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Seat Selection Tips
How to pick the best seat on any flight
Updated March 20267 min read
Your seat can make or break a flight. The difference between a comfortable journey and a cramped, noisy nightmare often comes down to a few rows—or even a few inches of legroom.
This guide reveals insider strategies for choosing the best airplane seat based on your priorities: legroom, sleep, quick exits, or avoiding crying babies. Whether you're flying economy or splurging on premium, these tips will help you maximize comfort at 35,000 feet.
Pro Tip: Book Early
The best seats (exit rows, bulkhead, front rows) are claimed within hours of booking opening. Select your seat during booking or immediately after to get first pick.
Seat Type Comparison
Exit Row
Tall travelers, long flights
Pros
- Extra legroom (3-6 inches)
- No seat in front (some)
- Easy exit
Cons
- May not recline
- No under-seat storage
- Colder near door
- Responsibility in emergency
Typical Cost: $20-80
Bulkhead
Families with babies, privacy seekers
Pros
- Extra legroom
- No one reclining into you
- Bassinet attachment
- First to deplane
Cons
- No under-seat storage
- Armrests don't lift
- Tray table in armrest
- Galley noise
Typical Cost: $15-50
Window
Sleepers, photographers, introverts
Pros
- Wall to lean on
- Control window shade
- Great views
- Less aisle traffic
Cons
- Climb over others for bathroom
- Harder to stretch legs
- Trapped if middle/aisle occupied
Typical Cost: Free-$30
Aisle
Tall people, frequent bathroom users
Pros
- Easy bathroom access
- Stretch into aisle
- Quick exit
- No climbing over people
Cons
- Bumped by carts/passengers
- No wall to lean on
- Aisle light at night
Typical Cost: Free-$30
Expert Selection Strategies
Check SeatGuru First
Before booking, search your flight on SeatGuru.com to see detailed seat maps with passenger reviews. Avoid red-marked seats (bad) and aim for green (good).
Rows 10-20 Are Ideal
These rows offer a balance of smooth ride (less turbulence than back), quieter cabin, and faster deplaning. Avoid the very back—it's noisier and seats often don't recline.
Avoid Lavatory/Galley Proximity
Seats within 3 rows of bathrooms or galleys experience constant traffic, noise, and odors. Check the seat map for lavatory locations (usually back and mid-cabin).
Pay for Exit Row on Long Flights
On flights over 4 hours, the $30-50 exit row fee is worth it for the extra legroom. Your knees (and back) will thank you.
Check Back 24-48 Hours Before
Airlines release blocked seats (exit rows, premium) 24-48 hours before departure. Check-in opens 24 hours out—grab a better seat if available.
Use Airline Apps for Real-Time Updates
Download your airline's app to monitor seat availability and get alerts if better seats open up. You can change seats instantly without calling.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about seat selection
What's the best seat on a plane?
It depends on your priorities. Exit row and bulkhead seats offer the most legroom. Window seats (rows 10-20) provide views and a wall to lean on. Aisle seats offer easy bathroom access. Avoid seats near lavatories (noise/traffic), last row (limited recline), and middle seats in the back. For long-haul flights, exit rows or premium economy are worth the upgrade.
Are exit row seats worth it?
Yes, if you value legroom and meet the requirements (able-bodied, 15+, English-speaking). Exit rows offer 3-6 extra inches of legroom, making them ideal for tall travelers or long flights. Downsides: seats may not recline, no under-seat storage during takeoff/landing, and they can be colder near the door. Most airlines charge $20-80 for exit row seats.
What is a bulkhead seat?
A bulkhead seat is directly behind a wall or divider, offering extra legroom and no seat in front (no one reclining into your space). Great for families with babies (bassinets attach here) and those who want to stretch. Downsides: no under-seat storage, armrests don't lift, and tray tables fold out from armrests (narrower seat).
Should I choose a window or aisle seat?
Window seats are best for sleeping, views, and avoiding aisle traffic. You control the window shade and have a wall to lean on. Aisle seats are better for tall people, frequent bathroom users, and those who want to stretch or exit quickly. Middle seats are only ideal if you're traveling with companions and want to sit together.
How can I see the seat map before booking?
Use SeatGuru.com or ExpertFlyer to view detailed seat maps with reviews before booking. Most airline websites also show seat maps during booking. Look for color-coded seats: green (good), yellow (caution), red (avoid). Check for proximity to lavatories, galleys, and exit rows. SeatGuru shows exact seat pitch (legroom) and width for each aircraft type.
When should I select my seat?
Select seats as early as possible—ideally during booking. Airlines release seat maps 330 days in advance, and good seats go fast. If your preferred seat isn't available, check back 24-48 hours before departure when airlines release blocked seats. Elite status holders and premium cabin passengers get first pick, so book early if you're in economy.
Are paid seat selections refundable?
It depends on the airline and fare type. Most US carriers (American, Delta, United) refund seat fees if you cancel the entire ticket within 24 hours or if the flight is cancelled. Budget airlines (Spirit, Frontier, Ryanair) typically don't refund seat fees. If the airline changes your seat assignment, you're entitled to a refund of the seat fee.
What are the worst seats on a plane?
Avoid: last row (doesn't recline, near lavatories), middle seats in back rows (cramped, noisy), seats in front of exit rows (limited recline), seats near lavatories/galleys (noise, traffic, odors), and bulkhead seats on short flights (no under-seat storage). Also avoid seats with misaligned windows or seats that don't recline due to walls behind them.
Can I change my seat after booking?
Yes, most airlines allow free seat changes up to 24 hours before departure (or at check-in). Log into your reservation online or use the airline's app. Premium seats (exit row, extra legroom) may require a fee. If your flight is full, check back closer to departure—passengers often change plans, freeing up better seats.
Do families with kids get priority seating?
US airlines must seat children under 13 next to an adult family member at no extra charge, per DOT rules (as of 2024). However, this doesn't guarantee good seats—just adjacent ones. Book early to secure preferred seats together. Bulkhead rows are ideal for families with infants (bassinet attachment). Some airlines offer family boarding priority.
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