The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer – Tips from a Frequent Flier

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Picking Seats for Tall Passengers
2. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - How to Get Extra Legroom in Coach
3. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Choosing Seats for Families with Small Children
4. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Window vs. Aisle - Which is Better?
5. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Tips for Finding the Smoothest Flying Experience

The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Picking Seats for Tall Passengers

As a taller traveler at 6'4", I've learned a thing or two about picking the best airplane seats over the years. Finding a comfortable seat with enough legroom can make or break your inflight experience, especially on longer flights. The last thing you want is to be cramped into a tiny seat for hours on end.

- Aim for the emergency exit rows. These seats have the most legroom on the plane, with upwards of 5-7 extra inches compared to regular coach seats. Airlines typically charge extra for these seats, but it's worth it if you can swing it. Just be aware that you need to be at least 15 years old and willing to help with an emergency evacuation.

- Bulkhead seats are another good option. They have a wall in front rather than another seat, allowing you to stretch your legs out more. The only caveat is that these seats don't allow you to store a bag under the seat in front of you.

- Avoid the back few rows of the cabin if you can. These seats have limited recline and are often located near the lavatories, which can mean more disturbances from passengers walking by.

- Be wary of regional jets with 2-2 configurations. The narrower seats and aisles on planes like the CRJ-700 or Embraer 175 can make taller travelers feel extra cramped. Look for larger planes when possible.

- Don't forget to check seat maps before you book. Sites like SeatGuru are invaluable for researching which specific seats have extra legroom. You can even filter for "extended legroom seats" on airline sites like United.com and Delta.com.

- Consider exit row alternatives like bulkheads or regular aisle seats. If exit rows are booked up or too expensive, an aisle seat will still give you room to stretch into the aisle. Just avoid middle seats at all costs.

- Ask ahead about free upgrades or seat changes at the gate. Politely asking if any exit row seats are available can score you a free upgrade, especially if your assigned seat is truly uncomfortable.

- Try premium cabins if your budget allows. Many airlines have premium economy with extra legroom or lie-flat business class seats. It's a worthwhile splurge if you can afford it for long haul flights.

- Don't forget to stand up and walk occasionally. Even the best seats can feel tight after a few hours. Take a quick stroll to the lavatory to get your blood flowing.

- Laugh it off when the seatbelt doesn't fit. As silly as it sounds, a good attitude goes a long way! Most flight attendants are happy to provide a seatbelt extender.

I always arrive early to board as soon as possible and get the best remaining seat. I've also been known to nicely plead my tall flyer case with the gate agent on oversold flights. Being friendly and asking politely if there are any exit row seats still available has worked wonders.

The key is managing your expectations. As much as I wish I could afford to fly first class internationally, I know that's not always feasible. By arming myself with the right information and strategies, I can still make flying bearable, even in a cramped coach seat.

The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - How to Get Extra Legroom in Coach

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Picking Seats for Tall Passengers
2. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - How to Get Extra Legroom in Coach
3. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Choosing Seats for Families with Small Children
4. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Window vs. Aisle - Which is Better?
5. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Tips for Finding the Smoothest Flying Experience

Scoring that precious extra legroom in coach can transform an uncomfortable flight into a much more enjoyable experience. As a tall traveler myself, I know that every extra inch counts when you're crammed into a tiny seat for hours on end. While buying a premium economy or business class ticket is the easiest way to guarantee more space, these upgraded seats come at a hefty price. However, there are clever tricks and hacks to get extra legroom in regular ol' economy without breaking the bank.

One method is to book an aisle or window exit row seat whenever possible. Airlines typically charge $50-$150 extra for these seats, but it's money well spent in my opinion. Exit rows have the most legroom in coach, often with 5-7 inches of extra space compared to a standard seat. Being able to fully extend your legs makes all the difference on long haul flights. Pro tip: exit row seats are in higher demand and sell out quickly, so set a calendar reminder to select your seats right when early seat assignments open up.

