A few weeks back, we reviewed the different seating areas on the plane and their advantages and disadvantages. Now that you know where you want to sit, let’s clarify the next steps.
-For most bookings, you will have the option to select a seat at the time of booking (or at least an aisle/window preference). Note that this is usually a request only and, come day of travel, your seat could change due to a change in aircraft or at the airline’s discretion. In all my years of flying, I have rarely had an issue like this so don’t stress too much. When it comes to selecting your seat, a great site to utilize is SeatGuru.com. You first select your airline, then your aircraft type (found on your itinerary), and it will direct you to the best, and worst, seats on the plane.
-When you book, you may notice that you are unable to select some of the seats, especially those prime sections like exit rows and the front of the plane. Usually, they are not actually booked but instead are being held for passengers in the airline’s elite flyer program. Since many of these passengers (typically business travelers) book last minute, the airline usually holds them until the day of travel. What to do? Check in online as soon as the airline allows (usually 24 hours prior to departure) and see if anything has freed up. No luck? Ask the gate agent politely when you drop off luggage as these seats become available as the elite flyers are bumped to the first class cabin on the day of travel.
-The rules change when you fly internationally. I have seen everything from seat requests being taken ninety days prior to travel to absolutely no input from the passenger. Check the airline’s website prior to ticketing to confirm their policies. If you can put a request in at a certain interval before the flight, be sure to mark it on your calendar. For the airlines that do not take requests, your best bet is showing up early and being at the front of the check-in line. I once got to the airport 4 hours early in order to secure my exit row aisle seat on a flight to New Zealand. While I had a lot of time at the airport, at least I was comfortable for the 13 hour journey!
Do you have a tip for getting the best seat on the plane? Post it here to share with fellow DIWYY readers.
{ 3 comments… read them below or add one }
Aren’t the exit rows kind of uncomfortable, especially if you are flying long distances? I usually pick aisle seats, even if I can’t look out the window, they are way more convenient. If you are in a rush, before everyone gets up, you can race down the aisle and get in front of people. Although, it’s a little scandalous to be doing that, it might be worth it. However, I was in a flight that came in to the airport extremely delayed, which meant people that had connecting flights had to race to catch them. Luckily, the captain was courteous enough to ask the plane to let those with connecting flights leave first. It was great seeing people being nice and not pushy. All the people that had connecting flights were allowed to leave and I saw relief and gratitude in their faces, since people aren’t usually that nice at airports!
Thank you for your comment Vania! On certain aircraft, the exit rows can have limited recline which could be uncomfortable for a long journey. But, many planes have extended legroom which can be nice. When I flew to New Zealand, the exit row had nearly six feet of open space in front of me! While this is nice, be weary that other passengers will congregate in the area while waiting for the restrooms (but it is usually not too disruptive if you have an eye mask and some earplugs).
Great point about de-planing too. Aisles are good in the sense that you can get out quickly!
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