• laxman
• January 21, 2025

Choosing the Best Seats for Long-Haul Flights: Tips and Tricks

Long-haul flights can be both exciting and exhausting, especially when flying across continents. Some strategies can be employed to ensure that you get to the right seat that can improve your comfort during the journey. So if you need more leg space, priority boarding, or a calm environment, these tips and tricks will assist you during your flight booking. 

Understand your priorities

When deciding on a seat, consider what matters most to you:

Legroom: If you value space to stretch, opt for an exit row or bulkhead seat.

Proximity to the restroom: This is good for those who often travel, although they may occasionally experience some level of disruption.

Quietness: If you’re hoping for uninterrupted rest, avoid seats near galleys or lavatories.

Window or aisle: Select a window for a better view and seating support during the night, or an aisle for increased mobility.

Seat maps and research

The majority of the airlines offer seat maps while or after airline ticket booking for long flights. These maps help you find premium spots. Also, read other people’s reviews concerning specific flights to know the best seats in terms of added features such as reclining or extra width.

Tips for comfort

Choose seats in the front section
The front of the aircraft is less noisy and more comfortable than the back part of the plane. That is also where meals and service start, and as a result, you have a chance to choose more meals.
Opt for premium economy if possible
Premium economy class is available at a lower cost compared to business class and offers extra legroom, wider seats, and better reclining options. Search for cheap flights for long-haul trips to find this cabin type.
Consider the middle section for a stable ride
The wings offer rigidity which lessens the effect of vibrations. This area can be perfect if you’re a nervous flyer.

Your seat selection timing

Book long-haul flights in advance to secure your preferred seating position. If the airline permits, consider paying a small fee for seat selection during the booking process to avoid ending up with an undesired seat at the last minute.

Be strategic on full flights

When traveling with a companion, consider booking the aisle and window seats instead of the middle seat. If the flight isn’t fully booked, the middle seat might remain empty, giving you extra space. If someone is assigned the middle seat, you can always swap with them to sit together.

Special seats for families and solo travelers

For families traveling with kids, bulkhead seats are a great option as they often come with a bassinet for babies. These seats are also conveniently located near the restrooms, making it easier to access the lavatory without disturbing other passengers.
Solo travelers: Opt for single seats on narrow-body planes or two-seater rows for added privacy and comfort.

Avoiding the Worst Seats

While finding the best flight deals for long-haul trips is essential, choosing the wrong seat can lead to an uncomfortable journey. Here are the seats you should avoid and the reasons why:

Seats near lavatories

While proximity to the restrooms may be advantageous, these seats are noisy because of the flushing toilets and doors being opened so frequently. The space is used continuously with people walking in and out during the day, and therefore, you can be woken up easily if you are traveling at night. Also, there are many complaints about the smells coming from the lavatories, and sometimes they might freshen up late.

Back-row seats

Economy class seats at the back of an airplane are the least comfortable, as you only get a limited recline if at all on long-haul flights. They are also closer to the engines, from where they emanate most of this noise. This can result in you being the last one to deplane, a situation that can make you even more uncomfortable after a tiring flight.

Seats directly in front of bulkheads

Although you often find that bulkhead seats have more space to stretch the legs, the seats in front of them may be tight. These are normally non-reclining seats, which means that you have very limited options in terms of comfort.

When making your airline ticket booking for long flights, focus on comfort and select your seat wisely to endure a better journey.

The seat location and area you choose for your long trip can make your journey either enjoyable or uncomfortable. Before booking your airline ticket for a long flight, take the time to plan your schedule, thoroughly research your options, and prioritize comfort to ensure a pleasant travel experience

With Surffares’ exceptional services, booking flights to India from the USA or Canada has become easier and more convenient. Our advanced search engine helps you find excellent flight deals and comfortable long-haul options at competitive prices. Choose Surffares for your next trip and enjoy a smooth, hassle-free, and affordable flight booking experience!