Which is the best seat to select on an aircraft?

In anticipation of travel returning to some normality this short article will help you get your mind match fit for rebooking an airline ticket!

Travel writer Eliza Velk neatly outlines some good information that we at travelecentre.com.au concur with.

There are many things to consider when choosing your seat before a flight. Do you want an aisle seat or a window seat (let’s be honest, no one wants the middle)? Do you want to be at the front of the plane or the back of the plane? Do you want to sit on the exit row for extra legroom or do you not want the responsibility of opening the door in case of an emergency?

In some cases, the seat number you choose depends on who you are flying with and how long the flight will take. For instance, on Singapore Airlines’ long-haul Singapore to New York City route – the longest flight in the world, lasting around 18 hours and 30 minutes – there are six seats that will always sell out first.

The best seats on a long-haul Singapore Airlines flight

Singapore Airlines uses the Airbus A350-900ULR (Ultra Long Range), for its long-haul flights. The 161-seat jet only features business class and premium economy class.

Although every seat is classed as a premium seat, some are more comfortable than others.

Particularly the solo seats with no neighbours in the last rows of the cabin: rows, 40, 41 and 42. These six solo seats sell out faster than any others, according to a Singapore Airlines spokesperson. Likely because passengers won’t have to fight over the armrest or climb over other passengers to go to the bathroom.

Traveller seated in these single-seat row get the best of both worlds: a window seat and an aisle seat. They even have their own storage bin by the side of the seat, meaning you don’t have to share the overhead compartment. However, this extra comfort doesn’t come for free. It costs around A$156 extra for these seats. If it’s just extra legroom that you’re after, the exit-row seats are still the best for this.

A guide to choosing the best seat on flights 

Taking into consideration that not every plane offers solo seats, here’s a quick guide to picking the best economy seat for your travel style:

• The best seat for maximum legroom: Any exit-row seat
• The best seat for sleeping or limited noise: A window seat away from the bathroom and cabin crew areas
• The best seat for minimal turbulence: A seat over the wing
• The best seat for a quick exit after landing: Any seat close to the front of the plane (on the left side for dual aisle aircraft)
• The best seat for safety: A seat toward the back of the plane
• The best seat for travelling with kids: A bulkhead seat behind the plane’s dividing walls
• The best seat to reduce your chance of getting sick (catching a virus): a window seat away from the bathroom and cabin crew areas