These Are the Flight Attendant-Approved Seat Choices for Ultimate Comfort

There’s the person behind you putting their bare feet up on your armrest. There’s the person in front of you spreading their long hair over the back of their seat and covering your screen. And let’s not forget your row neighbors, who jockey for elbow room. Suffice it to say, airplane seating can make for a lot of drama. (We won’t even talk about the war over whether or not to recline your seat!) One thing that can lessen the pain a little is to make sure you choose the best airplane seat from the beginning.

But how do you know which seat is the “best”? We asked four flight attendants and an aerospace engineer who helps design large jets to reveal insider details about the top seat to book on a Boeing 737-800—one of the most popular commercial passenger planes—and other aircraft models. (Hint: A lot of it has to do with where the airplane’s bathrooms are located!)

“Oh, yes, flight attendants definitely have preferences when it comes to choosing a seat, based on our own experience and what we hear from passengers,” says Cecily Anderson, a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines. “Our A-listers always have lots to say about which seats are the best.”

So whether you’re after extra legroom For a seamless departure or an unobstructed vista, continue reading for the definitive guide to reserving the ideal spot for your upcoming journey.

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What amount of space typically does a regular seat provide?

On average, an economy class seat provides 28 to 34 inches of legroom (measured from the back of one seat to the back of the one ahead) and 16 to 18 inches of width. To put it another way: There isn’t much space. Consequently, choosing the appropriate seating position becomes all the more crucial.

However, these dimensions can vary depending on the airline and aircraft model. For instance, the Airbus A320 often offers slightly wider seats than Boeing airplanes do, while budget airlines, like Ryanair, may sacrifice pitch to cram more seats in the cabin.

And of course, business and first-class seats are much bigger. So if comfort is your top priority and you can swing the added cost, you may want to upgrade your flight to a roomier class.

What is the best seat on a Boeing 737-800?

Best seat: The exit row

“Hands down, my first choice is any seat in the exit rows because they have the most legroom,” says Bill Bernal, the president of the TWU Local 556, the union for Southwest flight attendants. But none of our flight attendants could limit themselves to just one choice. Bernal has a backup pick: “My personal second choice would be a window seat in the front row. You get some extra legroom and a nice view, and you can exit the plane quickly when you land.”

Rosie Awad, a flight attendant with Virgin Australia, has a different pick. “I would always choose row 5 at the window,” she told the publication Tyla . “There are great views, you can see the airplane wing, you get extra legroom, there are no emergency-exit responsibilities, you’re able to put a bag under the seat in front, it’s close for disembarking and is one of the first rows to be served for in-flight service. … See why I chose it?”

Worst seat : Any seat in the last row or any row next to a bathroom

“I’m so sorry to those who get any in that row,” Awad said of the seats abutting a bathroom. “‘I think it’s pretty self-explanatory why this is chosen!”

Ethan Smith, who works as a flight attendant for an international carrier, notes that the least desirable seats are "specifically any seat in row 30 (typically the final row on most Boeing aircraft) since passengers cannot." recline the seat , and it’s close to the lavatory. It’s noisy, and there’s often a line of passengers waiting for the lav, encroaching into your space.”

What is the best seat on a Boeing 737-Max 8 and 737-700?

Best seat : The exit row seat with nothing in front of it

“My favorite—and the favorite of a lot of our frequent fliers —is the exit-row seat with no seat in front of it,” Anderson says. “It’s been dubbed the ‘daddy longlegs’ seat. The tall passengers all want that seat, and you always hear them say it’s the best seat in the house.” She points out that while the 737-700 has only one of these rows, the 737-Max 8 has two.

Can’t nab a seat in this prime location? “My second pick would be any seat in the exit row because you just get more room,” Anderson says.

Worst seat : Anderson agrees with Awad about the seats closest to the lavatories, and Smith echoes his previous caution about the back row.

What is the best seat on an Airbus A320?

Best seat: Aisle seat from row 10 through row 12

“This might be just a ‘me’ thing, but because I do long international flights, my favorite seat is the one I can sleep best in—and for me, that’s any window seat,” Smith says. “The curved wall makes it easier to curl into, and I find it soothing to look out the window, especially at night.”

Of course, he doesn’t get to sleep on the plane When he’s at work, particularly when he travels as a passenger. However, without being a flight attendant, you won’t face similar limitations. For lengthy flights or journeys spanning overnight hours, considering sleep should play a role in choosing your seat.

For the best seating options, he suggests opting for a window seat in rows 10 through 12, frequently marked as "additional legroom" or "economy plus" on airline seat charts. He notes, "These seats offer more room for your legs without requiring you to pay the premium associated with business class."