If exit rows are out of your price range, opting for bulkhead seats can be another solid choice. Bulkhead seats have a wall in front rather than another passenger, allowing you to stretch out. While they don't have quite as much legroom as exit rows, bulkheads still provide ample room. Downsides are limited under-seat storage and no recline on some airlines like Delta. Still, savvy flyers swear by bulkhead seats for the extra real estate.

Don't rule out standard aisle seats either. While you won't get any "official" extra legroom, sitting on the aisle gives you room to shift and angle your legs into the aisleway. You can even occasionally stretch one leg out when the service cart isn't coming through. This freedom of movement goes a long way versus being trapped in a middle seat. Choose aisle seats in the first few rows of each section for even more space.

When booking, keep an eye out for seats labeled as " Economy Plus," "Extra Space/Legroom," or "Preferred." These are basically standard coach seats with 2-4 inches of additional legroom that airlines sell at a premium. Seats range from $20 all the way up to $100+. Compare this cost to exit row fees to see which offers the best value.

If you don't want to pay extra, simply choosing the right aircraft and seat can yield more room. Regional jets are notoriously cramped, so aim for bigger Airbus, Boeing, and Embraer planes when possible. Certain rows like bulkhead and emergency exit rows have layouts with extra inches between each seat as well. Again, early seat selection is key before other flyers snag them up.

Don't forget to check seat maps and reviews on sites like SeatGuru before locking in seat selections. You can easily compare legroom across different airlines and aircraft. For example, an "extended legroom seat" on United may only have 31" of pitch versus Delta's 35" in Comfort+. Little differences like this can drastically impact your comfort.

If you find yourself stuck with a super cramped seat upon boarding, politely ask the gate agent if there are any better seats available, especially in exit rows. I've had success getting free upgrades simply by explaining that I'm a tall traveler and my assigned seat will be very uncomfortable. Many airlines are willing to work with you if there is adequate room on the aircraft.

Similarly, requesting a seat change once onboard is an option if you spot a better empty seat. Exit rows are top priority, followed by aisle seats. I've found flight attendants to be quite sympathetic to us tall folks - after all, what's better customer service than ensuring a passenger is comfortable? Just be gracious if the crew says the manifest is full.

Traveling with a companion can also unlock better seat options. Some airlines block lone travelers from booking exit rows or other premium seats. Bringing a friend along satisfies the requirements and gets you both the extra legroom. Coordinate your bookings and choose adjacent seats for ideal comfort.

The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Choosing Seats for Families with Small Children

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Picking Seats for Tall Passengers
2. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - How to Get Extra Legroom in Coach
3. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Choosing Seats for Families with Small Children
4. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Window vs. Aisle - Which is Better?
5. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Tips for Finding the Smoothest Flying Experience

Traveling with small children presents its own set of challenges when choosing the optimal airplane seats. As a parent who has flown frequently with a toddler and baby in tow, I've discovered tricks to keep the little ones content while also maintaining my sanity on long flights. The key is finding seats that allow you to conveniently access and entertain your kids while minimizing disturbances to fellow passengers.

If flying solo with kids, bulkhead seats are my top pick. Not only do bulkheads provide extra legroom, but they also offer ample floor space for an active toddler to stand and play near your feet. Some even have bassinets that attach to the wall for infants. While bulkhead seats don't allow under-seat storage, I find overhead bin space sufficient for kid necessities like diaper bags and snacks. Having that open area in front is invaluable compared to being wedged in the back.

Bringing the proper inflight entertainment is also critical when flying with small children. I always come armed with a tablet preloaded with games, videos and activities tailored to my kids' interests. Having this engrossing entertainment helps minimize fussing and boredom. Choosing a seat with easy access to power outlets allows you to keep devices charged and content flowing. I also pack old-fashioned coloring books, reading books and small toys that can be easily stowed when not in use.

If traveling as a family, I recommend reserving seats in a row of three so you can be together. Aisle seats in the center section are ideal, providing both parents easy access to each child while limiting disruption to others. Try to avoid more cramped 2-2 configurations on smaller regional jets if hauling lots of kid gear. Families of four can book two aisles across the row from each other.

