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Traveler favors bulkhead seats despite common concerns about noise and traffic

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Traveler favors bulkhead seats despite common concerns about noise and traffic
Research
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Gary Leff Chief Financial Officer | View from the Wing

In the realm of air travel, seat selection often elicits numerous questions from passengers. While preferences vary widely, one frequent traveler has articulated a particular inclination towards bulkhead seats in business class. This choice is unconventional, given the general unpopularity of these seats for two primary reasons.

Firstly, bulkhead seats are usually located directly behind the galley. This proximity can result in increased noise levels and light disturbances from the galley area, which may be particularly bothersome on long flights when sleep is a priority. Secondly, these seats are often situated near the lavatories, leading to higher foot traffic and potential disturbances as passengers move back and forth.

Despite acknowledging these drawbacks, this traveler prefers bulkhead seats due to a desire for minimal visual interaction with other passengers. "Many business class cabins feel like an endless sea of people," they noted. The preference stems from finding a less crowded environment more peaceful and relaxing.

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For instance, sitting in row 1 of a British Airways Airbus A350 places one in a large cabin with numerous other business class passengers but offers a forward-facing perspective that minimizes visibility of fellow travelers. The walls between seats provide some privacy, reducing the sensation of being surrounded by others.

Similarly, on Singapore Airlines' Airbus A350, seating further back can feel overwhelming due to the number of visible passengers. However, at the bulkhead, this effect is less pronounced.

Another advantage cited for bulkhead seats is additional space. On airlines like Singapore Airlines and Air France, bulkhead seats offer more room compared to regular business class seats where feet angle under the seat in front. Some airlines even market bulkhead seats as premium products; examples include Virgin Atlantic's 'Retreat Suite', JetBlue's 'Mint Studio', and American Airlines' forthcoming Flagship Suite Preferred seat.

The traveler pointed out that while regular business class seating on aircraft such as Singapore Airlines' Boeing 777 can feel cramped due to foot space limitations, bulkhead rows offer significantly more spacious accommodations without such constraints.

In summary, while this individual's preference for bulkhead seating in business class may not align with mainstream choices due to potential noise and traffic disturbances, it highlights a prioritization of personal space and reduced visual clutter over these factors.

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