Hey there! Have you ever wondered what people mean when they talk about getting an “aisle seat” on a plane, train, or bus? As your resident tech geek and travel enthusiast, I’m here to give you the inside scoop on everything aisle seat related!
Defining the Aisle Seat
First things first – what exactly is an aisle seat?
An aisle seat refers to any seat located next to the aisle on a mode of transport. On an airplane, that means being in the outer seats next to the walkway that runs down the cabin. The same goes for seats on buses, trains, etc. Basically any seat that gives you direct access to the aisle!
Now you may be wondering…is there really that big of a difference between sitting in an aisle vs. a middle or window seat? Well, keep reading and I’ll break down the pros, cons, tips, and tricks to know when it comes to picking your perfect aisle seat!
The Advantages of Aisle Seats: Why People Love ‘Em
There are several key reasons aisle seats are sought after by savvy travelers:
1. Easy Access to Get In and Out
This is arguably the biggest perk of aisle seats. You can easily get in and out without needing to climb over other passengers or disturb them when you want to use the restroom, stretch your legs, or grab something from the overhead bin. No more apologies for unwanted lap tramplings!
2. Extra Legroom
Aisle seats tend to have a bit more legroom than middle or window seats, giving you more room to stretch out those pins on long flights. While it may only be a couple extra inches, every bit counts for tall travelers like me trying to avoid cramped legs!
3. Freedom of Movement
My favorite part of sitting in the aisle is being able to get up and move around freely whenever I want without bothering seatmates. Whether it’s using the bathroom, grabbing a snack, or just stretching my legs, it‘s much easier from the aisle.
4. First Off the Plane
This perk excited my impatient self – aisle seats let you deplane first! No more waiting for 10 rows worth of people to gather their things. You can zip outta your seat, grab your bag, and jet off the plane quicker than anyone else.
5. Easier Boarding
Similar logic applies here. Aisle seats give you direct access to the overhead bins for stowing luggage. And you don’t have to crawl over other flyers as they get situated. Boarding goes smoother overall.
As you can see, aisle seats really do make many aspects of flying easier compared to other seats! But hang on…there are a few downsides to consider as well.
The Disadvantages of Aisle Seats: It‘s Not All Perfect
While I love me a good aisle seat, it’s not always peachy. Here are the less than ideal aspects:
1. Noisy and Crowded
The aisle tends to be a busy place on planes, trains, and buses alike. You‘ll have to deal with a lot more foot traffic, carts bumping into you, and passengers touching your seat as they pass by. It can get noisy too with all those announcements and flushing sounds nearby.
2. Lack of Privacy
Don’t expect much privacy or window time in an aisle seat. You’re exposed to the whole cabin and anyone passing by can easily glance at your screen or peek over your shoulder. If you like having a cocoon-like experience, the aisle may not be for you.
3. Shared Armrests
Since your aisle armrests act as a barrier from midsection passengers, you often have to share or even give them up entirely. I’ve had some tense armrest wars with strangers encroaching my precious elbow space!
4. Drafts and Chills
Aisle seats can get downright cold on some planes when you’re right next to the opening and closing door. Make sure to bring layers and socks if you easily get chilly!
Okay, so now that you know the pros and cons – how do you actually go about scoring those coveted aisle seats for yourself? Read on for my best insider tips.
Hacks for Scoring the Perfect Aisle Seat Every Time
Over the years, I’ve mastered the art of getting aisle seats through these proven strategies:
Book Early and Use Seat Selection Tools
Airlines release their seating charts anywhere from 90 days to 24 hours before departure. Set calendar alerts and hop online as soon as you can to pick seats using the airline website or apps like SeatGuru and SeatAlerts. The most aisle seats get nabbed very early.
Purchase Seat Selection Upgrades
Many airlines now offer paid seat selection or upgrades to reserve preferred seats. While irritating to pay extra, it can be worth $20-50 to guarantee an aisle for a long flight. Some credit cards even reimburse this perk which is awesome.
Use Airline Status and Loyalty Perks
Joining loyalty programs like frequent flyer miles and hotel rewards programs gives you earlier access to pick seat assignments and even free upgrades to aisle seats. Another good reason to stay loyal to brands!
Ask at Check-In or the Gate
If aisle seats are booked, politely ask at check-in or the gate if any have opened up. I’ve had success getting moved into aisles this way when others have changed plans. Be super nice and cross your fingers!
Request Seat Changes Onboard
Same idea once you’re on the plane – if you spot an empty aisle mid-flight, walk up and kindly ask a flight attendant if you can move there. Most are happy to help if available.
With aisle savvy strategies like these, you‘ll be sitting pretty in exits rows and aisle seats before you know it!
Now let’s get into the nitty gritty of finding the optimal aisle seats and how seating layouts impact your options.
Choosing the Best Aisle Seat Locations
Where exactly should you aim to sit within the aisle seats on a plane? The location matters more than you may think! Here are my pro tips:
Aim for Center Aisles
For twin aisle planes (Boeing 777, Airbus A380, etc), experts recommend choosing the center aisles furthest from boarding doors. This means less traffic and disturbances compared to front/rear aisles.
