When you travel as often as we do—whether it’s for business in Barcelona or a surfing escape in Sayulita—you learn the unspoken art of seat selection. Sure, we all dream of first class, but when an upgrade doesn’t pan out, knowing how to choose the best seats on a plane in economy class can make or break your flight experience.
After 62 flights last year alone, we’ve picked up a few tricks. If you’re booking your next trip and wondering about the best seat for legroom, flight comfort, or a fast exit, here’s our go-to seat strategy for flying smart, stylish, and just a little smug.
Exit Row Royalty
If you value legroom, the exit row is your best friend. Especially on planes like the Boeing 737 Max, which often has two exit rows stacked behind one another—choose the rear one. Why? Because the row in front of you can’t recline. That means no surprise headrests in your lap. This is where understanding the airplane seat map really helps. Bonus: You’ll feel like the VIP of the main cabin, but keep in mind—exit row seats come with responsibilities in case of emergency. The exit row seating benefits are clear: more space, fewer interruptions, and a solid tradeoff for those willing to help in an emergency.
Bulkhead Bliss (with a Catch)
The bulkhead row—aka the one right behind a wall or curtain—offers unbeatable legroom and zero chance of a reclining seatback in your face. It’s like flying with a forcefield. Bulkhead seat pros and cons, however, must be weighed carefully. While the extra space is a game changer, you won’t have under-seat storage. If you like easy access to your headphones, snacks, or JetSet travel meds, board early and snag a nearby overhead bin. Some flyers claim these are the most comfortable airplane seats in economy class.
Aisle Seat Duo Strategy
Traveling with your plus-one? Skip the middle seat misery. Book two aisle seats across from each other. You’ll both have space, easy access to the lav, and can still chat or exchange snacks like civilized adventurers. Aisle vs window seat debates are common, but this strategy lets you enjoy the perks of both. Pro tip: Feeling lucky? Book the window and aisle in the same row—if the middle stays empty, it’s a jackpot. Use your airplane seat selection strategy to work the odds in your favor.
The Fast-Exit Formula
When you’ve got a tight connection and you’re not in the mood to sprint like you’re auditioning for “The Amazing Race,” choose an aisle seat near the front of the plane. Being close to the door means beating the crowd, dodging the chaos, and catching that next flight with time to spare. This tip often appears in economy class tips because those valuable extra minutes matter. Consult the airplane seat layout when booking to ensure you're in a prime spot.
The No-Go Zones: Bathroom + Galley
Seats near the lavatory? Hard pass. Between the line of fidgety flyers, endless flushing, and less-than-luxurious smells, it’s not the vibe. Same goes for the galley: it’s a magnet for noise, cart traffic, and random chatter. Unless you’re planning to loiter for snacks (we see you), aim to sit elsewhere—especially if you’re hoping to catch some in-flight rest. When comparing the worst seats on a plane, these areas rank high on the avoid-at-all-costs list.
JetSet Pro Tip:
No matter where you sit, don’t forget to fly with your JetSet Meds travel kit. Because the only thing worse than a bad seat is getting sick mid-flight with no relief in sight.
Fly smart. Sit smarter.
By being intentional with your airplane seat selection strategy, studying the seat map, and factoring in your specific travel needs—whether it's legroom, fast exit, or simply flight comfort—you can vastly improve your flying experience. Think of it not just as choosing a seat, but optimizing your journey from takeoff to touchdown. Travel well, and choose wisely.