Have you ever experienced being in a middle seat on a long flight, knees stuffed against the tray table, wishing for more Wi-Fi? You’re not the only one. Choosing the best location can drastically change an experience on a plane from wonderful to terrible. Luckily, it is possible to get the best seats on a plane for free, if you know how to request it.
Did You Know? Aisle and window seats in rows near the front of the cabin sell out faster than middle or rear seats. Source
Let’s break down how to snag the best seat without spending extra, avoid rookie mistakes, and travel smarter every time.
Best Seats on a Plane: What Actually Makes a Seat “Best”?
There is no such thing as a standard aeroplane seat. While some people like to have a little leg room, and other travellers are satisfied to have just a bit of space, some people may prefer a quiet zone or close to the front for a quick exit. Most times, when travellers are prioritising the best place to sit while flying, these are the definitions of best:
- Extra leg room (typically exit rows, aka “Emergency Row,” and bulkhead seats)
- Window views leaning room
- Fast boarding and deplaning (the front rows)
- Smooth experience while riding (over the wing)
- Quieter zones (front row or sections away from the lavatories)
The “best” will depend on what is most important to you (comfort, quiet, space, or speed). It is indeed possible to get all of the above with the proper planning.
Power Moves for Free Seat Selection
Getting almighty seating without having to pay for it is a matter of timing and some strategy. Consider the following tips:
1. Early booking
The sooner you book the better your options for seating will be. Most airlines will let you select your seat right after booking, so jump on this option if it is offered to you.
2. Check In Immediately
Most airlines offer online check in which usually opens up 24 to 48 hours pre-flight. Set a reminder for yourself to check in immediately when check in opens up.
3. Use the Interactive Seat Map with Online Check-In Options
Don’t guess and make the interactive seat map available during your online check-in. The best part is that the interactive seat map will typically show you what seats are still available and what seats have extra legroom as well.
4. Go Incognito (No Really)
If you are looking for “preferred” seats that the airline has basically blocked out, keep in mind that in a lot of cases, airlines will let all passengers occupy previously blocked “preferred” seating 20-60 minutes prior to departure. Revisit the seat chart in the app prior to boarding.
5. Just Ask at the Gate
Finally, even if it means last minute, sometimes very polite people can upgrade your seat to a better one at the gate if there is extra space. If you are flying alone, don’t hesitate if asked by the gate agents if you want to switch to a middle seat.
Where Should You Sit Based on Your Travel Style?
| Traveler Type | Best Area on Plane | Why |
| Business Traveler | Front of the Economy | Fast exit, quieter environment |
| Family with Kids | Bulkhead or rear rows | Space, close to restrooms |
| Tall Passengers | Exit Row or Bulkhead | Extra legroom |
| Nervous Flyers | Seats over the wing | Less turbulence |
| Window Shoppers | Window seat mid-cabin | Great views, fewer interruptions |
Looking for the Airline With Best Legroom?
If legroom is important to you, some airlines provide better space in economy. Here are some examples:
- JetBlue – Standard economy seating has 32-34 inches of pitch.
- Southwest – A generous 32 inches of legroom and free seating
- Delta Comfort+ – improved space in the upgraded seats.
And while you aren’t always able to choose the airline, knowing where to expect more “stretch room!” will help. Having said that, if you know how to choose the best seats on a plane, you can select a more desirable seating arrangement even when the airlines don’t provide the best options.
Avoid These Seat Selection Mistakes
Even experienced travellers can make these errors:
- Ignoring the seat map during online check-in.
- Believing back of the plane means it’s going to mean a faster deplaning (it doesn’t – unless you happen to be a rear exit row on small jets)
- Selecting the front row/near the bathrooms – you will regret it.
- Selecting a bulkhead row even though you know there won’t be any under-seat storage.
Take the time to do your homework. A quick trip to a site like SeatGuru will offer lots of information about seat pitch, recline limits, and nearby unpleasantness.
Quick Checklist: How to Choose the Best Place to Sit in a Plane
- Check in the moment it opens
- Use the seat map every time
- Avoid seats near the lavatories and galleys
- Favour aisle or window, depending on your priority
- Know your airline’s seat pitch in advance
- Don’t forget: the quietest spot is usually toward the front
What Frequent Flyers Know That You Don’t
Frequent flyers always seem to have some sort of secret playbook. But the truth is, they just know the system—and with that, how to play the system. Want in? Here are some tricks from the pros:
1. Loyalty = Leverage
Even if you don’t fly frequently, simply signing up for a loyalty program with an airline can give you perks such as early seat selection, preferred boarding, and better selection options without any elite status whatsoever.
2. Set an alert for changes in seat availability
With tools like TripIt Pro or ExpertFlyer, you can view the booked flight’s seat map and monitor the current seat map. If a better seat becomes available, even if it was previously blocked, you’re able to grab it before someone else swoops in.
3. Choose flight time wisely
Flight times that are early morning or midweek tend to have fewer travellers. Fewer travellers on your flight means more opportunities for a vacant seat next to you or a better, larger one for you to relocate to once on board.
Knowing these tricks—and combining them with your selection timing—can make every flight feel more like an upgrade.
Start Strong With the Right Seat Every Time
“No need to have elite status or upgrade fees to get a great seat – just have good timing, a few quick clicks, and some insider information. The best seats on any plane are here for the taking, and there’s no cost to your wallet.
At Travorio, we believe you should feel premium from the time you book. Regardless of whether you fly for business, pleasure, or both, kick off your trip the right way with the right seat.” Do not worry about the payment, as we accept cryptocurrency, credit, debit, and bank transfer.
FAQs
- Where are the best seats on the plane?
Aisle or window near the front for best comfort. - How do I actually select a free seat, as a traveller’s advocate?
At check-in, or more often with early booking selections online, travellers may choose their seat. - Which airline has the most legroom in economy class?
Jet Blue, 32-34 inch pitch provides the most legroom. - Can I change my seat after the online check-in period closes?
Yes, agents at the gate can often facilitate an upgrade if the seats are available. - What are the free ways to avoid bad seat positions?
Use the seat map, check in early to select from available free seats, and stay away from the lavatories.
