How To Get The Best Airline Seats In Economy

Post Last Modified – March 07, 2025 ¦ gr8traveltips.com

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Helpful Tips For Getting The Best Economy Class Airline Seats

Yes, you can select your airline seat, well before your departure date. How to get …

The Best Airline Seats In Economy Class

is really not that difficult, with a little planning.

Below, I’ve added a few tips regarding economy seat selection and finding that best possible seat,
well before you leave. Keep in mind though, most major airlines do charge an additional fee for this service, as with most everything else these days.

My personal opinion and especially for those taking those dreaded long-haul flights, the extra cost for a good seat, may be well worth it!

Sitting where you want and being comfortable in airline seats, can make a huge difference in your overall flight experience.

Check out this quick video on airline seating, by a seasoned travel expert. Some interesting tips on selecting a good seat in economy class.

How To Score The Best Seat On A Plane – YouTube Video

Having To Fly In Economy Class

Inside of Airplane

If I’m flying economy class, which is the case the majority of the time and my flight is; over 3 hours, I want to be sure I am sitting where I would most like to be. I want to feel and be as comfortable, as I possibly can.

I think most people feel the same way when flying, whatever class they have chosen. If you can select your airline seats, without an additional charge prior to your flight, that’s great!

Those days I believe, are long gone!!

But did you know, that it’s still no guarantee that you will end up with those seats
For any reason given whatsoever, the airline can change your seat at any time.

Most airlines now charge for advanced seat selection, along with everything else for; basic economy passengers.:(

It’s also not that cheap. They are now adjusting prices for advance seat selection, depending on where you choose your seat on the aircraft. For example: exit row seats are generally the most expensive, followed by seating that’s more forward on the plane.

Yikes!!

From baggage costs, seat selection and even meals. Airlines have economy class passengers paying for everything. They now even have different classes of economy!!

Flight Departures Display

Flight times do regularly change prior to departure and when this happens, your seats, could go as well. You may be stuck having to be re-assigned with new seats at the airport, on the day of departure.

That could be very bad news, especially if you’re taking a long haul flight!

Getting bumped to a new flight could result in choosing what’s left, for that flight. On a positive note and as an example, the Canadian Government for example, has buckled down on carriers bumping and overbooking flights.

The United States has also introduced new guidelines to protect passenger rights. Read more about this on my latest post on …

New Canada Air Passenger Regulations

So, be sure to check online or with the airline prior to leaving, especially if you’re fussy, with seat assignments like I am.

Unless you purchased … Premium Economy, Business Class and/or First Class seats up front, that we all drool over, here are a few tips in helping you select better airline seats, for your next flight.

Choosing The Best Airline Seats For Longer Flights

Best Economy Airline Seats

Everyone has their own personal preference, as to whether they prefer a seat in the …

Window … Middle … Isle

As well, some prefer their seat to be more forward, which I prefer. Others may like the middle or towards the rear, of the aircraft.

It really is based upon personal preference. Once you have made these choices, let’s have a quick look at the {pros and cons}, of each option.

Getting The Best Airline Seating In Economy Class

Get The Best Airline Seats That Are Right For You

Best Airline Seats

Without a doubt, the most sought after seats in {Economy} are the; Exit Row seats.

These seats do come with restrictions and with a higher extra surcharge, with most major airlines.
There are age restrictions and you must be prepared to assist with crew, in the event of emergency.
This involves possibly opening the exit doors.

As there are no seats directly in front of you, tray tables are usually mounted in the armrests,
and smaller television screens as well. This makes the armrests permanently fixed in their position.
Just a small inconvenience to put up with, for that most welcomed extra space and leg room,
in front of you.

No Recline Airplane Seat

You should also note and something we discovered on a past flight, that your seat {may not recline},
and is fixed in the upright position.

Bummer for a long flight!

Window seats are also preferred by many people. You have easy viewing access outside and if you are planning on sleeping a fair bit, the window seat offers more privacy.

You can rest your pillow against the wall next to you and you get the least amount of; disruption from other passengers.

Best Economy Airline Seats

Certainly these are nice features, especially on longer and more scenic flights. The downside is, unless you’re sitting next to friends or family, this seat can be; difficult at times.

Every time you wish to get up from your seat, you always have to interrupt passengers, who are seated next to you. Not a big deal if they are traveling with you.

Oh well, you win some and you lose some!

I always try to select an {isle seat} for all my flights, both short and long. I like to get up and out of my seat to stretch, often and particularly on long haul flights. Be sure to check out my past article here on …

Stretching During Air Travel It’s so important to get up, move around and stretch during those long flights!

Each Aircraft Have Different Seat Configurations

Selecting Your Seats Before Departure

Best Economy Airline Seats

Another often overlooked inconvenience and worthy of sharing, is that your leg room, may be somewhat restricted on certain types of aircraft. Towards the front of the plane, the walls often curve inward, reducing your feet space for; window seating.

As well and more often then not, there seems to be a small box on the floor in front of you, that restricts your foot space. I believe it may be for the electronics and televisions, mounted in the seat backs?

Airplane Isle Seat

Isle seats are my favorite on any flight unlike my daughter, who prefers a more private, window view seat.

I like the open space next to me and the ease of getting in and out of my seat, any time I wish. Like other seats, they do come with inconveniences as well.
Such as;
people bumping you as they walk up and down the aisle, or just stand next to you in the isle. This happens particularly when you’re trying to have that quick nap and are just about, to nod off!

As well, cabin crew and passengers are continually walking past you, for the duration flight.

The Middle Seat Is The Least Preferred

Middle Airplane Seats

You are basically the Pig in the Middle and there is no way out!

Who gets those armrests on either side of you

Believe it or not, there is …

Airplane Travel Etiquette
which I have discussed in another previous post here.

Some things in that post may come, as quite a surprise for many!

As you can see, there are many factors to consider when choosing a seat in economy class. From; legroom space, toilet and galley locations, to seat pitch.

All are things to consider when reserving advance seats, if you choose to do so. Especially, if you are picky about where you sit, like me!

SeatGuru is an excellent resource and well respected website for many years now. It is dedicated to helping you find that perfect seat, for your flight. It’s a site I always refer to, before paying extra and picking my seat.

Whether it’s for; Economy, Premium Economy and/or Business Class, I always check the seat configuration for the aircraft I’m flying in. I’ve included a link to their website below for your convenience, to check out.

SeatGuru.com

Detailed color coded airline seat maps with graphics, in-depth seat comments, lavatory locations and much more are on this website.

Seat Guru For Detailed Airplane Seating

Seat Guru Map

There you have it, a few tips to help make your next flight in economy class, just a little bit more bearable.

If you haven’t signed up for a credit card that offers air reward miles and/or perks, then I highly suggest you do.

We’ve enjoyed a number of outstanding {Business Class} flights over the years, thanks to our credit card bonus air miles.

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Safe and Healthy Travels!

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Did You Know …

“The Most Expensive Airline Ticket Cost $123.000 Back In 2007. Millionaire Julian Hayward Was The First Person To Purchase A Seat On The Airbus A380’s Maiden Flight Between Singapore And Sydney.”

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