Opt for the bulkhead or front section of coach whenever possible. Not only are little ones easier to manage up front, but you reduce the number of nearby passengers who could be disturbed by tantrums or fussing. I know I've gotten my fair share of side-eye glances and sighs over the years! Booking the front helps minimize imposing on others.

While some may suggest infant bassinets by the flight deck, I found these seats inconvenient when traveling alone. You can't access baby easily, making feeding and soothing difficult from several rows back. Reserve bassinets for when both parents are present and can switch off.

If your child is over the lap infant age and requires their own seat, be sure to bring an FAA-approved car seat or carrier. Rear-facing infant seats must be placed in a window seat, while forward facing seats can go in either window or aisle. Check your specific seat model for aircraft compatibility. I learned the hard way that not all car seats properly secure on planes!

Strategic seat selections can also minimize the dreaded ear pain that plagues little ones during takeoff and landing. Studies have shown that window seats near the wings experience the least pressure changes that can impact sensitive ears. Reducing discomfort helps limit screaming fits and tears. If possible, book on redeye flights when children are primed to sleep anyways.

Don't stress too much if your kids act up at some point during the journey. Traveling with youngsters inevitably involves some fussy moments. As long as you're making a reasonable effort to soothe and contain the outburst, most fellow passengers will understand. I know I've certainly been on the receiving end of loud children and didn't judge the parents who were actively trying to calm them down.

The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Window vs. Aisle - Which is Better?

What else is in this post?

1. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Picking Seats for Tall Passengers
2. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - How to Get Extra Legroom in Coach
3. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Choosing Seats for Families with Small Children
4. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Window vs. Aisle - Which is Better?
5. The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Tips for Finding the Smoothest Flying Experience

The window versus aisle debate provokes strong opinions amongst frequent flyers. As someone who's sampled both vantage points extensively, I don't claim there's a definitive "best" option. But based on firsthand experience, I can highlight the unique pros and cons of each to help you determine what works for your travel style and preferences.

Let's start with aisles. For many flyers, aisles represent freedom. The ability to get up and move around without needing to clamber over other passengers is invaluable, especially on long haul flights. I've lost count of how many times I've headed to the lavatory or stretched my legs in the galley during an aisle perch.

Aisles also mean easy access to overhead bins, speedy boarding and deplaning, and unfettered views of the cabin. This visibility allows you to spot flight attendants swiftly, monitor the restrooms lines, and keep an eye on the drink cart's progress.

Yet aisle seats aren't without faults. You sacrifice views for convenience by sitting alongside the aisle wall. Forget gazing out the window or spotting iconic landmarks from above. Aisle flyers must also contend with bumps and brushes from carts, fellow passengers, and crew continually moving through the narrow aisle space. Don't expect much sleep as lights flash on with each bathroom run.

Now for the window perspective. As a shameless aviation geek, I relish the views that window seats provide. Watching clouds and terrain pass by below makes even mundane flights magical. On scenic routes, spotting landmarks like Mt. Everest or Manhattan from the air is unforgettable. You'll have front row access to sunrises and sunsets illuminating the horizon.

Windows also promise privacy and avoidance of aisle disturbances. Nestled beside the wall, you can snooze or work distraction-free for hours. No need to move for bathroom runs or drink service – just shut the blind and tune out the cabin entirely in your own cocoon. Some find this solitude calming on stressful flights.

Yet windows impose their own hassles. Claustrophobes beware – it takes effort and disruption to fellow flyers to squeeze out past tightly packed knees and elbows in your row. Drink service also proves trickier without easy aisle access. Forget strolling to stretch your legs mid-flight too.

Windows necessitate vigilant monitoring for lavatory availability, avoiding potential accidents if lines get backed up. You'll also miss any cabin announcements made during sleep. Be sure to request pre-landing wake-up calls to open blinds and get organized.

Windows excel for passengers who:

- Prioritize scenic views

- Desire privacy and avoidance of disruptions

- Don't mind asking others to move for bathroom

- Enjoy feeling cocooned from cabin activity

- Sleep soundly despite bathroom traffic

Of course, open-minded flyers can enjoy both vantage points. I seek windows for long haul scenic flights where views matter most. But I'll gladly book an aisle for short overnighters when rest is my priority and scenery immaterial.

