Air travel is an essential part of modern life, whether for business or leisure. Choosing the best seat on the plane can make the difference between a comfortable journey and one full of discomfort. From personal preferences to the specifics of each aircraft, there are many things to consider when booking your seat.

Identifying personal needs and preferences

The first step in choosing the ideal seat on the plane is to identify your own needs and preferences. Every traveler has different requirements and what is comfortable for one may be uncomfortable for another. Here are three questions to ask yourself:

1. Do you prefer a window, middle or aisle seat?

The window seat offers the opportunity to lean against the wall and look at the scenery.

The aisle seat allows you to stand up more easily and have faster access to the toilets and hand luggage.

The seat in the middle is to be avoided, as it does not offer the advantages of those at the window or in the aisle

  2. Need extra legroom?

In this case, it would be advisable to look for seats in the emergency exit rows or in the first rows (bulkhead seats).

  3. Do you prefer a quieter area?

Seats at the front of the plane are usually quieter than those at the back, where families with children are more likely to be. In the case of traveling by plane with children, it is advisable to take into account some specific tips, in order not to affect the level of comfort of the parents, but also of the other passengers. One of the most valuable recommendations in this regard is to opt for morning flights, to avoid disturbing the little one's sleep!

Choosing a seat on the plane according to the configuration of the aircraft

Knowing the configuration of the plane is essential to choosing the best seat during a flight. Each type of plane has a specific seating arrangement, and understanding these configurations can help you avoid uncomfortable seats and choose the best seats available. Seat maps can be very useful. These are diagrams showing the interior layout of an airplane, including the placement of seats, toilets, galleys, and emergency exits. These maps are available on airline websites and on specialized platforms such as SeatGuru, SeatMaestro or ExpertFlyer.

It is also important to distinguish between narrow-body and wide-body aircraft.

In the case of single-aisle aircraft it may be a Boeing 737 model. The typical configuration is 3-3 in economy class. The preferred seats are those at the emergency exits and the first rows. At the same time, another possible model can be the Airbus A320. Similar to the Boeing 737, the configuration is usually 3-3 in economy class, with better seats in the first rows and emergency exits.

In the case of two-color aircraft, there are the following aircraft models, with their own characteristics regarding the comfort of available seats:

• Boeing 777: common configuration is 3-4-3 in economy class, 2-3-2 in business class. Preferred seats include emergency exits and middle rows for those who prefer easy aisle access.
• Airbus A380: configuration varied, but frequently 3-4-3 in economy class. Upper floor seats (where available) are often quieter and offer better service.
• Boeing 787 Dreamliner: typical 3-3-3 configuration in economy class. Seats at the emergency exits and in the smaller cabin sections are preferred.

For passengers who want increased comfort through ample legroom, the emergency exit seats are the optimal choice. These seats offer extra legroom, but usually don't recline. In addition, it is necessary that the occupants of these places are willing to help in an emergency and comply with certain physical conditions.

And the first rows (bulkhead seats) often have extra legroom, but sometimes they don't allow hand luggage to be stored under the front seat.

These seats may cost more, but if you know when is the ideal time to buy cheap plane tickets, you can get a great overall travel price, with your favorite seat included.

Noise and proximity to amenities

Especially on long journeys, passengers may want as much peace of mind as possible. Usually the front seats are quieter because they are further away from the engines.

In contrast, the rear seats are noisier and more prone to turbulence, but can be close to the toilets for quick access.

Regarding the facilities, the places near the toilets and kitchens are convenient for access, but can be noisy and crowded. These places are often avoided by those who prefer quiet.

Conversely, seats in the middle of the plane can offer a good balance between access to amenities and distance from noise sources.

Tips for long and comfortable air travel

For long flights, comfort is essential. Here are some additional tips:

• It is important not to worry if your flight is canceled and you have already reserved your seat on the aircraft. You can receive compensation with Airclaim.com, according to the legal provisions in force.
• Choose a seat with access to an outlet: to charge your electronic devices during the flight.
• Bring your own travel pillow and blanket: these can add comfort and help you sleep better.
• Many airlines offer upgrade options at check-in or before boarding. These upgrades may include seats with more legroom, access to lounges and additional services. Check the available options and consider investing in an upgrade if you want more comfort.

Thus, choosing the best seat on the plane is not only a matter of personal preference, but also of knowing the configuration of the aircraft and the options available. By careful planning and using available resources, you can ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip. Whether you prefer a window seat for the view, an aisle seat for easy access, or a premium seat for maximum comfort, there's always a way to enhance your flying experience.