Picture this: you’re on a long-haul flight, crammed in a middle seat, and your knees are practically hugging the seat in front of you. The thought of spending hours in this position makes you question your travel decisions. But fear not, traveler! We’ve got some airplane seat hacks that’ll make even the tiniest seat feel like a first-class throne.
TL;DR:
- Score the best seat by checking in early and choosing your seat online
- Upgrade your seat without breaking the bank
- Protect your health with strategic seat choices
- Maximize comfort with DIY seat enhancements
- Utilize expert tips and secret insider hacks
You should also check out: Airplane allergy tips
The Art of Seat Selection: Timing is Everything
As Brian Kelly, founder of The Points Guy, says, “The best way to get a good seat on a plane is to check in as soon as possible and choose your seat online.” Airlines usually open up online check-in 24 hours before departure, so set an alarm and be ready to pounce. Early check-in means more seat options, giving you a better chance of finding that coveted window or aisle seat.
The Best Seat in the House: It’s Worth the Investment
Scott Keyes, founder of Scott’s Cheap Flights, suggests that “the best airplane seat hack is to simply pay for a better seat.” While this may sound like a no-brainer, you don’t have to spend a fortune to upgrade. Watch for last-minute seat sales or discounted upgrades to premium economy, or use frequent flyer points to snag a better spot.
You might also like: Airplane seat selection strategies
Health and Seat Choices: Window Wonders
Dr. Mark Gendreau, medical director and vice chair of emergency medicine at Lahey Hospital & Medical Center, says the best way to avoid getting sick on a plane is to “choose a window seat and avoid touching surfaces like tray tables and seatback pockets. A window seat exposes you to fewer germs from passing passengers, and provides a solid surface (the window) to rest against for a more comfortable journey.
DIY Seat Enhancements: Get Crafty with Comfort
- Bring a lumbar roll: A small, rolled-up towel or travel pillow can provide much-needed lower back support.
- Foot hammock: Relieve pressure on your legs by using a portable foot hammock to elevate your feet.
- Noise-canceling headphones: Drown out engine noise and chatty neighbors for a more peaceful flight.
Secret Insider Hacks: Get More Legroom without Upgrading
As your resident travel journalist, I’ve got some sneaky tricks up my sleeve:
- Choose an exit row seat: These seats usually offer extra legroom due to safety requirements.
- Score a free mini-upgrade: Some airlines offer “preferred” seats with extra legroom at no additional cost to elite frequent flyers.
- Ask nicely: At the check-in or boarding gate, politely inquire if there are any available seats with extra legroom. Sometimes, gate agents can work magic if you’re kind and approachable.
Challenging Assumptions: Standing Seats – A Flight of Fancy?
While the average seat pitch on a commercial airplane has decreased from 35 inches in the 1970s to around 30 inches today, some airlines have experimented with standing seats. These would allow more passengers to fit on a plane, but safety concerns have prevented them from being implemented. It’s an interesting concept, but for now, we’ll stick to our tried-and-true seat hacks for a more comfortable journey.
Conclusion: Fly in Comfort and Style
With these airplane seat hacks, you can turn a cramped, uncomfortable flight into a much more pleasant experience. From seat selection to DIY enhancements and insider tips, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your economy-class ticket. So, the next time you’re gearing up for a trip, remember these hacks and enjoy a comfier, happier flight!
FAQs
- Q: How do I get the best airplane seat? A: Check in as soon as possible, choose your seat online, and consider paying for a better seat or using frequent flyer points to upgrade.
- Q: What is the best seat on a plane for avoiding germs? A: Choose a window seat to minimize exposure to germs from passing passengers and surfaces like tray tables and seatback pockets.
- Q: How can I make my airplane seat more comfortable? A: Bring a lumbar roll, use a foot hammock, and invest in noise-canceling headphones for a more comfortable flight.
- Q: Are there any secret airplane seat hacks to get more legroom? A: Choose an exit row seat, take advantage of preferred seats if you’re an elite frequent flyer, or ask the gate agent nicely for a seat with extra legroom.
- Q: What are standing seats on airplanes? A: Standing seats are an experimental concept that would allow more passengers to fit on a plane, but safety concerns have prevented them from being implemented.
You should also check out: Airplane boarding hacks
(5 votes, average: 4.00 out of 5)
Loading…