for you, it is better to ask not to give you a place in this row.

However, the row located between the two emergency exits has a plus. There will be extra space for your legs (look at the photo above where passengers sit).

Seats at the beginning of the cabin

pros

Seats at the very beginning of the cabin also have their advantages and disadvantages. As a rule, food and drinks begin to be delivered from here, so passengers sitting in the front rows will have the richest choice.

In addition, they are located closest to the exit, they will have the opportunity to be one of the first to get off the plane immediately after landing.

Minuses

However, it should be remembered that in this part of the aircraft it is usually fasteners for baby strollers are installed and can be places for passengers with small children, and such a neighborhood cannot be called calm.

Seats in the tail section of the aircraft

This is not to say that these seats are ideal in terms of comfort, but if you are worried about your own safety, then you will certainly win in this, since almost 70% of passengers who survived plane crashes sat in the tail section of the aircraft.

It is also worth noting that on lightly loaded flights, the “tail seats” are usually empty, and if you do not want to be disturbed, you may well ask for a seat there. In this case, you will have a chance to occupy a whole row and not be distracted by your neighbors.

Features of the first row (in front of which there are no seats)

It is worth noting that there are several such first rows in the aircraft, and any row in front of which there are no seats has these features. For example, this, of course, is the very first row, the row after the partition between the class or section, here you can also include the row behind the emergency exit, which we have already talked about.

The main advantage of such a row can be considered that you will not be limited by the space reclined back of the chair, which is located in front. This is where the advantages end, since usually the first row starts from the partition, and in front of you will be a wall or a kitchen / toilet. If you do not care, we can assume that there are no shortcomings on such rows.

Seats in the last row

By analogy with the first row, there can also be several “last rows”. These include the rows in front of the walls and the row in front of the emergency exit. Their main drawback is the limited angle of reclining the back, and in some cases it can even be rigidly fixed.

For short flights, this is not critical, but if you plan to sleep, you are unlikely to be able to do it comfortably.

Summarize

In fact, we have considered all the features by which you can evaluate how comfortable it will be for a person in flight, taking into account his preferences. But it should be remembered that even in the same type of aircraft interior layout may differ significantly.

It is also worth knowing that rows can consist of 2,3,4 seats and be installed with different distances between rows, so only the layout scheme specific aircraft on which you will fly will allow you to be sure that you will feel comfortable.

4 - You will also have an advantage if you pass the regular check-in, which starts 2 hours before departure, as one of the first, since there are still many empty seats and you will have a choice. You should also pay attention to the workload of the flight, since the chance to fly comfortably on an aircraft that is not fully staffed with passengers will be much higher.

This should be taken into account when choosing the time for the flight, if, of course, there is such an opportunity. The chance of getting on an unloaded flight is much higher if you fly from Monday to Thursday in the middle of the day.

5 - When booking seats, you should definitely carefully look at what font is used for their numbering, Russian or Latin, otherwise you may be a little upset when you find that your place is not at all where you planned.

For example, seat 1B can be either an aisle seat or a mid-row seat.

6 - You can also take care that the sun does not blind you if you remember that when flying from east to west, the sun will shine on the left, and from west to east on the right. When flying from north to south, the sun will shine on the left in the morning and on the right in the evening, and vice versa when flying from south to north.

Regardless of the airline, flying, especially over long distances, is always tiring. However, by choosing the right seat on the plane, we can make the flight more comfortable.

Of course, the most convenient places are in business class, but not everyone can afford this pleasure (although there are a couple of ways to get into business class without overpaying for a ticket). Therefore, we will choose the best seats in economy class.

Before deciding on a seat, familiarize yourself with the layout of the aircraft cabin. A booklet with a description of the aircraft can be requested at the ticket office or use the website www.seatguru.com.

According to statistics, the most popular places at the window, and if you want to get such a seat, then come to check-in in advance and ask the employee who checks you in for the flight for a seat near the window.

The emergency exit seats are considered to be one of the most comfortable on an airplane. there is the largest distance between the seats, but teach that these places can be without a window and because of emergency door there may be a little seepage.

In addition, not every passenger will be seated in a row near the emergency exit.

