Selecting a coach class seat
By Su-Ann Mae Phillips
All frequent air travelers have their bag of tricks to help them make each flight more comfortable. One of them is how to select a good seat – simply because not all seats in coach class offer the same level of comfort. The conventional way to secure a good seat is to request for a ‘good seat’ based on whatever parameters frequent travelers apply (usually the result of trial and errors), and hope for the best during check-in, as the selection of seats are allocated by the flight staff.
Increasingly however, more airlines are permitting passengers to check in online, and when doing so, passengers get a chance to select a seat of their choice. This is a godsend to frequent travelers, as finally, frequent travelers in search for a comfortable seat can have more say over their choice of seat!
While there are some basic principles when selecting a seat in coach class, take note that as in life, all things come in packages – the good and the bad. Depending on your situation and needs, what may seem to be a good seat for one person may not be for another. That aside, here are some top considerations when selecting a seat in coach class:
Seats located at the front of the plane, just after business class, are the most coveted seats by all travelers. During boarding, they are the easiest to reach, hence avoiding a long and bumpy walk along the narrow aisle to the back of the plane. Many airlines reserve these seats for passengers with special needs. Families, passengers with disabilities, passengers with tight connecting flights and in general, passengers wishing to leave the plane as soon as possible all compete for the same set of seats. While these seats are considered less ‘noisy’ as they are located far from the jet engines, the chances of sitting next to baby are high.
The seats located in the start of each section (also known as bulkhead seats) offer more leg room, and are good seat choices. The bulkhead also means that there is no one in front of you to recline seats into your space. This makes moving in and out of your seat much easier. Take note, however, that these are also the only seats that permit the attachment of bassinets for babies. If the plane is very crowded, you can expect to give up your seat for a family who has a need for bassinets.
Seats with a view are usually located at the rear end of the plane where views are unobstructed by the wings of the plane. However, some travelers complain of the “noise” level at the rear end of the plane, as this is usually where the jet engines are. This is the reason why most planes are designed with First Class seats located at the front of the plane, as the seats would be the furthest away from the engines and the noise. Noise, however, is subjective. With headphones and ipods, it is possible to block off noise substantially. On flights that are less crowded, the chances of securing a seat without someone next to you is much higher if you choose a seat at the rear end of the plane. Seats are the rear end of the plane are usually served last when it comes to food service, but to some travelers, this is a small price to pay in exchange for more privacy and a chance to have an entire row to stretch out, if the flight is not full.
Seats near the gallery, service areas and toilets experience more traffic, noise and movement. Some of these areas are also informal social points on planes, especially on longer flights, so avoid these seats if you are in search for some privacy and peace and quiet. Some travelers avoid aisle seats to minimize the chances of getting their elbows or feet bumped by trolley carts and passengers.
While it is possible to select most seats on the plane, there are still some seats that are usually not available. For example, seats near exit rows. These seats offer good leg room, but they are controlled, so check-in early to make your request. You may be asked to assist in case of emergencies, so these seats are usually allocated to passengers who appear capable of assistance.