Seats on a plane
(sounds like snakes on a plane haha)
Which one do you choose?
I think this all depends on YOU. Completely. 100%.
Do you like a view? Do you like easy access to the bathroom? Do you mind the draft (that cold air that rushes up ya legs from no where)? Do you mind both persons on either side of you stealing BOTH arm rests? Do YOU like to steal both arm rests? Do you like talking to people and making conversation? Do you like extra leg room? Do you mind helping during an emergency when the raft ejects and people need to be guided accordingly? How long can you sit still? Can you squeeze past people when they are seated or do they need to get up for you to move?
All of these questions and about 10 million more are things one may consider when choosing a seat.
Flight time is definitely something to consider. As well as time of travel. Are you flying at night or in the day? Are you flying over lots of ocean or landscape? Doesn’t make sense picking the window seat in the night over a large ocean if it’s the view you want over legroom. There will be no view, and the legroom seat will be taken by someone else.
When I was booking my seats to New Zealand (Antigua to Toronto, Toronto to LA, LA to Fiji, Fiji to Auckland), I considered these factors and also tried to switch it up each flight.
When I flew from Miami to Toronto I sat by the window (a 3 hour flight in the day so I could see a lot when flying over). Flying from Montreal to LA, I chose the middle. A 5.5 hour flight in between two guys – wasn’t that great of an idea. This was a day flight as well. The guys were nice and I wasn’t squished but I always felt the need to ‘keep to myself’. There were extra seats but I didn’t bother to move. But in this case, I had to be doubly aware of when my mouth would hang open when I fell asleep.
From LA to Fiji I chose an aisle seat. I know my bladder is weak and so bathroom trips would be frequent. An 11.5hr flight and always having to say ‘excuse’ every hour would be torture for me and the people I’m sitting next too.
With these examples though, you should get my drift.
These are the 4 major things I would suggest you seriously consider though:
- Bathroom visits (aisle seat if it’s a lot, window seat if not)
- Legroom (aisle seat – you can stick your leg out if no one is walking there)
- Views (window seat – definitely)
- Getting on and off the plane (if you’re in a rush, sit closer to the front. If you want to get the plane first, choose a seat in the back. Depending on the size of the plane they usually call those ones first)
Sometimes, you have no choice. Sometimes you really just don’t know. If you really don’t know, the best answer would be to try them all – window, middle, aisle – and see which one suits you best. Choose which you would prefer the most first, and go from there – the view or the leg room? That will help you decided which seat is right for you.
Think about what’s best for you. And hopefully you don’t have to pay extra for it (airlines stingy like dat nowadays with their ‘extra economy seating’ for likkle leg room).
Here’s to wishing the seats next to you are always empty when you need time for yaself or full with great people when you’re looking for conversation.
-Global Gyal
Do you have a favourite seat on a plane? I love the window for the views but my weak bladder makes me want to choose the aisle seat sometimes! Views always tends to win out though. What’s yours?
8 Comments
Victor Marcial · July 20, 2018 at 6:57 am
Me I like the excitement of now knowing. I don’t use the bathroom alot even if its short or lng flights so I dont care. But sometimes you try to choose the best seat and you end up sitting next to some smelly old man (sorry old men people). So I let destiny decide. One I was so pissed I ended up in the last row right by the toilet. When I check its because no one else was in my row. Soooooo you know I skeg out on all four seats. lol.
Global Gyal · November 1, 2018 at 12:21 am
You do well to leave it to destiny Victor! Ya brave. With my bladder I can’t take that chance lol But you definitely lucked out with the 4 seats to ya self man 👏🏽👏🏽
Yahaya Baruwa · October 1, 2018 at 4:55 pm
Thank you for sharing these! I can definitely relate to everything you have said in the post. For one, it can really be a great dilemma trying to decide on the right seat – but I can’t lie, I ALWAYS choose the window seats. Lol I guess I am selfish but there is just something about looking out at the sky beyond or the ground below (day or night). The only problem comes when the airlines feed you beans, eggs, cheese or worst milk (I am lactose intolerant unfortunately.) I tend to avoid the latter of-course, yet the former “inspires” a very gaseous state and it makes for a very awkward attention when I have to let one out. *smacks-face* In any case, I have learned to manage all of these and still enjoy the window seat. Here’s to experience right?!
Global Gyal · November 1, 2018 at 12:23 am
Oh noo! I feel sorry for the people sitting next to you Yahaya. But you’re right – here’s to experiences! (And I do agree, in the end, the window seat I think is the best 😀)
Nailah Liverpool · November 20, 2018 at 2:30 am
I love me a window seat! For the views of course – day or night… aanndd I sleep A LOT. So it’s easier for me to lean my head on the side with the window to avoid passing out on the person next to me lol lol. I’d prefer some leg room and easier access to the bathroom, but majority of the flight I’ll be sleeping anyway. Even though I’ve never experienced it (yet), nothing beats business and first class for comfort.
Global Gyal · November 21, 2018 at 9:09 pm
The sleeping on the window thing is VERY true. But ya neck neva get sore? I also find it gets cold sometimes being near the window. But I agree with you though- window seat is the winner for me. Nailah You’re one of the few people (I know) that sleeps like me on plane – aka A LOT! Could be 12hrs – I’d sleep for 11 out the 12hrs haha.
Dwayna · December 1, 2018 at 11:42 pm
I definitely prefer the window seat although sometimes depending on the length of the flight I will take the aisle seat. The window seat is more convenient for sleeping on long flights. Just recently I was in an aisle seat and the passenger next to me apparently wanted to use the bathroom but I was sleeping and he didn’t want to disturb me but there was a glass of orange juice next to me, well he accidentally spilled it on me so you kow that woke me up at once.
Global Gyal · December 15, 2018 at 1:02 am
Yes, I for sure think the length of the flight plays a role in what seat you choose! And oh no, the seats do have their advantages and disadvantages – for you and others alike. Hope you were able to get back to sleep though!