Exit Row Aisles Have the Most Legroom
Scoring those emergency exit aisles is like winning the lottery – unlimited leg stretching! Just beware exit rows don’t recline and have limited under-seat storage. Also not ideal for kids under 15.
Avoid Aisles Near Bathrooms
Think extra foot traffic, smells, and noise. Sitting far from lavatories keeps your flight experience more peaceful.
Consider Direction of Travel
Window views are better on the left of northbound flights and right of southbound flights. For aisle seats, this means choosing sides with fewer window distractions!
Balance Proximity to Front vs. Back
Front aisle seats deplane quicker while back aisles are quieter. I like to sit mid-plane for the perfect combination!
Check Seat Widths and Types
Even aisle seats aren’t one-size-fits-all. Make sure to check listed widths and amenities to find the best pick for your needs.
Beyond placement, there are also some interesting considerations around cost, preferences, and safety worth noting when it comes to aisle seats.
The Cost of Aisle Seats: Are They More Expensive?
In days of yore, all economy seats used to cost the same basic price. But airlines got smart and started monetizing preferred seats. Here‘s the lowdown on aisle seat costs:
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Most airlines now charge $10-$50 extra for aisle and exit row seat selection after booking.
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Dynamic pricing means costs fluctuate. Seats near the front or with extra legroom can cost up to $100 more.
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Basic aisle/window/middle options are still the same price…for now! Expect more a la carte pricing in the future.
So while aisle seats don’t universally cost more, the pricing trend is headed that way through premium seat fees. Just another irritation we travelers have to deal with!
What Do Travelers Prefer? Window vs. Aisle Data
As a data nerd, I’m always interested in statistics on air travel. Here are some fun facts on aisle seats versus other seats:
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In a 2019 survey, 43% of flyers preferred window seats, 27% preferred aisles, and just 12% wanted middle seats.
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On short flights under 2 hours, aisle preference rises to 35% while window drops to 31%.
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Aisles seats are most popular with taller travelers and those who value bathroom access.
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Experienced business travelers strongly favor aisle seats for quick deplaning.
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Across 13 airlines, the most selected seats were windows near the front on the left side.
Clearly aisle seats have their fan club, though windows still edge them out overall!
Are Aisle Seats Safer? An Evacuation and Crash Analysis
I don’t know about you, but I’m always curious about flight safety factors. What do statistics reveal about aisle seat safety?
Faster Evacuations from Aisles
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In controlled tests by the FAA and airline safety groups, aisles seats evacuated a plane 5-15% faster than middle or window seats.
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Easy egress into the aisle is the key factor, especially when overhead bins block middle and window seats.
Crash Survivability by Seat Type
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A famous TIME investigation of 20 years crash data found aisles in the middle rear of the plane had a 28% fatality rate compared to 44% for middle aisle seats.
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Front facing seats also show higher survival rates than rear facing seats in crashes.
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Experts emphasize seat location is just one small variable in airline safety. But aisles do show minor advantages.
So while no single seat is definitively safer, statistics point to some advantages of aisle seats in evacuations and crashes. But like I said, many complex factors are at play that determine safety.
Tips for Larger Travelers: Ideal Aisle Seats for Comfort
As a tall guy who likes his legroom, aisle seats are a must for me on planes. Here are my top tips for fellow big and tall travelers seeking aisle seat comfort:
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Prioritize aisle seats with at least 18-20 inches in width – narrow 17 inch seats can be brutal.
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Bulkhead, emergency exit rows, and economy plus aisles offer ample legroom for stretching out.
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Check detailed seat maps to find the right dimensions for your body size.
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Focus on late boarding zones to grab empty adjoining aisles for doubling up space.
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Pack a seat belt extender and foam cushions to make small seats more bearable.
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Bring your own neck pillow, blankets, and entertainment to survive long hauls.
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Stay hydrated and avoid heavy meals to prevent seatmate disturbances for bathroom runs.
With the right picks and accessories, larger travelers can absolutely make aisle seats work comfortably for them. Don’t settle for cramped quarters!
The Aisle Seat Verdict: Should You Choose One?
So what’s the final word? Are aisle seats all they’re cracked up to be?
In my opinion – YES! While not perfect, the pros of easy access and movement freedom makes aisles the best section by far. The cons are manageable when you choose the right location and come prepared.
For quick bathroom runs, laptop work, toddler wrangling, and fast exit needs – the aisle is ideal. Though it depends on your priorities and travel style.
In general, I always go aisle first for flights over 2 hours when the perks really make a difference. And I feel your pain tall people – exit rows for life!
So next time you’re booking a flight, bus, or train, don’t forget to factor in aisle seat considerations like I outlined above. Your journey will likely be smoother (and your legs happier) if you do!
Let me know if any other aisle seat questions pop up. Happy travels my friend!
