Above the clouds, freedom may be limitless – it is usually not legroom. Especially for long-haul flights, this is not only a challenge for people with long legs. Here are a few tips on getting the best plane seat with the greatest possible peace and (leg) freedom.
Distance and width – every aircraft has different dimensionsÂ
Depending on the airline, the distance between the rows of seats may vary by up to 15 centimeters. Ethiad Airways and Lufthansa often offer 79 cm each to the front seat, Condor 78.5 cm. The width of the seat is also very different. And beware: Emergency exit places (Exitrow) offer the greatest legroom but are often a little narrower, as the small table is stowed in the armrests instead of in the front seat.
Aisle, Window, or bulkhead
If you are sitting in the aisle, as in boeing 777 seating, you can stretch your legs onto the aisle during the service-free period. Disadvantage: It’s not quiet because both the crew and passengers have to pass you by constantly. In addition, you have to get up every time the seat neighbor wants to go to the toilet or stretch out his legs and walk through the plane.
Window seats offer the most tranquility. However, even less if they are close to the toilets and the galley. Above the wings, the engines can disturb the calm, but you can least feel possible turbulence there. In some aircraft types, the so-called partition seats (bulkhead), i.e., those seats directly behind business class or a cabin, also offer a little more space. But: just sometimes. Not always! Bulkhead places are also often awarded to parents with children. So it could get loud near such a seat.
The most important steps to the best seat
Did you find your favorite place on the plane? Then it is best to reserve it right away when booking. This costs a few euros more but is particularly worthwhile on a long-haul flight, for example, to Los Angeles. This makes it even easier to get to your desired seat: Since the seats at the emergency exits are often only allocated at check-in at the airport, simply reserve a seat directly behind the exit row using british airways seat maps and try to change seats again at the counter at check-in.
If you travel as a couple and want more space on the side, you should reserve a corridor and window space in a row of three. This “empty seat strategy” works best in the rear part of the aircraft, as the seats are usually filled from front to back. If someone else comes to the central place, you can still exchange.
If you cannot or do not want to reserve a seat with the flight booking, you have another chance at online check-in. Important: be quick! Check-in immediately as soon as check-in is possible – usually at least 24 hours before departure. A seat change is also possible at check-in at the airport. The earlier you are at the airport, the greater the chance of getting a good seat. Note: You can also progress with the ground staff with friendliness and courtesy.
Last chance: boarding completed
All attempts were useless. Apart from a central place directly at the toilet, nothing was left. Then just wait for the magical words “boarding completed.” Seats that are then not yet occupied remain free. So be quick and switch to the desired free space.
If you want to play it safe, change a few words with the flight attendant during boarding and politely ask if you can implement yourself after the end of boarding. In most cases, the on-board staff does not mind at all. But: If there is a dispute with another passenger about a free seat, the on-board staff must mediate. And it’s not wrong if you’ve changed a few nice words before.