According to the safety rules for this passenger in the event of an emergency, additional responsibilities will be imposed. He must help the flight attendants open the emergency exit door. Therefore, fragile girls and passengers with children are not put there. If the flight is abroad or a foreign airline, then in addition to physical data, the applicant for this place must speak English. Of course, these rules are not implemented everywhere and not in full, but this must be borne in mind.

The first row of seats in the economy class also has increased legroom, but there are several disadvantages in these places:

• First, in big planes There is a TV in front of the first row, and although it is silent (you need to use headphones to listen to it), sitting in front of the TV throughout the flight can be tiring, especially on long flights.
• Secondly, most airlines allocate the first few rows for passengers with small children who can get in your way.

If you want silence, then you should not take seats near the galley and toilets, because. in this case, flight attendants with carts and other passengers will interfere with you.

In terms of security, again, if you look at the statistics, the most safe places are at the tail of the aircraft. But do not take seats in the last row, because. The backs of these chairs do not recline. The same backrest problem applies to seats in front of the galley, and in some aircraft also to seats in front of the emergency exit.

Recently, many airlines are betting on the comfort of the flight and equipping their aircraft with new seats and increasing the space between the rows.

When planning your trip, you will want to choose the best seats on the plane. If you know the air carrier and the model of the liner, then specify the location of the seats using the diagram. On our website you will find information about the main aircraft in the fleets of Russian and foreign companies. And if you have not decided which liner you will travel in, read the general rules.

Flight class: what you need to know

The main factor in choosing a good seat on the plane remains the class of flight. It determines the comfort of the seats, their width and the distance between the rows, the features of services and meals.

Service classification is determined by the carrier individually, but most companies provide basic options:

• "economy" allows you to travel at the lowest price, but comfort will not be up to par;
• "business" suits those who prefer convenience;
• "premium" is not provided by every carrier due to the price of luxury conditions.

There are economy class seats on every plane. For a reasonable price, travelers are offered movies on a small screen in front of them, meals and a limited selection of drinks, sometimes a blanket, magazines, a pillow (on transcontinental flights).

The cost of tickets to the business lounge is higher, but you will feel the difference even at the airport. Check-in takes place at a separate counter, after which passengers wait for departure in the lounge. They are provided with drinks and an extended menu, and at some airports - showers and beds. On board you will notice the width of the seats, the presence of ample legroom, improved food. Business class passengers are the first to leave the aircraft after landing.

The seats in this cabin differ not only in size: for example, Airbus supplies airliners with chairs whose backs can occupy 6 different positions.

For those who often travel on flights, the accrual plays a role when choosing between an economy option and a business lounge bonus miles. The difference is from 50%, so short-term expenses allow you to reduce expenses in the future.

Some companies introduce additional options: if you have to spend several hours in the air, and you can’t afford a ticket to a business lounge, choose an improved “economy” one. You will get more legroom and Additional services. And the American low-cost company Southwest Airlines has introduced a Business Select tariff: travelers get the right to be the first to enter the cabin and choose their favorite seats. If you need to fly on an aircraft of a foreign company, check the possibilities in advance.

The longer the flight, the more difficult it is to put up with inconvenience: not everyone can spend more than 4 hours in the air when there is not enough legroom.

What to Expect on a Budget Travel

Is price the main factor? Choose economy class on the plane, but the range of services will be minimal. If you wish, you can improve the conditions: for an additional fee, admission to the business lounge is possible if there are seats left in the hall. Some banking organizations cooperate with air carriers and provide cardholders with the opportunity to wait for departure in this zone.

For tall people, a flight to "economy" is not the best option

Once on board, you will notice the lack of legroom. Passengers in economy class are advised to choose seats near the emergency exits, as the distance between the rows will increase. But the option has disadvantages: hand luggage cannot be put under your feet, otherwise the passage will be blocked. Seat backs may or may not recline fully.

Otherwise, passengers who have chosen the economy option compare it in terms of convenience with traveling by bus. The seats are designed for people of average build, so most do not complain about discomfort. You will receive meals, and it is not uncommon for children to receive gifts from the company. If you calculate the baggage allowance correctly, you can get by with the basic service and save money.

