Settling the Score Once and for All: The Window Seat, The Middle Seat or The Aisle Seat!

As old as passenger flights, is the debate and the struggle to book the perfect seat while travelling. Pundits and experts weigh in regularly on what they think could be the deciding factor on which seat is actually the best inside a flying plane. However, the truth has been far from reach. Every single passenger is on to win the battle for the throne, only to figure out in the end that the throne itself remains hidden. So, how do we figure out?

Today, we settle this once and for all. Ladies, gentlemen and everyone who’s reading this, here is the art of finding the best seat in a flight and things one should consider before hopping on the next flying saucer.

The window seat

This one’s a favourite, at least among the non-frequent, first timers or children.

Pros:

The view. The seat offers hands down the best views

Two headrests. Apart from the seat’s back-headrest, there’s the plane itself that one can lean against.

- This is the most personalised and private corner of every row. No disturbance from passengers moving out to use the loo or the rattles of trolleys moving between aisles makes for a sound sleep during long flights.

- More space. The overall area available around the window seat is considerably more, though leg space in specific isn’t that different.

Cons:

- Just pray you don’t sit along the wings. The biggest pro of having great views will be gone with the wind and you’ll be stuck in a lonely corner with nothing but the neighbour to stare at.

- As private as this seat is, it is also the coldest of the lot. The body of the plane can be chilling due to the strong ACs and a blanket would be the only saviour.

- Eyes on you! Others may not disturb you, but you become the disturbing element now every time you wish to use the restroom. Be prepared for a few unpleasant stares or even curse words coming your way!

The Middle Seat

The Ugly Duckling in the family is infamous for good reasons. But is there an upside? Let’s find out.

Pros:

- A little hard to digest but if you’re stubborn enough, you can take over both the hand rests. Pretty neat, right?

- That’s it. Don’t be too hopeful about its pros. Ok, if you want to push it, you can stare in all directions without being immediately noticed by others. But that’s it. Really!

Cons:

- Stuck in the middle of nowhere, you have to deal with fuss from both sides. And those hand rests you took over, well… some friction is likely to come your way!

- If the two passengers on your either side want to talk to each other, you’re a part of their discussions, whether you like it or not. Every word passes through you. So, practically you’re a filter now!

- Zero privacy, not many positives and lack of space can lead to claustrophobia. This one is strictly not for the introverts. Trust me.

The Aisle Seat

The first seat in the way is here for testing. How convenient or uncomfortable can it be?

Pros:

- Easy movement. This seat makes the loo accessible without issues. Great for people who need to rush.

- Stretch it! This seat has the maximum available leg space in the row. Don’t be tripping others in the aisle though.

- You’re the first to move out once the plane lands. That’s a plus, right!

- Every meal or drink reaches you first. Yay!

Cons:

- Bang! Oh yeah… you’ll feel that a lot. Everything that moves along the aisle is bound to hit you. HARD. So stay as tucked in as possible.

- Excuse me! That’s what you’ll hear too often, every time the other two passengers from the window and middle seats try to move out, which I promise will happen a lot.

- Don’t lean on me! There’s literally nothing to lean against except for the seat headrest.

- Take care of that head, since you’re most likely to have a bag from the cabin storage fall over you if the flight faces turbulence.

While we’re at it, here’s a comparison of the seats in the different sections of a plane. The most comfortable seats are in the middle around the wings. The leg space is enormous and the effects of the flight taking off or landing are least noticeable here. On the other hand, the seats at the back face the maximum reactions during these situations. Also, with more airlines adding seats in their planes to accommodate more passengers, the leg space in the rear seats is constantly decreasing for a fact. Yet people who need quick access to restrooms prefer rear seats.

Pro Tip: Stay as far away as possible from kids or infants on a plane. They find unimaginable ways to ruin your flight!

So which seat is the best after all? It all comes down to the requirements and needs of a passenger. Some like it big, others like it cozy. Choose wisely, stay smart. Happy travelling!

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