Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, knows exactly which seats to steer clear of when flying. Failure to dodge it can leave you with a sore back and in bad smell city
A travel expert has advised against sitting in one particular seat whenever you’re flying.
While that back corner window spot might look appealing when you’re booking (quiet, out of the way, with a view) it could actually be the worst choice you make for your journey.
Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, knows exactly which seats to steer clear of. “People often think the last-row window seat will be peaceful, but it’s actually a recipe for a miserable flight,” she explains.
That back corner window seat might seem like prime real estate when you’re scrolling through the seat map, but it’s actually where comfort goes to die. The last-row window seat, particularly those positioned near the rear lavatories or galley, sets the perfect conditions for a series of sleep-disrupting problems.
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“The biggest issue is the constant foot traffic. 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,” Dawn said.
The problems don’t end there. These seats typically have limited or no recline because there’s a wall directly behind them. On a 10-hour flight to Asia or an eight-hour journey to the States, that upright position can put extra strain on your back and make proper sleep nearly impossible.
The galley area stays brightly lit throughout most of the flight as crew prepare meals and clean up. That harsh fluorescent glow seeps through even the best eye masks, constantly disrupting your natural sleep cycles.
“The noise level back there is incredible. You’ve got the constant hum of equipment, crew chatting during their breaks, and the non-stop flush of toilets. It’s like trying to sleep next to a motorway service station,” Dawn continued.
The smell factor shouldn’t be ignored either. Being positioned near the lavatories means dealing with unpleasant odours, especially on longer flights when the facilities get heavy use.
The best seats are typically in the middle section of the aircraft, away from both the busy front galley and the chaotic rear area. “Look for seats around rows 6-15 on most wide-body aircraft,” advises Dawn. “You’re far enough from the action but still have easy access to facilities when needed.”
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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.
“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. For westbound flights, sit on the left side,” Dawn said.
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.
Dawn Morwood, co-director of Cheap Deals Away, said: “Your seat choice can make or break a long-haul flight, and I’ve seen too many holidaymakers arrive at their destination exhausted because they picked poorly. That back corner window seat might look appealing on the booking page, but you’ll regret it the moment you try to get comfortable.
“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. When you’re paying thousands for a dream getaway, why would you sabotage it with a bad seat choice?
“I always tell my customers that spending a bit extra on seat selection is one of the best investments you can make. A good night’s sleep at 35,000 feet means you land refreshed and ready to enjoy every moment of your holiday. It’s worth every penny.”