Five Airplane Seating Tips to Ensure a Comfortable and Restful Flight

Text by / MOOK Scenic Spots Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team

Choosing a good seat when flying abroad is also a valuable skill, especially on long-haul flights where comfort is even more crucial. For most regular airlines, you can usually pre-select your seat after booking your ticket, and even on low-cost carriers, you can pay extra for more comfortable seats. But how can you secure the perfect seat? Follow these five tips to ensure a great flying experience.

1. The earlier the seat, the better

Seats closer to the front of the plane are farther from the engines, resulting in less noise during the flight. Most airplane galleys and restrooms are located toward the back, so avoiding these busy areas means a quieter space. Some passengers also prefer sitting near the front so they can disembark earlier.

2. Window seat or aisle seat

If you want better sleep quality, choose a window seat—you can rest your head against the window and avoid having to get up to let other passengers pass. But if you need to use the restroom or stretch your legs during a long flight, an aisle seat is more convenient, as you won’t have to bother others to “excuse me.”

3. Seats near the emergency exit

In economy class, seats near the emergency exit are typically the most spacious, allowing passengers to stretch their legs comfortably. However, these seats are usually not available for free selection and are instead assigned by ground staff to those who can assist in evacuating the aircraft in emergencies—often younger adults with good foreign language skills.

4. Avoid the first row

The first row behind the cabin bulkhead usually offers the most legroom, but because of the extra space, parents traveling with infants or children are often seated there to facilitate bassinet installation. If you’re sensitive to the sound of crying babies, it’s best to avoid this area.

5. Left side or right side

Which side of the plane you sit on is also an important consideration. If you know your flight route in advance, you can choose a seat based on sunlight exposure to avoid direct sun or to enjoy beautiful aerial sunrises and sunsets. For example, on the Taipei to Tokyo route, choosing a left-side seat for the outbound flight and a right-side seat for the return may give you a great chance to see Mount Fuji.