If you’re feeling anxious, you might also consider choosing a seat with a view into the galley, where flight attendants are often working. When hitting rough air, it can be comforting to see the cabin crew smiling, talking, and going about their business. You can also let the flight attendants know you’re a nervous flier. They’ll likely come and check on you through the flight or during turbulence to reassure you, in which case an aisle seat might make those interactions easier.
Parents flying with an infant
If you’re flying with a baby, it could be a good idea to target the first row of seats in the plane cabin, directly behind the wall separating business class or premium economy from coach. It’s also called the bulkhead row, and comes with perks for parents: many airlines offer to attach an infant bassinet to the bulkhead wall for free.
“The bulkhead, which can have a bassinet attached, is an ideal place for parents with infants, allowing hands [to be] free for eating, and if you hit the sleep jackpot, then maybe even time to watch a movie,” says Carrie Bradley, a former flight attendant and editor of the blog Flying With a Baby. The perk is usually available on long-haul flights, but some airlines also offer the bassinets on short-haul routes, too.
There’s only a limited amount of bassinets available per flight, and bulkhead seats usually go quickly because they also offer extra legroom. So be sure to book early to secure your spot. “Some airlines will allow everyone on the same booking to select their seat for free immediately after booking the flight—if flying with an infant,” Bradley says.
If bulkhead seats aren’t available, there are other spots in the cabin to help flying with an infant go smoothly. “Parents can opt to purchase a seat for their infant and bring an airline-approved car seat,” Bradley says. “These normally need to be fitted next to a window.”
Window seats could also be a good idea if you decide to fly with a lap baby, according to Bradely. “Just being able to rest an elbow on the window seat armrest whilst feeding can make you feel more comfortable and avoid being bumped in the aisle,” she says.
Travelers needing sleep on long-haul or red-eye flights
On some popular long-haul planes, like the Airbus A330, there are rows of just two seats in the main cabin, which would feel a lot less cramped than the row of four seats across in the center of the cabin. Plus, these two-seaters tend to be next to the windows. “Window seats tend to be better for those wanting to sleep,” Bradley says.
Avoid the last row of economy seats on any flight you plan to sleep on. These spots usually don’t recline and are located right in front of the galley and lavatories, making them loud and uncomfortable.