Most of us fly economy because it is the sensible choice for the price. The seat is small, but where you sit can still change how the flight feels. A good pick can mean better sleep, more legroom, less noise or a faster exit at your destination.
This guide explains how to choose an economy seat based on what matters most to you on the day.
Start with your priority
No single seat is best for everyone. Decide what you want from the flight first, then use the table below as a quick guide.
Your priority
Best seat to aim for
Watch out for
Sleep
Window seat, near the wing
Seat-mates may need to climb over you
Legroom
Exit row or bulkhead, or an aisle seat
Extra fee and eligibility rules
Quiet
Seats towards the front, away from the engines
Rows near toilets and galleys
Fast exit
Front rows, near the door you will use
Limited choice on full flights
Easy movement
Aisle seat
Trolley knocks and passing passengers
1. Safety: do not let it decide your seat
Many travellers ask where the safest seat is. Some reviews of past accidents suggest that rear seats and seats close to an exit have sometimes had better survival rates, but every accident is different and no seat is guaranteed to be safer. Commercial flying is very safe overall, so safety should not decide your choice. Instead, listen to the cabin crew briefing and note where your nearest exits are.
2. Quiet: sit towards the front
Noise can wear you down on a long flight. Engine noise is usually louder further back, and on many aircraft the engines sit under or near the wings. Seats towards the front of the cabin are often calmer. Rows next to toilets and galleys tend to be busy, with doors, queues and crew moving around.
3. Legroom: exit row, bulkhead or aisle
On a long-haul flight, staying stiff in a tight seat is uncomfortable. Sitting still for many hours can also raise the risk of blood clots in the legs, so more room to move helps.
Exit row seats usually give more legroom. Airlines normally allow them only for passengers who are able and willing to help in an emergency, and children are not seated there. Some airlines charge extra for them.
Bulkhead seats sit at the front of a cabin section, so there is no seat in front of you. For that reason, you must store your bag in the overhead bin during take-off and landing.
Aisle seats let you stretch a leg into the aisle and get up without disturbing anyone.
Premium economy or front economy rows offer wider spacing on airlines that sell them, usually for a higher fare.
Whichever seat you have, stand up and walk the aisle every hour or two on a long flight, and move your ankles while seated.
4. Sleep: window seat, close to the wing
A window seat gives you something to lean on and lets you control the blind. Nobody needs to climb past you either, unless you need the toilet. Seats near the wing sit close to the aircraft’s centre, where turbulence is usually felt less, so you may rest more easily. Avoid rows by the toilets and galleys, where light and noise can keep you awake.
5. Fast exit: sit near the front
If you have a tight connection or simply want to leave quickly, choose a seat near the front. Passengers there normally leave first. On some large aircraft, passengers may also deplane through more than one door, so a seat near a rear door can work too. Check your aircraft type and boarding information with your airline before you pay for a seat.
Other tips for booking an economy seat
Check the seat map on your airline’s website or app. Some airlines charge for seat selection, and others assign a seat free at check-in.
Travelling as a pair? Book an aisle and a window in a three-seat row. If the middle seat stays empty, you gain extra room, and if someone takes it, you can swap.
Travelling with children or older relatives? Choose seats together, close to the toilets, and tell the airline if anyone needs assistance.
Pick your seat early. The better rows usually go first.
Common seat-picking mistakes
Choosing only by price. A free seat assigned at check-in can leave you in a middle seat or by the toilets, so look at the seat map before you decide.
Ignoring the aircraft type. Seat layouts differ between aircraft, and the same row number can feel very different on a narrow-body and a wide-body plane.
Forgetting the reclining row. Seats in front of an exit row or a bulkhead may not recline fully, so they can be uncomfortable for sleeping.
Booking too late. If the seat map is nearly full, your choice may shrink to a middle seat.
Cover your trip too
A good seat helps with comfort, but it cannot stop a delayed flight, lost luggage or a medical emergency overseas. Travel insurance can help with these costs, depending on your plan, so read the benefits and exclusions before you buy.
Compare travel insurance plans on BJAK before your next flight.
A window seat close to the wing is usually the best choice. You can lean against the wall, control the blind and avoid being disturbed by passengers moving in the aisle. Stay away from rows near toilets and galleys.
Where do I get the most legroom in economy?
Exit row and bulkhead seats usually have the most space, and an aisle seat lets you stretch a leg into the aisle. Exit row seats come with eligibility rules and may cost extra, so check with your airline.
Is the rear of the plane safer?
Some reviews of past accidents suggest rear seats have sometimes had slightly better survival rates, but there is no guarantee and every accident is different. Flying is very safe overall, so safety should not be your main reason for choosing a seat.
Which seat is quietest on a plane?
Seats towards the front of the cabin are often quieter, as they are further from the engines on many aircraft. Avoid rows next to toilets and galleys, where there is more movement and noise.
Is it worth paying for seat selection?
It depends on the flight. For a short trip, a standard seat may be fine. On a long flight, or if you want to sit with family or need extra legroom, paying for a better seat can be worth it. Compare the fee with the comfort you get.
Does travel insurance cover seat-related problems?
No. Travel insurance is not designed for seat comfort. It can help with covered events such as flight delays, lost baggage or overseas medical costs, depending on your plan. Read the policy wording for exact cover.
Nabil Farhan· · 4 min read
