Where Is the Best Place to Sit on a Plane?
When booking a flight, choosing your seat can greatly impact your travel experience. Whether you're flying for business, relocating for a technical role, or heading to your next aviation job, knowing where to sit on a plane can make your journey more comfortable and efficient.
From extra legroom to a smoother ride, we explore the best places to sit on a plane based on different needs.
Best Seat for Legroom
If space is your top priority, look for exit rows or bulkhead seats. These areas usually offer more legroom than standard seats. Airlines often charge extra for these, but the added comfort can be worth it, especially on long-haul flights.
Exit rows offer more legroom but may have firmer or less reclinable seats. SeatGuru provides detailed seat maps and insights for almost every airline, helping you choose a spot with more space or fewer inconveniences.
Best Seat for a Smooth Ride
For those who dislike turbulence, the most stable area of the aircraft is over the wings. This is where the plane’s centre of gravity lies, providing the smoothest ride.
The FAA explains more about how turbulence works on their official site: Federal Aviation Administration - Turbulence
This is particularly useful for nervous flyers or for those who are heading to a crucial work assignment and want to arrive well-rested.
Best Seat for Quick Boarding and Exit
Business travellers and those flying on tight schedules might prefer seats near the front. These allow for faster boarding and deplaning, making connections more manageable.
Airlines often board from front to back or use priority boarding schemes, and The New York Post outlines just how beneficial this can be.
Best Seat for Sleep
Window seats are ideal for sleeping, especially on overnight flights. You can lean against the wall for support and won’t be disturbed by passengers needing to leave their seats.
A good sleep strategy includes using a neck pillow, earplugs, and a blackout mask.
Best Seat for Travelling with Children
Families often benefit from sitting near the front, with easier access to lavatories and quicker service. Some airlines have designated family rows, and bulkhead seats can offer space for bassinets and extra room to manoeuvre.
For more family flying tips, visit The Points Guy – Flying with Children.
Best Seat for Views
For those who love a good view or want to take photos from above, window seats ahead of the wings offer the clearest views. Avoid seats near or behind the wing if you want an unobstructed sightline.
Aviation enthusiasts will enjoy the window seat tips shared by Condé Nast Traveler.
Worst Seats on a Plane
While personal preference plays a large role, most travellers agree that:
- Middle seats offer the least comfort.
- Seats near toilets suffer from noise and odours.
- Back-row seats often have limited recline and are last for food service.
The Role of Seating in Aviation Careers
Understanding flight layouts and passenger preferences can be useful for professionals in aviation and aerospace engineering. Cabin design, seat ergonomics, and weight distribution are all areas impacted by engineering decisions.
If you’re considering a career in Aerospace & Aviation, this knowledge can make you a more informed candidate. VHR works with global airlines and aircraft manufacturers to recruit skilled specialists in roles from design engineering to aircraft maintenance.
Explore our Aerospace & Aviation specialities for more.
Flying for Work? Choose Your Seat Strategically
As a recruitment company operating in 57 countries, we know many of our candidates fly internationally for roles in Aerospace & Aviation, Engineering & Defence, and Marine. Making your journey as comfortable and efficient as possible can help you arrive at your assignment ready to perform.
At VHR, we support professionals in technical industries worldwide—from job search to relocation support. Travel smart, and make your flight work for you.
Related Reading and Resources
- Learn more about Aerospace & Aviation careers with VHR
- Read: How the Aviation Industry Is Shifting to a Digital Strategy
- Read: What It Takes to Work in F1
