These Are the Worst Places on Planes
With the holiday season approaching, and more and more American airlines trying to squeeze every dollar out of passengers (and every inch of space from planes), there is undoubtedly a way to make travel at least somewhat more bearable. If you can’t afford a business-class upgrade (because really who can) and don’t have hopes for a high-speed rail system, you can – and should – make the most of your little bit of control. : a place of your choice.
According to a recently updated SmarterTravel article, “The One Place to Avoid on an Airplane,” it turns out that the “worst” seat on any given flight is pretty much all of them.
Most passengers are familiar with the trade-offs between bulkhead and exit aisle seats: yes, more legroom, but also a bulkier armrest and nowhere to leave their belongings within easy reach. However, there are several more insidious dangers. According to SmarterTravel, one seat on the plane is endowed with an infotainment box that takes up the entire area under the seat in front of them, which you have no real way of planning on a seat selection map.
The double rows next to the backrest can also be tempting, but pay attention to the location and the possibility of the gap between your seat and the window. ST says:
“If you like the feeling of a small room, that can be nice (and it’s an advantage to be able to hide your belongings next to you, rather than under the seat in front). But be careful, the person in the seat behind you may claim that this space is extra legroom, which could mean your legs will tolerate odor wiggling your peripheral vision throughout the flight. And trust us when we say that any flight can smell twice as long from this. “
Section changes are generally questionable in terms of seat comfort. Before the weekend close and you will not be able to lean back; between rows of different lengths, your legroom can be occupied by the seat anchors in front of you. The back seats most likely won’t recline, but you also won’t have a child kicking you every five minutes. And, of course, a double-edged sword – the closeness of the bathroom. Sticking to the middle (though certainly not the middle seat) seems like the safest choice.
So what’s a plebeian travel coach to do? Try visiting sites like SeatGuru , SeatMaestro, or SkyTrax to check the map ahead of time, fetch some Benadryl, and cross your fingers. It also doesn’t hurt to double-check the seat map when you check in online in case a more suitable seat opens up at the last minute.
If serious. High speed railway. Any day. I waited.