This writer has some tips on finding the best seats on a plane, but there’s an apparent bias:
Middle seats tend to be filled starting from the front of the aircraft and moving toward the rear—which means that if your flight isn’t full, you’re likely to get an empty seat next to you if you request an aisle seat in the center section in the back.
…I love 767s because there’s only one middle seat per row. This means that your chances of getting one are less than on any other two-aisle aircraft: A 767 can be 86 percent full before anyone gets stuck in the middle. Two-aisle planes tend to give you bigger seats, more legroom, and larger overhead bins than one-aisle aircraft.
…Unless I’ve achieved my personal nirvana of an aisle seat in an exit row, I always ask the gate agent if a better seat is available. Preferred seats (e.g., aisle seats up front) often open up at the gate because the elite-level or full-fare passengers who were occupying them get upgraded at the last minute.
Emphasis mine. Note that there’s an apparent assumption on her part that a) middle seats bad and b) aisle seats nirvana, for everyone. But why would I ask for an aisle seat when I don’t like aisle seats? I prefer windows, a word that doesn’t appear in the article. I actually almost prefer a middle seat to an aisle, because there is one less person to have to let out during the flight, and I’m not constantly getting jostled by passengers or flight attendants walking up and down the aisle. The only reason, to me, to prefer aisle is for safety (get out a little faster, unless you’re in an exit row), or a desire to get up occasionally and walk around (either for leg stretching or nature calls). My preference is to just cocoon at the window, where I can look out, and not be bothered by anyone else’s needs.
Yes, obviously, if you like aisles, then a two-aisle airplane is preferable. But if you prefer windows, wide-bodies suck, because they provide the lowest window-seat/seat ratio in the sky. My favorite plane, actually, is any variation on the old DC-9 (nowadays B-717 or S-80), because with only five seats per row, forty percent of them are windows.
The small Embraers have a 1 seat aisle 2 seat configuration. Get the A seat, and you get window and aisle.
It would be of great historical interest and cultural importance to find out who first introduced the idea that all airline passengers have only one arm, and therefore airline seating needs to be designed with only one armrest available per person. I have my own fantasy vision of what this monstrous, drooling oaf must have been like. If we ever find out his (or, less likely, her) name, everyone in the world can then have someone to hate more than George W. Bush… well, more than Hitler, anyway.
My preference is for aisle seats. If I need to get up for any reason, I don’t have to climb over anyone. Plus, it lets me get off the plane a bit quicker when we reach our destination. Take last Friday as an example. My Northwest flight out of Norfolk was delayed about 45 minutes due to a mechanical issue and my layover in Nashville was only scheduled for a bit over an hour. When we arrived, I was able to get off the plane fast enough to make my connecting flight.
For flights up to about 3 hours, I really like the little regional jets. Quick to board and quick to deplane when you get to your destination.
I do a few ~12 hour flights, and often do so without getting up from my seat. I definitely prefer window seats for such flights, they have significantly extra room to the side that does not impinge on anyone else.
With isle sets you have a person to one side of you and trolleys or flight attendants to trip up if a foot or arm wanders over a little too far during a stretching maneuver – you are constrained on both sides by personal space as opposed to a simple wall that you can without concern lean up against.
For short flights I probably prefer an isle seat, one can stand up and get stuff out of the overhead locker in preparation for a quick departure.
Southwest Airlines, business select or A-List. You get the seat you want, every time.
I also prefer a window seat. Nicer view. On long flights you usually have luggage. The time you need to wait for the luggage to show up is usually much greater than the time to get up from your window seat vs an aisle seat. I never quite figured out the rush by people to get off the plane. I often see people waiting standing up for minutes until they actually open the airplane exit. I prefer to wait sitting down for other people to leave first, and often I am among the first to leave the airport.
I guess if I traveled often on short flights I could do things differently…
I’m acrophobic. Looking out the window is the only thing that keeps it in check.
I loathe aisle seats.
You’d delight in a DC-3 (or C-47) in the airborne troop configuration, Rand. All but four of the seats are middle seats…
I, too prefer windows to aisles mainly because I like to took out the window on takeoff and landing, but this is all moot because the ticket lines and security lines and cramped seating and losing of luggage have made me hate flying so much I prefer to drive if at all possible.
I used to prefer window seats. Then I made a few flights in inclement weather. I found then that I could be slight claustrophobic. When that occurs, the window is actually worse for me. If I can’t look out and orient myself, then I felt more closed in. When I sit aisle, in bad weather, I feel more comfortable.
Given choice of seats in coach, I prefer the newer 737 that have a 2 and 3 seat exit row. I prefer the inner seat on the 2 seat row. Get leg room, I’m off the aisle, and I can still control the window. Also, most people in exit rows are seasoned travellers.
Pete Says:
I do a few ~12 hour flights, and often do so without getting up from my seat. I definitely prefer window seats for such flights, they have significantly extra room to the side that does not impinge on anyone else.
This can actually be pretty dangerous due to the risk of blood clots (see Deep Vein Thrombosis). It’s a good idea on really long flights to get up from time to time and get the blood flowing in your legs. I know a couple people who developed DVT. In bad cases, it can kill you.
Aisle exit row for US domestic flights every time. I’m 6’4″ so the curve of a typical plane makes the Window Seat a no-no for my shoulders, and the standard leg room makes middle seats (except exit) a second no-no. I don’t necessarily mind the middle seat because frankly, the people either side of me have the problem.
But unless I’m flying an airline I don’t, this kind of thing has been largely academic for years now.
Anyway, BEST seat I know, BA Club World Window seats on their 747-400s upper deck, exit row 62A or K – flat bed, loads of storage, awesome drink selection. That’s the way to spend 10 hours.
It’s a good idea on really long flights to get up from time to time and get the blood flowing in your legs. I know a couple people who developed DVT. In bad cases, it can kill you.
David Bloom for one.
Window always. It’s annoying when the only available seats are in the middle and the person on your window side closes the blind.