Flying cattle class? Have no fear. Skyscanner has shared some very useful tips on scoring the best seats to ensure you enjoy a comfortable flight.

Which are the best seats on a plane?

This largesy depends on your personal prioroties such as more legroom, a quieter flight or a safer experience. Each of these factors impact your decision on what you consider the perfect (or next best) spot.

Extra legroom

When seeking extra legroom on your next flight, consider seats at the front of the plane or section. These spots offer ample space, and you won’t have to worry about reclining neighbours. However, be aware that some of these seats may be reserved for families with infants, so if you’re lucky enough a score a front row, you may potentially still have to put up with crying babies.

For an even more comfortable journey, opt for exit rows or seats located over the wings, which tend to experience less turbulence. Aisle seats also provide additional room to stretch, though you may need to contend with passing passengers and carts.

Shhhh….

For a peaceful in-flight experience, it’s essential to steer clear of high-traffic areas and family-friendly sections. Areas to avoid include the galley, where flight attendants prepare meals and drinks, and the lavatories, which can be noisy and prone to unpleasant odours. Note also, the front sections of the plane, where the bassinets are, can often attract families with infants.

To minimise disruptions and maximise comfort, consider investing in an upgrade. Even on budget airlines, upgrading to a quiet zone or economy plus can make all the difference to you your flight experience. These sections tend to be less crowded with slightlymore spacious seats, and provides a better chance of having an entire row to yourself.

Safest seats

Although air travel is incredibly safe, you can still make your trip even safer. Where safety as a top priotity, a study by Popular Mechanics revealed that your chances of surviving a crash are 40% higher if you sit in an aisle seat towards the rear of the plane. However, do bear in mind that air travel is incredibly safe regardless of where you sit.

Bonus: seats at the back of the plane tend to get the best service, as that’s where the staff keep all their extra pillows and snacks, and you’d often get served first.

Popular seats

A survey conducted by Skyscanner showed that 46% of people prefer to be seated at the front of the plane, almost 60% prefer window seats, and 62% go for an even-numbered row. So what does this mean? This basically means your chances for a good seat are bound to increase if you opt for an aisle seat on an odd-numbered row.

Research the flight facilities

Websites such as SeatGuru can help you find the best seat on a particular flight with details about the aircraft you’ll be flying in. The information includes the amount of legroom, how close to the galleys and toilets you are, and even the type of entertainment system to expect. Users of the site also rate various seats, including important ones to avoid at all costs. Therefore, a little bit of research before you check in just means you’ll make a better informed decision about the seat options available to you.

Timing is everything

As we know, travellers are in competition for the most coveted seats on the plane. So what can you do? Well, it’s often possible to book seats when you buy your ticket, which sometimes comes with a fee. But this means you can secure your preferred spot. However, if you haven’t done this, you can also check in early to secure that seat.

Just know that exit row seats are generally reserved for those who opt in at the airport. This allows airline staff to assess their suitability in the case of an emergency. So if you want an exit row seat, your best changes are showing up early at the airport.

It pays to be nice

While checking in at the airport counter, it’s always worth asking the assistant if they can see any better seats available. When frequent flyers are upgraded, they often free up a better economy or premium economy seat. All of this can all happen at the very last minute, so that extra friendly smile when you check-in might just get you bumped into a better seat.

Loyatly points

Want to enjoy premium seats without the pricey tag? Then use your points! Airlines often offer upgrades to higher-tier seats to loyalty program members. With your accumulated points, you can indulge in spacious legroom, gourmet meals, and amazing service typically reserved for passengers at the pointy-end.

So how do you rack up those points? It’s not just about flying frequently… You can earn points through everyday activities like shopping, staying at partner hotels, or using affiliated credit cards. By maximising your points potential, you’ll be able to upgrade your flying experience without breaking the bank.

Play the system

When traveling with family or a partner, consider this clever seating strategy to increase your chances of securing extra space. By booking the window and aisle seats on a three-seat row, you increase the likelihood of having an empty middle seat. While there is a risk of a full flight meaning someone taking up up the middle seat, you can always politely ask the passenger to swap seats. This way, you can still sit together and enjoy the extra space. This is a low-risk, high-reward approach without having to fork out extra money.