Worst seat: Smith mentions that he steers clear of middle seats whenever he can. "It's difficult to get some rest, and there's also a high probability that you'll end up beside someone talkative," he explains.

Which is the optimal seating position on a Boeing 777?

Best seat: A spot by the window in row 26 (should you choose premium economy) or row 31 (for standard economy).

These seats offer great views and extra legroom without being too close to the galley or restrooms, Smith explains. “Plus, you can use my sleeping trick and lean into the window,” he says.

Worst seat: A middle seat in row 50 makes for an uncomfortable flight. Just as it is on other planes, this back-row seat is loud, cramped and lacking in overhead bin space. But worst of all, it’s uncomfortably close to the restroom .

Which is the most secure seat on an aircraft?

“A Boeing aerospace engineer, who wished to remain anonymous, shares a distinct viewpoint when selecting their seat," he explains. "Though I'm not a flight attendant, I travel frequently and contribute to designing commercial aircraft. Therefore, I tend to opt for the position that would offer the best safety during an emergency situation involving the airplane."

He explains that it's not just about avoiding crashes; these safer seats provide better protection during severe turbulence.

Safest seats: The aerospace engineer we talked to says airline data points to the middle and aisle seats of the last five rows of the plane as the safest. “I always choose one of those, and yes, I do pay attention during the safety briefing and look for the nearest exits,” he says.

Deadliest seats : According to him, the aisle seats located in the middle to back ten rows carry the greatest risk of fatalities during an incident.

In our piece about the safest seats on an airplane , Doug Drury, a professor and the head of aviation at Australia’s Central Queensland University, confirms that these are statistically the safest and deadliest airplane seats.

How can you find out what model of plane you’re booking?

Knowing your plane model is easier than you think. Here’s how:

• Check your booking confirmation email. Many airlines include the aircraft type in the details section.

• Go to the airline’s website. Utilize the Manage My Booking option to obtain detailed information regarding your flight.

• Call customer service or ask the gate agent at the airport.

• Utilize an application. Channels such as AeroLOPA , SeatGuru and FlightAware Not only recognize the aircraft model but also point out the top-rated seats according to customer feedback.

What additional factors should you consider when selecting your seat?

Several additional aspects should be taken into account when selecting your seat, as mentioned by the flight attendants we spoke with:

• Time of day: If you’re taking off early in the morning Or late at night, a window seat allows you to snooze without interruption.

• Flight duration: Extended journeys make it worthwhile to invest more in premium economy or extra Legroom seating. Window seats provide greater ease when needing to use the restroom.

• Your priorities: Prioritize your requirements. The wish for additional legspace, a more peaceful environment, and closeness to an exit will influence your decision.

• Your travel companions: Traveling with people who have special needs—such as children, older adults and those with disabilities—goes more smoothly when you choose seats that have more room and/or are near the front of the plane for easier boarding and deplaning.

For savvy travelers, the right seat can transform a flight from tolerable to enjoyable. (Although it can’t guarantee your neighbor’s bare feet or hair won’t invade your space.) With our expert advice, you’re ready to book your next flight like a pro. Happy travels!

About the experts Cecily Anderson is a flight attendant with Southwest Airlines. Bill Bernal is the president of TWU Local 556, a union for Southwest Airlines flight attendants. Ethan Smith is a flight attendant with an international airline.

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Reader’s Digest has published hundreds of travel stories that help readers explore the world safely, easily and affordably. We regularly cover topics such as the best places to visit (and the best times to visit them), tips and tricks to zoom through airport security, flight-attendant secrets, hotel-room hacks and more. We’re committed to producing high-quality content by writers with expertise and experience in their field in consultation with relevant, qualified experts. We rely on reputable primary sources, including government and professional organizations and academic institutions as well as our writers’ personal experiences where appropriate. We verify all facts and data, back them with credible sourcing and revisit them over time to ensure they remain accurate and up to date. For this piece, Charlotte Hilton Andersen tapped her experience as a longtime journalist to ensure that all information is accurate and offers the best possible advice to readers. Read more about our team , our contributors and ourselves editorial policies .

Sources:

• Cecily Anderson, who works as a flight attendant for Southwest Airlines ; face-to-face interview, Nov. 27, 2024
• Bill Bernal, president of TWU Local 556 Union for Southwest Flight Attendants; Email Interview, November 28, 2024
• Ethan Smith, a flight attendant for an international carrier; telephone interview conducted on November 27, 2024.
• Tyla Airline crew member shares her preference for booking window seats in the fifth row.

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