Liner layout: what to consider

To understand how the best seats on an airplane are located, look at. Seat placement varies depending on the carrier, so look for information not on the model, but on the specific aircraft from the airline.

Best accommodation according to airline customers

It will be possible to clarify the data on the website when buying tickets. Specialized platforms are also at your service: on Seatguru.com you will see information about foreign and Russian carriers. Specify the point of arrival and destination, or enter the name of the airline and flight number.

If you have specified specific data, select the View map item on the page that opens. You will see a diagram of the aircraft that is flying. It indicates which places should be booked in the first place, and which should be avoided:

• the best chairs are marked in green;
• yellow - options for which the nuances should be clarified;
• yellow-green - places with mixed reviews.

In any case, keep in mind that the cabin is divided into 3 parts: bow, tail and middle compartments. Closer to the cockpit is the business class, then the economy class.

If you are afraid of flying and are concerned about safety, pay attention not to the level of service, but to the chances of surviving. Although the shaking is most felt in the tail, studies show that passengers sitting farthest from the nose of the liner are the least affected in crashes.

How to choose the best place

When choosing a seat on the plane, you did not find information about the model you need? Take advantage general advice: they will not be superfluous.

Near the porthole: pros and cons

Booking a seat near the porthole is preferred by those who want to take spectacular photos for social networks. The option is also suitable for travelers who are afraid of confined spaces, but only when flying during the daytime. Night darkness behind glass can increase the oncoming panic.

Sitting in a chair by the porthole, you will appreciate the benefits:

• you will not be disturbed by neighbors or flight attendants passing by;
• lighting near the portholes in the daytime is better than in the places near the aisle;
• Deciding to rest, you lean against the wall.

But it was not without drawbacks, because in order to go to the toilet, you have to disturb the neighbors. Also study the cabin layout: on some airlines, carriers have 2 seats on one side of the aisle. There will be more space, but the chair is at a distance from the wall, and it will not be possible to lean against it during sleep.

It happens that the flight turns into a disappointment for another reason. When you buy a ticket, you expect the best seat to be near the window. But often in budget salons, rows are located more often than windows, and there is not much nearby. scenic view, and the wall.

At the aisles: what to expect

When looking for the best seats on an airplane, pay attention to the aisle rows:

• you won't disturb your neighbors by getting up to use the toilet or wanting to stretch your legs;
• You will get to the exit a little earlier.

The disadvantages include the need to let neighbors through and put up with the fact that crew members are constantly walking by. It will not be possible to enjoy the view from the porthole.

Hint: If the airplane seats are arranged in a 3-3-3 pattern, choose the seat in the middle row, located near the aisle. After all, a passenger sitting next to you can go out from different directions, and you will have to let him out less often.

There is also a chance that the seat in the middle will remain empty. Keep in mind that they start putting passengers on the plane from the nose compartment, so the closer to the tail, the greater the chance to do without a neighbor. In 15% of cases, this strategy works! But the turbulence in the tail is also felt more strongly, so weigh the pros and cons.

Best Option: Sitting on the aisle, you won't complain about the lack of legroom

Middle: neutral options

The prospect of sitting between a couple of other passengers is not to everyone's liking. But the advantages are obvious: you will admire the views from the porthole and will not disturb a large number of people getting up to stretch their legs. Only 1 flight neighbor will have to be let through, and he is unlikely to go to the toilet often.

Before emergency exits: for lovers of inconvenience

Going to reserve best tickets flight, do not select seats in front of the emergency exits. It will not be possible to recline the back: it is fixed so as not to block the passage. The only plus is that the neighbor in the back will not kick your chair. But the discomfort during long flights, when you can’t unfold the seat and relax, will be remembered for a long time.

Behind the emergency exits: stretch your legs without problems

The advantages of seats in the row behind the emergency exit will be appreciated by corpulent or tall passengers. After all, there is enough legroom, which is important for flights lasting more than 4 hours. But in some models of liners, the seat backs are fixed or do not recline completely (if there is an additional emergency exit in the back). There are also problems with hand luggage, since it is not allowed to put it in the aisle.

