Window, Middle or Aisle? - Where the Best Seat on a Plane is
Published March 16th, 2023
If you’re going to be confined to a flying metal tube for anywhere from 60 minutes to 14 hours, picking the right seat for you is oh-so important.
Some don’t care where they sit - it’s the destination that matters. Others want/need choice in the journey.
In what could start a trend, Spirit Airlines, in early 2023, have made some of their middle seats an inch wider than the aisle and window seats on their new crop of planes.
I’m a window seat selector as often as possible as once I’m in my seat, it’s rare for me to need to get up.
Plus, there’s plenty of photo/video opportunities.
Here’s a breakdown of the perks and irks between the window, middle, and aisle seats.
Window Seat
Perks
Privacy
Only one person beside you
The view!
Can sleep/rest on an angle against fuselage
Nobody climbs over you to use the restroom
Can angle your laptop/screen away from prying eyes as you read Modern Traveller.
Control over the window shade
Irks
Have to climb over at least one person to use the restroom or overhead bin
Someone else possibly touching your drink if it’s a three-seater.
Middle Seat
Perks
Unwritten rule of claiming both armrests
Climbing over only one person for the restroom or to get your carry-on luggage from the overhead bin
Irks
The least amount of horizontal space
Two sets of eyes can see what’s on your screen
Not having the easiest access to leave your seat
Possibly no control over the window shade
Possible jerks bookending you with their knees spread into your space
Aisle Seat
Perks
Extra leg space
Easiest to get in and out of for restrooms and the overhead bins
Only beside one person
Can deplane quicker than your seat mates
Irks
Can have your seat mates hovering over you if you’re the first to be seated
Flight attendant and food/drink cart traffic
The most interrupted as window and or middle seat dwellers use the restroom
Possibly (likely) no control over the window shade
What do you think the best seat on an airplane is?