By MOOK Scenic Family Travel Life Network Editorial Team
Choosing a good seat when flying abroad is also a crucial skill, especially on long-haul flights where comfort is even more important. If you're flying with a regular airline, you can usually pre-select your seat after booking your ticket, and even with budget airlines, you can pay extra for a more comfortable seat. But how do you secure the perfect seat? Follow these five tips for a truly ideal flying experience.
Choosing a good seat on the plane can make your flight much more comfortable. (Image source / stocksnap)
1. The Earlier the Seat, the Better
Seats near the front of the plane are farther from the engines, which means less noise during the flight. Most planes have their kitchens and restrooms in the rear sections, so avoiding these high-traffic areas leads to a quieter space. Some passengers also prefer sitting closer to 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're on a long-haul flight and might need to use the restroom or stretch, an aisle seat is better so you don't have to bother others to "excuse me."
3. Seats Near the Emergency Exit
In economy class, seats next to the emergency exit offer the most legroom, allowing passengers to stretch their legs comfortably. However, these seats are usually not available for selection and are assigned by ground staff to those who can assist in evacuating passengers in an emergency—typically younger adults with good foreign language skills.
The first row behind the bulkhead offers more legroom but is often assigned to passengers traveling with infants. (Image source / infinitelegroom)
4. Avoid the First Row
The first row behind the cabin bulkhead often has the most legroom, but because of this extra space, parents with babies or young children are often seated here to facilitate hanging bassinets. If you're sensitive to the sound of crying children, it's best to avoid this area.
5. Left or Right Side
Which side of the plane you sit on is also an important consideration. If you know the 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 journey and a right-side seat for the return trip gives you a good chance of seeing Mount Fuji.