Enough legroom near emergency exits

You will not be able to purchase tickets in a row outside the emergency exit for travelers belonging to the following categories:

• children under 12 (sometimes 15) years;
• traveling with an infant or animal;
• passengers with physical or mental disabilities that will not allow them to open escape hatch or quickly let the crew members pass so that they can cope with the task;
• people who need additional staff assistance;
• passengers who do not speak the language spoken by the crew members (needed to understand instructions in an emergency).

Please note that when emergency situations you will need to perform a number of actions:

• keep an eye on other travelers until the flight attendant can fully open the emergency exit;
• help as necessary and make sure that the situation overboard is not dangerous (after landing);
• assist others in an emergency disembarkation, remind them of the need for quick action.

Airline personnel are trained to do without the help of passengers. But it may be needed to speed up the process. If you are not sure that you can do it, choose a seat in another row.

In the front of the cabin: advantages and disadvantages

Are you closer to the bow? Priority service awaits you. After all, the stewardess starts serving food in the economy class from the front rows, and there will be no problems with the choice of hot. But there are also disadvantages, since passengers with children often fly in the front rows.

In the middle of the cabin

If you choose a chair over the wing, you will suffer less from shocks and shaking. But you won’t be able to enjoy the view from the porthole: landscapes open only at the moments when the liner tilts during a maneuver. Those who want to take spectacular photos will prefer the rows located further than the wing or in front of it. Also keep in mind that the noise from the engines in this part is increased.

You can't see landscapes from the chair above the wing

Those who are afraid of flying wonder about the safety of passengers traveling in this part. The answer is ambiguous: according to statistics, the chances of surviving are higher than in the nasal compartment. Emergency exits are also located nearby, which will allow you to quickly leave the aircraft. But in many models fuel tanks located in the wing, which increases the risk of fire.

Features of the location of seats in the central part depend on the model of the liner. On major airlines are used aircraft where there are additional toilets and a kitchen.

Tail Seats: Best or Worst?

Tickets in the tail will be bought by those who need the safest seats on the plane. According to statistics, the chances of not being injured in an accident are increasing: 67% of travelers who survived accidents were located at the maximum distance from the bow of the liner. If the aircraft model provides landing from both ends, then at the destination you will not have to wait for others to get off: you will quickly leave the cabin.

Best Places in terms of security are located in the tail

Seats in the tail will appeal to those who want to do without neighbors. Since loading starts from the bow, there is a chance that you will sit on 3 chairs alone closer to the tail.

The first row, in front of which there are no seats

In the bow there is a business class department, if it is provided on the airlines. It may be absent, and this part is reserved for "economy".

Passengers sitting just behind the partition that separates the cabin from the cockpit will get more legroom. But the possibility remains that the width of the seats will decrease: since there is no row in front of you, folding tables attached to the seat handle. The disadvantages include the fact that during the flight there will be a wall ahead.

People traveling with children are located in this row: there are attachments for cradles nearby. The need to spend 5-6 hours next to a naughty baby will seriously overshadow the flight.

It is important that most carriers do not allow hand luggage to be placed under your feet if you are sitting directly behind the cabin. You have to place it on the upper shelves: having decided to take the necessary trifle, you will be forced to stand up. If you are planning to watch a movie, be prepared that the distance to the screen will be greater than in the middle of the cabin. After all, the monitor is mounted on the wall, and not on the back of the seat in the previous row. But in general, these seats on the plane are considered good: there is enough legroom, and you will be the first to disembark.

Which place to choose with a child

How to choose a seat on an airplane to comfortably accommodate a child? It depends on the specifics of the situation. After all, babies weighing up to 11 kg are waiting for cradles on board, but their reservation should be agreed in advance. With a high probability you will be allocated a seat in the 1st row.

Cradle - the best option for a child

The cradle is a fabric cradle on a framework where you will put the baby. After all, children under 2 travel free of charge, but they are not provided with a seat. Thanks to the use of the cradle, you do not have to hold the child in your arms for several hours. True, if he knows how to sit, you will not be able to relax: without supervision, the baby may fall out.

Specify the presence of the cradle in advance, because it depends on the type of aircraft. In some aircraft, compartments between different classes are separated not by a partition, but by a curtain. In this case, there is nowhere to mount the frame.

