Window or aisle, front or back, exit rows and what they require — a practical guide to choosing a seat that fits how you travel.
Choosing a seat can feel like a small detail, but on a longer flight it’s often the difference between a comfortable trip and a tiring one. There’s no single “best” seat — there’s the seat that fits how you travel. Here’s what to weigh when you book.
Window or aisle?
A window seat gives you something to lean against and a view, but if you need to get up, you’re always relying on your neighbours. An aisle seat gives you the freedom to stand whenever you want — for the toilet, to stretch, or to get out faster after landing — but you’ll be more exposed to people and carts passing through. The middle seat is usually the least comfortable and best avoided when you have a choice. If the flight is overnight and you plan to sleep, the window is usually more comfortable since you have a fixed point to lean on. If your trip is short and you expect to get up often, the aisle is the more practical pick.
Exit rows
Rows next to emergency exits usually offer more legroom, but they come with conditions. Airlines require the passenger seated there to be physically able to assist in an evacuation, and some categories of passengers — children, passengers with reduced mobility, or those travelling with an animal in the cabin — are typically not permitted in those rows. Rules depend on the airline and aircraft type, so check at booking whether the row is actually available to you before picking it for the extra space. On some aircraft, the exit row seat doesn’t recline at all, since that would obstruct the path during an evacuation — worth knowing if you were planning to nap.
Front or back of the cabin
The front of the cabin is usually first off after landing and tends to be quieter, further from the engines and from crew movement toward the back. The rear of the cabin is usually last to disembark, but on some layouts it sits closer to the toilets, which can mean more people passing through the row. The middle of the aircraft is usually the most stable in turbulence, since it sits closest to the aircraft’s point of balance — useful to know if you’re prone to motion sickness in flight. The difference often isn’t dramatic, but on a longer flight even a slightly calmer seat can noticeably change how the trip feels.
Travelling with family, or if you’re tall
Families with young children usually want seats together in the same row — check at booking whether the airline guarantees seating together or only offers the “best possible chance”, since policies differ. If you’re travelling with an infant, ask in advance about bassinet options, which usually require a specific row and advance booking. Taller passengers get the most legroom in exit rows (when permitted) or in business class where available; standard rows have a legroom allowance that varies from airline to airline.
Choosing wisely
Before picking a seat, look at the seat map the airline offers at booking — most show seat type, proximity to exits, and notes on limited recline. If the flight is long, prioritise sleeping comfort; if it’s short, a quick exit might matter more. And if you’re simply not sure what to pick, our team can recommend a seat based on the specific aircraft type and the purpose of your trip — send us the details and we’ll get back to you as soon as possible.