6 Tips for Picking the Perfect Airplane Seat Every Time

Window, aisle, exit row or bulkhead? How to choose the best seat on the plane for sleep, legroom, a smooth ride or a quick exit – and how to get it without overpaying.

By Best Travel Tale Editorial Team
Updated 18 October 2026 · 2 min read

Rows of seats in an airplane cabin
Photo: juno1412 on Pixabay

The right seat can turn a long flight from an ordeal into a chance to rest. The wrong one can mean a broken recline, a constant queue for the toilet and a neighbour's elbow in your ribs. Here's how to choose well.

1. Decide what matters most to you

There's no single best seat – it depends on what you want from the flight:

You want… Choose
To sleep A window seat away from galleys and toilets
Freedom to get up An aisle seat
The smoothest ride A seat over the wing
Extra legroom An exit row or bulkhead (often for a fee)
To get off quickly A seat near the front
A quiet flight A row away from the bulkhead, where bassinets for babies are often fitted

If you're a nervous flyer, a seat over the wing is usually the calmest place to be. Read our tips for overcoming a fear of flying.

2. Study the seat map before you book

Not all seats in the same cabin are equal. Some rows don't recline, some window seats have no window, and seats in the last row often sit next to the toilets. Look at your airline's seat map and check independent seat-map websites, which list the quirks of each aircraft type. Remember that airlines sometimes change the aircraft, so check again before you fly.

3. Use status, cards and fares to your advantage

Frequent-flyer status and some airline credit cards include free seat selection or upgrades to extra-legroom seats. Some fare types include seat selection while basic fares do not – compare the total price before you book the cheapest ticket.

4. Know when paying is worth it

Paying for a seat makes most sense on long-haul flights, when you need extra legroom, or when you're traveling with children and must sit together. For a short flight, many travelers simply wait for free selection when check-in opens, usually 24 hours before departure.

5. Check in as early as possible

Set a reminder for the moment online check-in opens. The best remaining free seats go quickly, and airlines sometimes release blocked seats at this point.

6. Ask politely at the airport or on board

If you didn't get the seat you wanted, ask at the check-in desk or gate – staff can sometimes see seats that weren't available online. Once the doors close, a flight attendant may be able to move you to an empty row. A friendly request works far better than a complaint.

More flying tips

Before you get to your seat, you have to get through the airport. Here's how to get through airport security faster.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best seat on a plane for sleeping?

A window seat lets you lean against the wall and won't be disturbed by neighbours getting up. Avoid rows near the toilets and galleys, which are noisy and busy throughout the flight.

Who can sit in an exit row?

Passengers in exit rows must be willing and able to help in an emergency. Airlines usually don't allow children, people traveling with infants, or passengers who need extra assistance to sit there.

Is it worth paying for seat selection?

On long flights, for families who need to sit together, or if you need extra legroom, it's often worth it. On short flights, many travelers save money by waiting for free seat selection at check-in.

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