Specify the conditions in advance: Aeroflot and Qatar airlines provide a cradle for children under 2 years old. But other carriers may limit the child's age to 6 months or 1 year.

Is there no bassinet or is the baby too big? You have several options at your disposal. When traveling with a baby that is large for a bassinet, choose seats in the center or forward section. The location in the tail is convenient with a small load: it is likely that there will be free seats in the last rows. Talk to your conductor and he will put the back row at your disposal: by lowering the armrests, you will get a place to play and sleep.

When traveling with a child, choose aisle seats. Depending on the layout of the cabin, they are indicated by the letter C, D, G or H when the seats are 2-4-2. C and D markings are usually retained for aisle seats and other seating arrangements. By choosing this arrangement, you will not disturb passengers when you get up with your child to use the toilet.

If the first row is free and the cradles are empty, they will come in handy even if the children are not the right age. After all, in the cradles you put things that fidgets may need, and save yourself from the need to constantly take out hand luggage.

How to avoid the worst places

In order not to get on worst places find the diagram desired aircraft on the Internet and pay attention to the features. Try not to be on the seat located in front of the emergency exit: the back will not recline. Places near the window near the exit are also considered unsuccessful, since they do not have one armrest.

They try to fill the row near the toilet last. Once on it, you will not recline the seat back. But it is worse that you will have to forget about peace because of the passengers scurrying down the aisle, and sometimes standing in line for the toilet.

Also pay attention to the features of the liners:

• The Boeing 787-9 is an exception to the "emergency exit seats are the best" rule. Once at 30A or 30K, you will not enjoy the view from the porthole, because you will be sitting next to a blank wall. A similar disappointment awaits 41A and 41K ticket holders.
• Ryanair airlines use Boeing liners 737-800, accommodating 189 people and crew. Passengers seated in the traditionally best seats near the emergency exit will do without surprises. But tickets for 11A and 12F will be sold last: there are no windows next to them.
• Traveling internationally with Air France? Once on board the Airbus A340-300, avoid row 43: D, E and F have reduced legroom. And on the Boeing-777 from the French carrier, problems arise for those who have taken seats at the aisle in the 44th row. Since there are fewer seats in the 45th, passengers often bump into the seat from behind.

Compare the conditions of the airlines: with a small difference in price, having an outlet to charge your laptop will make your trip productive. Comfort largely depends on whether you were bored during the flight! Consider the details, and there will be no inconvenience.

In order not to have to endure discomfort, pay attention to the nuances:

• When studying aircraft diagrams, check their relevance. The latest trend has been an increase in seats in economy class, and instead of placing seats in 3-3-3, carriers use 3-4-3. The Airbus A380 has a 3-5-3 pattern.
• Do not delay booking tickets, otherwise you will find yourself at the end of the tail of the liner.
• Don't be upset if the flight is overloaded and there is no choice left. When flying domestically, passengers can change plans at the last moment, and you will be accommodated in comfort. Quite often, travelers will upgrade their tickets to the business option, and the seat in the "economy" is free.
• The choice between an aisle seat, a seat in the middle, or a porthole seat is a dilemma for air passengers. Sitting between a couple of strangers is unpleasant, but if you are traveling as a family, you will take 3 seats side by side. Put the child in the middle chair, you will not let him get up often and disturb others. The place at the porthole is considered to be the winning one, but it is difficult to leave it to stretch your legs. When the neighbors fall asleep during the flight, and you want to get up, there will be problems.
• Sit in the tail, middle or bow? This determines the class of service and the price you paid for the ticket. The worst option is the tail section, which is filled last.
• Avoid busy flights and improve your travel experience. When traveling during the off-peak season, you can fit 3 seats and sleep.

When choosing a location, keep in mind that letter designations are made not only in Latin, but also in Cyrillic. Specify where the place 1B and 1E is located!

How to fix the situation and be in a better seat

If you find yourself in an uncomfortable chair, then if there are free options, correct the situation yourself. When a crew member announces that boarding is complete, you have 5 minutes to transfer. It is important that it is forbidden to get up after the liner has set speed. When he leaves the earth and rises to a height, free and comfortable places will be occupied by agile air travelers.

