Summary: Some say there are ways to enhance a flight, either with a first class seat, purchased amenities, or simply an aisle versus a window spot. Some may disagree however, believing that a seat is a seat and a six-hour flight in the exit row is more or less the same as a six-hour flight in the back of the plane. But according to Skyscanner, an online flight comparison site, there seems to be one lucky seat that tends to make flying easiest. And it's not first class. It is seat number 6A, a window seat up front. The survey asked over 1,000 people their preference on airplane seating and it was also revealed that more people prefer a window seat to an aisle one. (The ratio for this was 60:40). While you might have your own opinions on where the most coveted seat is on a plane, we're going to let you in on a few secrets to help make your decision easier. So before you wake up early and stand in line for hours on end at the airport to ensure you nab that lucky 6A seat, read our tips and learn a little more about what your first choice for seats might really be. Window or aisle? That is always the biggest question. In my family, we used to all fight over who got the window seats, since our flights were usually long and we liked to prop our heads against the window to catch some zzz's. Windows are also good for their view of course. There is nothing like flying into Honolulu and seeing that bird's eye view of the island's gorgeous southern coastline. Or witnessing the sparkling city lights of San Francisco on a late night flight into California. Window seats also offer a sense of more privacy, since you can turn toward the window and close yourself off better from the rest of the world. Aisle seats are good for those who make frequent bathroom breaks or don't like to clamber over their seat neighbors. They're also good for taller people because they can stretch their legs into the aisle every once in a while. Not surprisingly, only 1% of the survey responders said they would choose a middle seat over an isle or window one. Middle seats tend to get the least amount of space, and typically both armrests will be taken up by your neighbors. Left side of the plane or right side? While this may not seem like something you would necessarily think of, there is a science behind choosing the right or the left side of a plane. According to Scientific American, only 15% of flyers are left-handed. Chances are your seat neighbor will eat, drink, and write with their right hand, and even lean toward their right side for comfort. So if you're right-handed, this means whatever space your neighbor leaves open on their left side will be yours for the taking on your right. This also usually means you'll have the armrest available to your right too. The left side of the plane is known to be better for those who prefer window seats however, because the windows are typically off-center. This allows more wall space for passengers to lean on. Definitely something to think about if you plan to sleep during your flight. Front or back of the plane? Typically people will choose to sit toward the front of the plane. People tend to think that sitting as close to the front as possible will make the “getting on” and “getting off” part quicker and easier, which is true. But during the “de-planing” process, the time difference between a front row seat versus a seat 10 rows back is only about 7-9 minutes. The front rows also have a little more to offer passengers, such as less engine noise and first choice on the food and beverage carts. Oftentimes passengers are left with little or no choice on food options when the cart finally reaches them in the back. And here's an interesting fact about the middle seats on a plane: passengers are less likely to feel turbulence in the middle sections than they are the front or back. If turbulence is something that bothers you or instill anxiety, we recommend snagging a spot as close to the mid-section as possible.