If you're torn, consider the individual flight. Who are your seatmates? What time of day? How long is the journey? Weigh these factors when choosing between aisles or windows. Proximity to lavatories, galleys, and your travel companions should also influence your decision.

The Best Seats on the Plane for Every Type of Flyer - Tips from a Frequent Flier - Tips for Finding the Smoothest Flying Experience

As an avid traveler who logs hundreds of thousands of miles in the air annually, I'm always seeking ways to ensure the smoothest and most comfortable flight experience possible. Turbulence, while usually harmless, can make flying feel like a rollercoaster ride. And even minor vibrations and jostles can disrupt sleep or concentration for work. After years of trial and error, I've uncovered strategies to minimize turbulence and enjoy glassy-smooth journeys.

One of my top tips is choosing your aircraft wisely. Size, weight, wingspan and other design factors significantly impact how steadily an aircraft flies. Heavier wide-body planes like the Boeing 777 and 787 Dreamliner tend to provide the most stable rides, especially over long distances. Their weight dampens turbulence, while features like automated smoothing wings counteract bumps. Sitting over or just in front of wings on such planes offers the least motion.

In contrast, lighter narrow-body aircraft like 737s and A320s feel any turbulence more intensely given their lower mass. Regional jets with skinnier fuselages like CRJ-200s bounce their passengers around the most. When possible, opt for bigger planes on lengthy journeys where comfort matters.

Seat location plays a role too. The middle of the cabin experiences less jostling than rows at the very front or back, which bear the brunt of any vibrations. Sitting directly adjacent to the wings helps minimize swaying and rocking motions. Avoid seats in the last few rows, which typically have limited recline and feel exaggerated bumps.

Window seats are steadier than aisles, protected from the foot traffic and cart bumps that aisles endure. Sitting beside the window also blocks you from any lateral sliding of your seatmates. Just be prepared to wake your row-mates for bathroom runs.

Carefully selecting your flight path and time of travel can dramatically reduce choppiness. Flights early in the day encounter fewer thunderstorms and thermal turbulence that develop later. Red eye overnight trips are also smoother with cooler evening air.

Opt for routings that avoid notorious air pockets like the mountainous terrain of the Rockies. Direct flights provide less opportunity for bumps versus routes with stopovers and position changes. Know which geographic regions and seasons tend to be worst for your destination so you can plan accordingly.

Checking forecasts along your intended route is wise. Sites like FlightAware offer turbulence prediction maps that estimate intensity by altitude. This allows you to see if cruising above or below forecasted pockets could yield a gentler ride.

Once boarded, pay attention to the seat belt sign. Keep it fastened whenever illuminated, even if the air feels smooth, as sudden patches of turbulence do occur. Avoid moving around the cabin unnecessarily to minimize injury risks.

Stay vigilant of crew instructions and notifications of impending turbulence. Flight attendants often have advance notice from the flight deck. Heed any requests to return to seats and always keep your table stowed, seat reclined upright, and carry-on bags properly secured during episodes.

Hydrate with water, limit caffeine and alcohol, and avoid heavy, greasy foods that can exacerbate motion sickness from turbulence. Ginger, peppermint and pressure point bracelets can also minimize queasiness. Have motion sickness remedies or bags readily accessible.

Dress comfortably in layers that can be added or removed as cabin temps fluctuate. Compression socks promote circulation on long static flights. Neck pillows support proper spinal alignment during jostles. Noise-canceling headphones drown out noises that can heighten unease.

Stay centered in your seat with your head aligned with the seat back rather than lolling from side to side. Tense body muscles like core and legs to stabilize yourself. Close eyes and take deep breaths rather than fixating on turbulent motions. Listen to calming music and visualize serene images.

If severe turbulence strikes, assume protective brace positions with your head down and hands clasped behind your neck. Follow all crew safety guidance and avoid panicking fellow passengers with extreme reactions.

Remember that the vast majority of turbulence causes only minor discomfort without actual danger. Pilots are highly trained to deal with all degrees of air disturbances. Trust their skill and the technology built to counteract bumpy skies