Alright, the check-in for your flight is open. But now you're stumped: which seat should you take? You know you're not choosing a middle seat, but between the window and aisle, which one better suits your needs—and is one better than the other?
In this article, we touch on the pros and cons of the window and aisle seats, and why they might not be as great as they seem, even if they're still more preferred than being stuck in the middle.
Leave the Middle Deserted
It's no surprise that the middle seat is the least coveted spot on the plane, no matter what row you're in or whether you're seated close to the front or near the back. It doesn't even matter if it gives you a prime view of how busy the bathrooms are, so you know when is the best time to get up.
Sure, being squeezed in the middle might be bearable during a short-haul flight, but no one wants to be stuck between two people for more than eight hours. Between having to ask permission to use the bathroom (made worse if the person by the aisle is a heavy sleeper) and climbing over someone else to get back into your seat, you're probably better off being thrown in the cargo with the luggage than being stuck in the middle seat.
Choose the Window...
So, should you choose the window? Surely, it's a lot better than being in the middle, but is it really that much of an upgrade? You'll still need to climb over people (two, this time) to get up or head to the bathroom when nature calls, and you'll still need to do the same thing to get back into your seat.
But there's an obvious perk: you get the view. On top of that, you get a headrest. That means you can film videos of the sky to your heart's content or lean against the shade while you try to cut your flight duration from 10 to two hours.
Not so fast, though. There are some more cons to the window seat, too. For one, before you lay your head on the shade, you might want to sanitize it pretty thoroughly first. Hundreds of passengers probably thought the same as you and rested their heads there, and the cleaning crew doesn't wipe down every window every time. Plus, if you're on a short daytime flight where you're instructed to keep the shade up, that means you'll need to deal with the blinding sunlight—even if you're treated to incredible views of the clouds.
... Or Choose the Aisle?
So, okay—maybe the aisle seat is the best, then. Or is it? First, the pros: you don't need to ask anyone for permission to head to the bathroom; you get to stretch your legs out more comfortably; and you can pretty much stand up and escape from your seat whenever. No way for claustrophobia to set in this time.
But there are cons, too. If you're sitting near the bathroom, you'll be treated to that strong, strong stench. People will be bumping against your shoulders, elbows, and knees as they walk past, and you'll always be woken up whenever the people beside you want to get up. You'll also have little to no privacy. Whatever you're eating, watching, or listening to, everyone three rows behind you will know exactly what you're doing.
The final verdict? It's dependent on your particular needs and preferences. If you know you'll be claustrophobic being stuck in the window seat and you like to get up frequently, go for the aisle. If you want more privacy and gorgeous views, choose the window.
Or, if you want to get both armrests without needing to fight anyone, maybe the middle seat is the best.
