239: How to Choose the Best Seats (for you) on an Airplane

Airplanes are not known for their comfort or service. So if you want to have the best experience that you can while cramped inside with a bunch of strangers, here is some advice on how to choose the best seats on an airplane. We share our pros and cons of the bulkhead seats and areas of the plane to avoid.

Episode Highlights

• Tamara doesn't like row 1 or the bulkhead row because you can't keep your personal item at your feet and often the overhead bins above that row are full you end up needing to store your valuables and even your carry on bag a few rows back.
• Often the first couple of rows of economy is where they store crew luggage, blankets, emergency kits, etc and the room is really limited. Also, since those rows are often "premium economy" people sitting there board early and have status and take up the overhead space.
• Those bulkhead rows also have fixed armrests that are a bit of a wall that can be uncomfortable.
• Also, this is where your tray table and tv screen is stored there so you also end up looking down if you are watching the screen.
• These seats also often have the very thick seatbelts with a built in airbag that can be uncomfortable.
• The middle section bulkhead is also where they put a bassinet and a baby.
• The pro is that you have leg room and you aren't going to have someone reclining in front of you
• On the exit row, you also sometimes have a bump out for the slide that cuts into your space in the window seat
• Remember to always double check your seat assignments in the days and weeks leading up to the trip, especially if there have been any changes to your flights as they may have shifted your seats if there was an equipment change
• Sometimes the middle section of a larger plane or international flight you can find a seat without someone next to you, especially if you are traveling solo
• When choosing a seat, always look at the layout and be aware of where the bathrooms are. You don't want to be either right across from the bathroom or the rows nearby if possible
• Also, if you are sensitive to sound, you may not want to be in the very front or back near a galley because of the noise, light, and movement
• The row just in front of the exit row is often used for storage in the overhead bins and space is tighter
• The seats in the exit row or just before/after sometimes don't recline. Also, the very back of the plane or section have seats that only recline a tiny bit
• Kim and Tamara both prefer the aisle for easy access to the bathroom and to not feel as claustrophobic
• Windows can be nice if you want to sleep and you aren't getting bumped by people walking by or the carts going up the aisle
• Kim likes the aisle of the middle section on international flights because sometimes there might be an open seat next to you
• If you see all four seats of that section booked, it is likely a family and you might want to be two rows before or after that row
• If you have a tight connection, try to be as far forward as you can in the plane. It is worth paying extra for a premium seat towards the front
• Seat Guru is not always updated but can be a good resource. Another site that gives seat reviews is Aerolopa
• If you have an American Express Platinum card you get a $200 airline credit each year but you need to select your airline. This doesn't go to the fare but can be used for seat upgrades or baggage fees
• If they change your flight schedule, you need to go in and accept or reject the changes. If the schedule changes more than a certain amount of time, they have to give you a full refund