There are certain seats on a plane that could become a nightmare on a long haul flight according to a travel expert – who shared her top tips when it comes to plane seat selection
When going on a long haul flight – experts urge people to never select these certain seats if they want a smooth journey. Flying long haul can already be hard, and it can be made even worse if you choose the wrong seat.
A travel expert has shared some of her top tips when it comes to where to sit on a plan for comfort, sleep quality and less disruptions on a long flight as poor sleep selection can make jet lag worse and leave people exhausted before their holiday has even started.
While people may think the window seat on the end row is the ideal spot for some peace and quiet, tucked away at the back – Dawn Morwood, Co-Director of Cheap Deals Away said “it’s actually a recipe for a miserable flight”.
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That back corner window seat might seem like the prime spot when you’re scrolling through the seat map, but it’s actually where comfort goes to die, the expert revealed. Located next to the toilets and galley, it will cause sleep disrupting problems,
“The biggest issue is the constant foot traffic,” Dawn said. “You’ve got passengers queuing for the loo right beside you, flight attendants rushing back and forth with trolleys, and people stretching their legs in the aisle. It never stops.” These seats also don’t recline because there’s a wall directly behind them. On a 10-hour flight to Asia or an 8-hour journey to the States, that upright position becomes torture for your back and makes proper sleep nearly impossible.
Dawn’s expert tips for choosing the perfect long-haul seat
Pick your sweet spot wisely
The best seats are typically in the middle section of the aircraft, she advised, away from both the busy front galley and the chaotic rear area. “Look for seats around rows 6-15 on most wide-body aircraft,” advised Dawn. “You’re far enough from the action but still have easy access to facilities when needed.”
Avoid the bathroom zone
Never book within three rows of any lavatory. The queues, smells and constant activity will make your journey miserable. Check the aircraft’s seat map carefully before selecting.
Choose your side strategically
“If you’re flying eastbound for a daytime arrival, pick a seat on the right side of the plane to avoid the sun streaming through your window during the final hours,” Dawn suggested. “For westbound flights, sit on the left side.”
Consider the exit rows carefully
While exit row seats offer extra legroom, they come with restrictions. You can’t store anything under the seat in front during takeoff and landing, and these seats often don’t recline.
Book early for best selection
“The golden rule is simple – book as early as possible,” says Dawn. “Airlines release their best seats to early bookers, and you’ll have the widest choice of positions.”
The expert said that while the back corner window seat might look appealing on the booking page, “you’ll regret it the moment you try to get comfortable,” and added: “Poor seat selection not only impacts your flight, but your entire trip. If you can’t sleep properly on the plane, you’ll arrive with worse jet lag, feeling cranky and tired. Your first few days of holiday are essentially written off while you recover.”
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