Do not wait for the help of a flight attendant and transfer yourself. You will have time to return to your place!

Experienced travelers are advised to be polite to crew members. This will increase the chances that they, seeing your discomfort during the flight, will find a way to improve conditions. When the flight attendant greets you on board for boarding, make eye contact for a second and smile.

To enjoy your journey, learn the rules of the carrier and use the tips. You have more than one option!

Pay for comfort

After all, on flights from low-cost airlines or when buying non-refundable ticket the location is determined automatically. But you get the choice by paying an additional fee. For such a pleasure, the S7 company asks for 300-1000 rubles, and UTair - 1500 rubles. The price depends on the convenience of the place.

To get the best seats, pay for the service!

Is it worth spending? Decide if you are willing to pay for the comfort. With a tight budget, you just need to get from point "A" to point "B". But if you have the means, then make sure you have the comforts: a pleasant vacation will start on board the aircraft if you recline your chair, stretch your legs and choose one of the entertainment provided.

Choose in advance and register

After reviewing the scheme of the aircraft, name the desired option during registration; prepare especially carefully if you are flying on a charter. After all, carriers increase the number of seats to the maximum, so there will be problems with legroom.

Arrive by the end of registration

When traveling by air on the lines of a low-cost airline, the system places passengers on awkward places, and for an additional fee they choose comfortable conditions. This means that towards the end of the procedure, middle-level options remain. But if you delay too much, you may miss your flight, so don't delay! If you arrive late, there is a risk that your seat will be given to another passenger.

Arrive early

Arriving at the airport early can be effective when we are not talking about low-cost airlines:

• For domestic flights, please arrive 1 hour before departure.
• When traveling abroad, arrive 2 hours before.

The earlier you register, the more likely you are to get your desired seat.

Booking: simple and efficient

Attach to yourself best armchair on board the aircraft will succeed when ordering a ticket. The Internet will make it possible to cope with the task: choose suitable flight and indicate that you want to buy a seat on board. Not all carriers offer this option, so if necessary, contact the Customer Care Service.

It happens that the airline does not confirm the choice of the client. In this case, the cost of booking a seat is refundable.

Take care of comfort in advance, otherwise good places occupied by other passengers. Choose options as soon as the company starts selling tickets for the flight.

Airline employees also share their thoughts on how to get the best seat. According to them, first of all, you should decide on priorities and choose a reliable option:

• If you like to watch the views from the porthole and take photos, it plays a role on which side of the liner you are sitting. For example, when flying from Los Angeles to Sydney, picturesque landscapes open up for those who sit on the left side. In order not to miscalculate, study the reviews of passengers on the forums, taking into account the peculiarities of the route.
• You have set aside 2-3 days for tourist trip to Europe, so you don't want to waste a minute? Take a small bag with you that you don't have to check in and position yourself at the front of the aircraft. Passengers sitting on the left will get to the exit faster.
• Do you want to sleep during the flight? A complex of factors plays a role: the noise of engines, the presence of neighbors who want to stretch their legs, the comfort of the back. To find the best combination, choose seats in the front of the aircraft, preferably by the window.
• lovers tasty food advises Professor Charles Spence, famous for discoveries in the field of gastrophysics. According to him, the dry air in the cabin and the noise prevent travelers from concentrating on the dishes served. If you like to eat with pleasure, buy business class tickets or choose seats in the economy sector, located closer to the bow. The air will be humid, which will allow the sense of smell to work better. And the connection between smell and taste sensations is known!

Have you chosen the best places of the month? Check if the carrier has changed the terms of the service. There is also a chance that a previously reserved seat will become vacant and you will take it. It happens that due to passenger capacity or the need for technical inspections, airlines send another model of the liner on a flight. The armor is removed, and your efforts go to waste.

If you still have questions about which places on the plane are considered the best, watch the video:

Conclusion

In order for the flight to give a positive experience, choose the best places in advance. The more time you spend in the air, the more you will feel the lack of legroom or the inability to recline. Study the scheme of the aircraft, keep in mind general recommendations and avoid mistakes!

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