Choosing the right seat on an airplane can significantly impact your travel experience. From the coveted window seat offering scenic views to the practical aisle seat allowing for easy restroom access, passengers have a variety of preferences. Among these options, the bulkhead seat stands out as a choice that elicits both excitement and apprehension. But what exactly is a bulkhead seat, and is it the right option for you? This article delves into the specifics of bulkhead seating, exploring its advantages and disadvantages to help you make an informed decision before your next flight.
Understanding the Bulkhead
At its core, a bulkhead is a structural partition within an aircraft cabin. It serves to divide the plane into distinct sections, often separating different classes of service, such as first class from economy, or delineating specific zones within a cabin. These partitions can take various forms, ranging from solid walls to lighter, more flexible dividers like curtains or screens. Essentially, the bulkhead seat is the row of seats located directly behind these dividing structures.
The placement of bulkheads is strategically determined by the airline and aircraft manufacturer. You’ll typically find them separating cabin classes, as mentioned, but they also frequently separate seating areas from galleys (the airplane’s kitchens) and lavatories. Understanding the function of the bulkhead is crucial to understanding the characteristics of the seating situated adjacent to it.
Decoding Airplane Seating Options
Navigating the world of airplane seating can feel like a complex game. Airlines employ a variety of strategies when it comes to assigning and charging for different seats. Seats with perceived benefits, such as increased legroom or a more advantageous location within the cabin, often come with an added cost. This is where the bulkhead seat comes into play. The price and availability of bulkhead seating can vary widely depending on the airline, the specific aircraft, and even the route being flown.
Generally, seats closer to the front of the plane tend to command a higher price. This is often attributed to factors like faster boarding and deplaning, as well as a perceived quieter environment. However, the specific advantages and disadvantages of a bulkhead seat require a more nuanced examination.
Legroom: A Key Consideration
One of the primary draws of bulkhead seating is the potential for increased legroom. Because there are no seats directly in front of them, bulkhead seats often offer a more spacious environment for stretching out your legs. However, it’s essential to manage expectations. The amount of legroom provided by a bulkhead seat can vary significantly depending on the aircraft model and the specific seating configuration.
In some cases, the legroom can be considerably more generous than that offered in standard seats, allowing passengers to fully extend their legs and enjoy a more comfortable journey. In other instances, the difference may be minimal. The best way to determine the actual legroom available is to consult online seat maps, such as those available on SeatGuru, and read reviews from other travelers who have flown in the same type of aircraft.
Tray Tables and Storage
The absence of a seat in front also has implications for the tray table configuration. In standard seats, the tray table typically folds down from the seat back in front. However, in bulkhead seats, the tray table is usually stowed within the armrest. While this design maintains the functionality of a tray table, some passengers find it less convenient or less stable than the traditional fold-down variety.
Another significant consideration is storage space. In standard seating, passengers can often stow small personal items, such as purses or small bags, under the seat in front of them. However, due to safety regulations, this is not permitted in bulkhead seats. All carry-on luggage and personal items must be stowed in the overhead compartment during takeoff and landing, and sometimes throughout the entire flight. This can be inconvenient for passengers who need frequent access to their belongings during the flight.
Potential Obstructions and Walking Paths
Business travelers, in particular, should be mindful of the specific configuration of the area in front of their bulkhead seat. While some bulkhead seats are situated directly in front of a solid wall, others may face an aisle or a walking area. This can have both positive and negative consequences.
On the one hand, having an aisle directly in front can provide a greater sense of spaciousness and allow for easier access to the aisle. On the other hand, if the walking path or aisle is angled in a way that cuts into the legroom of the aisle seat, it can diminish the benefits of bulkhead seating. Passengers in aisle seats in the bulkhead seating row may find their legroom compromised by passing passengers or crew members.
Weighing the Pros and Cons
To summarize, let’s break down the advantages and disadvantages of choosing a bulkhead seat:
Pros:
- Potential for Increased Legroom: In many cases, bulkhead seats offer significantly more legroom than standard seats, allowing for a more comfortable flight, especially on long journeys.
- No Reclining Seat in Front: Passengers in bulkhead seats don’t have to contend with someone reclining their seat into their personal space, which can be a major source of discomfort for some travelers.
- Easy Access: If legroom is generous, exiting the seat is easier, particularly useful for frequent restroom visits.
Cons:
- Limited Storage: The lack of under-seat storage means that all carry-on items must be stowed in the overhead compartment, which can be inconvenient for accessing personal belongings during the flight.
- Tray Table Design: The in-arm tray tables found in bulkhead seats may be less stable or convenient than traditional fold-down tray tables.
- In-Flight Entertainment Distance: The in-flight entertainment screens may be located further away than in standard seats, potentially impacting the viewing experience.
- Potential for Noise: Bulkhead seats are sometimes located near galleys or lavatories, which can be noisy areas.
- Bassinet Attachment: Some bulkhead seats are designated for passengers traveling with infants and may have bassinet attachments. This can be a pro or a con depending on your travel circumstances.
Who Should Consider Bulkhead Seating?
Ultimately, the decision of whether or not to book a bulkhead seat is a personal one that depends on your individual needs and preferences. However, here are some scenarios in which bulkhead seating might be particularly appealing:
- Tall Travelers: Passengers with long legs will likely appreciate the extra legroom offered by many bulkhead seats.
- Passengers with Mobility Issues: The increased legroom and easier access can be beneficial for passengers with mobility limitations.
- Those Who Value Personal Space: If you dislike the feeling of being confined or having someone reclining their seat into your space, a bulkhead seat can provide a more comfortable environment.
- Passengers Who Don’t Need Frequent Access to Carry-Ons: If you don’t plan on needing access to your personal belongings during the flight, the limited storage of bulkhead seats may not be a major drawback.
Making an Informed Decision
Before booking a bulkhead seat, it’s crucial to do your research. Consult online seat maps and read reviews from other travelers to get a sense of the specific configuration of the aircraft you’ll be flying on. Consider your own personal needs and preferences, and weigh the pros and cons of bulkhead seating accordingly.
By taking the time to gather information and carefully consider your options, you can make an informed decision and choose the seat that will provide you with the most comfortable and enjoyable flying experience. Whether it’s the extra legroom, the freedom from reclining seats, or the ease of access, the bulkhead seat can be a valuable option for savvy travelers. However, understanding its limitations is equally important to ensure that it aligns with your specific needs and expectations.
