Choosing the Best Economy Seat for a Long-Haul Flight: Maximize Comfort and Convenience – Modern air travel often falls short when it comes to comfort. The thought of sitting in a cramped seat next to strangers for hours on end can be daunting. While splurging on upgraded seats in business class or premium cabins may not be feasible for most travellers, there are ways to enhance comfort even in economy class. By strategically selecting your seat, you can maximize legroom, increase the chances of sitting next to an empty middle seat, and avoid disturbances from high-traffic areas. In this article, we will explore expert advice and A+ hacks to help you in choosing the best economy seat for a long-haul flight.
Maximize Your Legroom
To start, it’s crucial to maximize your personal space. Consider opting for an extra-legroom seat or choosing seats with unique configurations like the exit row or bulkhead. Even a little extra legroom can make a significant difference during a long-haul flight. While the exit row offers extra space, it’s advisable to avoid the row directly ahead of the exit since these seats typically have limited or no recline.
If booking a seat with extra space isn’t possible, you can still increase legroom by packing strategically. Place most of your belongings in your checked bag or carry-on suitcase stored in the overhead bin, minimizing bulky items at your feet.
Increase Your Chances of an Empty Middle Seat
Having an empty middle seat next to you can greatly enhance comfort and sleep quality. To increase your chances of sitting by an empty middle seat, select an aisle seat next to a row where the window seat is already occupied. This way, the only available seat in that row is the middle seat, which is less likely to be taken. Choosing seats closer to the back of the plane may also improve your chances, as these sections tend to fill up last.
Keep an Eye Out for Empty Rows
Kindness can go a long way when it comes to securing more space on a flight. Politely ask gate agents if there are any empty rows available. If there are, take advantage of the opportunity to lie flat on the airplane, enhancing your comfort significantly. Alternatively, if you notice a few empty rows during the flight, take note of their locations. Once the seatbelt sign turns off, discreetly move to the empty seats without disturbing the staff.
Assess Proximity to Lavatories and Galleys
When selecting your seat, consider its proximity to the lavatories and galley. These high-traffic areas can be sources of disturbance, hindering your comfort and sleep. Look for seats at least four or five rows away from these sections to ensure a more peaceful journey.
Remember the Pros and Cons of the Bulkhead
While the bulkhead seats may seem appealing due to the extra legroom, there are potential drawbacks to consider. These seats often have misaligned TV screens, fixed armrests, and limited under-seat storage. Additionally, bulkhead seats are usually reserved for parents travelling with infants, which can lead to increased noise levels. Take these factors into account before choosing a bulkhead seat.
The Back of the Plane Can Have Advantages
Contrary to popular belief, sitting at the back of the plane offers certain benefits. The front of the plane tends to fill up faster, resulting in a more crowded experience. By choosing a seat toward the back, you increase your chances of having a free seat or even a whole row to yourself. While there may be more foot traffic from passengers going to the bathroom, this is a small price to pay for the added comfort of extra space.
Source: Editorial Times