Should You Choose a Window Seat or an Aisle Seat?
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It might seem like a small decision when you’re booking a flight. Then you’re halfway through a 12-hour journey, wishing you’d chosen differently.
For many older travellers, where you sit can have a bigger impact on your comfort than the airline meal or the in-flight entertainment. The right seat won’t make a long flight short, but it can make it considerably more enjoyable.
A window seat is ideal if you enjoy the view, want somewhere to rest your head, or prefer not being disturbed every time someone in your row needs to get up. It can also feel a little more private, making it easier to settle in with a book or get some sleep.
An aisle seat, however, offers a different kind of freedom. You can stretch your legs more easily, stand up whenever you like, and walk around the cabin without asking other passengers to move. If you need to visit the bathroom regularly or simply like the option of getting up every couple of hours, an aisle seat is often the more comfortable choice.
If you have arthritis, back pain, or reduced mobility, being able to move around during the flight can help reduce stiffness. Many health professionals recommend standing and walking periodically on long-haul flights to encourage circulation, making an aisle seat particularly appealing for some travellers.
Don’t overlook seat selection when booking your ticket. While some airlines charge extra for choosing a seat in advance, it can be worthwhile if it means arriving at your destination feeling more comfortable. If you’re travelling with a companion, reserving seats together can also remove the uncertainty of being separated if the flight is busy.
Whichever seat you choose, remember that comfort isn’t just about location. Wearing loose clothing, staying hydrated, and getting up to stretch during longer flights can make a noticeable difference to how you feel when you land.
There’s no universally “best” seat on a plane. The best seat is the one that suits your body, your travel habits, and the kind of journey you want to have.
