Flying in comfort is often dependent on comfortable seating. You can’t choose who you sit next to, but you can definitely choose your seat.
First of all, learn what to avoid. The absolute no-no’s on any aircraft can be divided into three categories: non-reclining, middle and bathroom-adjacent.
Most people know the downside of being stuck next to the restroom, and somebody always has to sit in the middle.
Non-reclining seats, however, are a different story entirely — you only discover you’ve been assigned a “stiff-back” once you’re in it. Travel agents don’t tell you unless you ask, and even if you do, they may not always have access to accurate seat maps. Laurie Berger, editor of Consumer Reports Travel Letter refers to non-reclining seats as “the dirty little secret of the airlines.”
The numbering and location of these unenviable seats varies from aircraft to aircraft, but they are usually found in front of bulkheads and emergency exit rows.
Non-reclining seats can remove up to five inches of horizontal space — bad news for passengers on a long flight, or those with back trouble.
With planes being a popular mode of travel today, it is unlikely that you will always be able to obtain the seat of your choice. You can, however, do your best to try.
Request that you be assigned a seat when you book your flight. Even if your ticket reads “airport check-in only,” call and check. Sometimes reservation agents will pre-assign, anyway.
Exit row seats are much sought-after because of their extra legroom. These are supposed to be allotted only at the airport. If you are a frequent flier, though, some airlines may pre-assign the seat. All you have to do is ask — the worst that can happen is that you’ll be turned down.
Avoid the row directly behind the galley where the wall extends to the floor. These seats can reduce legroom, and they lack under-seat storage.
