The hum of the jet engines, the anticipation of arrival, the cramped conditions – air travel is a symphony of sensations, both exhilarating and exasperating. While we can’t control the turbulence or the crying baby three rows back, we can influence a crucial aspect of our journey: our seat. All too often, passengers passively accept whatever seat assignment is handed to them, potentially sacrificing comfort and convenience. You’ll notice open rows of middle seats, as aisle and window seats are all occupied. If a flight is completely sold out, the best seats are always taken in advance. But it’s clear that many passengers are accepting their randomly assigned seats and not making the decision on their own after completing the ticketing process. But before you resign yourself to a less-than-ideal spot, remember these words: Don’t Forget to Choose Your Seats!
This article is your comprehensive guide to navigating the often-opaque world of airline seating, ensuring you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed, rather than wrung out. We’ll delve into the why, when, and how of seat selection, empowering you to make informed decisions that can significantly enhance your flying experience.
Why Should I Select My Seat Ahead of Time?
The question isn’t so much should you select your seat, but why wouldn’t you? Unless, of course, every seat in the main cabin is already occupied. Think of it this way: seat selection is a free upgrade, a chance to personalize your travel experience without breaking the bank. By proactively choosing your seat as soon as possible after booking (or even during the booking process, depending on the airline), you gain access to the widest range of available options, from coveted window seats offering stunning views to spacious aisle seats providing easy access to the lavatory.
Imagine the possibilities: gazing out at the clouds during a daytime flight, or stretching your legs frequently without disturbing your neighbors on a long-haul journey. These small comforts can make a world of difference, transforming a potentially stressful experience into a more enjoyable one. There’s absolutely no advantage to not selecting a seat unless all of the seats in the main cabin are taken. By selecting your seat at the first available opportunity, you can ensure the best available selection of free seats in your cabin or paid premium seats.
But what if you’re too late? What if the seat map appears barren, with only undesirable middle seats remaining? Don’t despair! There’s still a chance to snag a better spot. Some passengers gamble by not selecting a seat, hoping for a last-minute upgrade at the gate. The logic is that if the flight is overbooked, those without assigned seats might be prioritized for upgrades or even bumped (with compensation, of course). However, this is a risky strategy. You might end up with a cramped middle seat, or even worse, find yourself volunteering to take a later flight.
For those seeking guaranteed comfort, many airlines offer premium seating options with extra legroom and other perks. These seats often come with an additional fee, but the investment can be well worth it, especially on longer flights. More airlines are even adding perks to their seats with more legroom. On American Airlines and Delta Air Lines, flyers who book seats with more legroom can get complimentary alcoholic beverages during their flight. Think of it as buying a little peace of mind, a buffer against the potential discomfort of a standard economy seat.
When Should I Select My Airline Seat?
Timing is everything when it comes to securing the best airline seats. The golden rule is to select your seat as soon as possible after booking your flight. Many airlines allow you to choose your seat during the booking process itself, while others require you to log in to your account after completing the purchase.
If you’re traveling with companions, such as friends or family members, it’s crucial to coordinate your seat selection. If everyone is on the same itinerary, then all their seats can be selected at the same time. Airlines typically attempt to seat members of the same reservation together, but this is not always guaranteed, especially if you wait until the last minute.
Be aware of the airline’s seating policies, particularly if you’re flying on a budget airline or with a group. Basic economy fares often come with restrictions, including assigned seating at the gate. Southwest Airlines, known for its unique boarding process, operates on an open seating policy, requiring passengers to compete for their preferred spots after boarding. While you can’t do much about basic economy, you can use strategies to get seats together on Southwest.
If you find that the initial seat selection options are limited, don’t give up hope. Check back periodically in the days and weeks leading up to your flight. Passengers often change their travel plans, opening up previously unavailable seats. Also, check for any hidden alternatives available, with multiple open seats in the same row. A little persistence can pay off handsomely.
Consider the aircraft’s layout on Seatguru.com, or get advice from other frequent flyers on FlyerTalk.com.
How Can I Find the Best Airline Seats?
Finding the best airline seat is an art and a science, requiring a combination of research, strategy, and a little bit of luck. Fortunately, several resources are available to help you navigate the complexities of airline seating.
One of the most valuable tools is SeatGuru.com, a website dedicated to providing detailed seat maps for virtually every aircraft in operation. After you complete the booking process, head over to Seatguru.com and locate your aircraft. By entering your airline and flight number, you can access a comprehensive seat map that highlights the best and worst seats on the aircraft, based on factors such as legroom, proximity to restrooms, and window views. Your airline may have multiple versions of the same airplane type, so make sure the airline’s seat map matches what you see on SeatGuru. If they don’t match up, simply select a different version of that same aircraft.
For example, United Airlines operates multiple configurations of the Boeing 777-200 airframe. Some of these have updated cabins, while others are more dated. There are also two different types of Business Class seats on internationally configured planes, so pay very close attention when you go to match these up.
If you’re using SeatGuru, look for the green seats on the map. In the economy cabin, these are typically located in rows that require an up-charge. You can expect to pay a fee starting at $30 or more to select a seat in this section, depending on the seat and the length of the flight – but as we discussed above, they come with some nice perks.
Seats that don’t have any color coding are fine picks, too. These won’t have tons of extra legroom, but they’re average seats for that cabin. Generally, you’ll want to avoid yellow and red seats, as these often come along with a negative bullet point or two, be it a position near the bathroom or galley.
Another valuable resource is FlyerTalk.com, an online forum frequented by seasoned travelers who share tips and advice on all aspects of air travel, including seat selection. By searching for your specific airline and aircraft type, you can often find firsthand accounts and recommendations from experienced flyers.
When evaluating your seat options, consider your personal preferences and priorities. Do you value legroom above all else? Are you prone to motion sickness and prefer a seat over the wing? Do you need easy access to the aisle for frequent bathroom breaks? By identifying your priorities, you can narrow down your options and choose a seat that best suits your needs.
Finally, don’t be afraid to contact the airline directly for assistance. Customer service representatives can often provide valuable insights into seat availability and aircraft configurations. They may also be able to accommodate special requests, such as seating near an exit row or bulkhead.
In conclusion, Don’t Forget to Choose Your Seats! is more than just a suggestion; it’s a call to action. By taking a proactive approach to seat selection, you can significantly improve your flying experience and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to explore. Although finding the best airline seats may be a challenge, selecting them upfront and comparing notes can help you find the most comfortable every time. Don’t be afraid to select your seats at booking or pay up for a more comfortable seat – it could mean the difference between a pleasant flight or five hours of misery. So, the next time you book a flight, remember to prioritize seat selection and unlock the potential for a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.
