Last Updated on April 13, 2022
You booked your flight, now what seat do you choose? There is a lot to consider, as seat assignment is one of the top make-it or break-it attributes to a travel experience.
Aisle Seat
Pros
- With being a leg-a-holic (working out my legs far too often), I’m always getting leg cramps or spasms in my hamstrings. So being able to stretch my legs into the aisle and stand up when I need to is key for me!
- I’m all about staying hydrated on my flights, but that comes with the consequence of having to pee far too often. With an aisle seat, I can get up and go whenever I need to without feeling bad about asking others to get up for me.
- You can keep all of your belongings in the overhead bin and then access easily during your flight.
- If you have a quick connection to make, you can get up and go rather than having to wait for others to get out before you.
Cons
- You will have to get up frequently for the others next to you to get out. Not great if you like to sleep or work during a flight.
- When the cart comes through or other passengers are walking by, there’s a good chance you will get bumped or hit.
- You can’t see outside.
- You don’t get the call if the window shade remains open or closed.
Window Seat
Pros
- You get a great view of outside.
- You can choose whether or not to keep the window shade open or closed.
- You can rest your head against something.
- I sometimes get anxiety if others around me are sick. Not sure if this is true for all, but being near a window helps me to stay a little calmer in thinking that I have a little bit more of just “me space”.
- I don’t have to worry about others bothering me to get out. Therefore, great for sleeping and working.
Cons
- You’re sacrificing some leg room.
- You get to bother others in your row if you have to get out. See my In-Flight Emergency & Travel Kit Essentials to be prepared.
- Can sometimes feel cornered in.
- Tends to be a little cooler with the vents right above the window seats.
Middle Seat (don’t laugh)
Pros
- Great for snuggling, if that’s your thing.
- Have a little bit more leg room than window seats.
- You get first dibs on the arm rests. I mean you did get stuck with the middle seat.
Cons
- You’re stuck between two people.
- Some people don’t respect the arm rest unofficial rule that middle gets first dibs.
- You have to get up for the window person to get out.
- You have to ask the aisle person to get out if you want to get up.
No matter what seat, make it comfy
Some airlines or economy choice tickets don’t allow you to choose your seat. In that scenario, you just have to be prepared for whatever you get.
Despite the outcome, bring the essentials that will make your flight more bearable for you.
Splurge on a good Neck Pillow
