Quantcast

Choosing best airline seats for long flights: window vs aisle debate continues

Airport Workers Save the Day After Woman Loses Diamond from Her Engagement Ring in Baggage Carousel
I never talk to strangers on the plane. After my dad died, a passenger helped me talk about my grief.
American Airlines reveals new summer route: Miami → Rome
Budget UK airline launches huge sale with £29 flights to 475 holiday hotspots – but you’ll have to be quick
Delta Passengers Can Book a ‘Last Mile’ Private Jet Charter to Europe This Summer
Honeywell Runway Safety Technology Selected by Southwest Airlines for Fleetwide Installation
Southwest Airlines Adds Cockpit Alerts to Boost Runway Safety
This Airline Is Going to Start Handing Out $675 Fines to 'Unruly' Passengers: 'It Is Unacceptable'
Summer of savings? New analysis shows airfare has dropped significantly - The Points Guy
Travelers are taking extreme measures and using hacks to avoid airline baggage fees
Pigeons Cause Chaos on Delta Flight
United Airlines’ Uniforms Get A Facelift—And A Political Filter
United Continues to Face Catering Chaos at San Francisco
Passenger Stows Away on Delta Flight from New York to Paris
Wizz Air becomes first airline to operate P&W-powered Airbus A321XLR jet
Hawaiian Airlines’ new ‘no show’ policy may make travel more expensive
BLIMP-SE OF THE FUTURE Luxury zeppelins of the future from ‘flying bum’ world’s largest aircraft to Google billionaire’s ‘impossible’ airship
Swiss Startup SmartFlyer Develops Hybrid-Electric Trainer
San Francisco-based entrepreneur takes a trip on India's worst-rated airline, his reaction will surprise you
First-Time Flyer at 81: A Grandmother's Memorable Journey
Ryanair forecasts fare rebound as consumers recover from interest-rate hit
Alaska Airlines' “Aviation Day” inspires future aviators
Global Airlines Launches Inaugural Flight, Aiming to Revive 'Golden Age of Travel'
Winning routes: American Airlines adds more than 22,000 seats for football fans following release of 2025–2026 pro schedule
Boeing scores Middle East plane deal during Trump visit
Air travel will be ‘worse’ this summer, lawmakers warn — as FAA gives infuriating update on system fixes, staffing issues
Qatar Airways places record $96 billion Boeing order amid Trump visit
United Airlines CEO Reassures Passengers About Newark Airport Safety
American Testing Tech to Help Passengers Make Connecting Flights
British Airways to use AI in efforts to improve operations
Choosing best airline seats for long flights: window vs aisle debate continues
Policy
Webp received 951705210443627
Boeing 777 | Wikipedia

On long flights, the choice between a window seat and an aisle seat is a matter of personal preference, each offering its own set of advantages and disadvantages.

Window seats provide passengers with unparalleled views of the skies, an experience particularly cherished by aviation enthusiasts who enjoy photographing the Earth, aircraft wings, and engines. Additionally, sitting by the window means less disturbance from aisle traffic, including cabin crew and fellow passengers moving about. The wall also offers a place to rest one's head, potentially making it easier to sleep despite limited seat recline.

However, window seats come with significant drawbacks. Passengers have restricted freedom of movement and must navigate past their seatmates to access the aisle—a challenge exacerbated on aircraft like the Boeing 777, Airbus A350, and Boeing 787 which feature three-seat configurations by the windows. Furthermore, some window seats may lack actual windows due to misaligned configurations.

Get the Newsletter
Sign-up to receive weekly round up of news from Sky Industry News
By submitting, you agree to our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service. By providing your phone number you are opting in and consenting to receive recurring SMS/MMS messages, including automated texts, to that number from our short code. Msg & data rates may apply. Reply HELP for help, STOP to end. SMS opt-in will not be sold, rented, or shared.

Conversely, aisle seats offer more space for passengers to stretch their arms and legs and provide easy access to luggage stored overhead or underfoot. This convenience extends to getting up without disturbing neighbors—a notable advantage for those who prefer moving around during long flights.

Nevertheless, aisle seat occupants often face interruptions from passing crew members and passengers in narrow aisles—common on planes such as ten-abreast Boeing 777s and nine-abreast Boeing 787 Dreamliners. Moreover, they may need to accommodate fellow travelers seeking access to their seats.

Certain aircraft designs introduce additional considerations. For instance, Airbus A330/A340 models have curved rear fuselages that increase chances of being bumped into if seated in an aisle position towards the back rows.

Ultimately, selecting between a window or aisle seat depends on individual preferences regarding privacy versus space and ease of movement versus scenic views. An Upgraded Points survey conducted in 2024 revealed that over 60% of passengers favored aisle seats for long-haul flights due to increased personal space and accessibility.

What is your preference? Do you prefer looking out the window or stretching out? Let us know in the comments.

Organizations Included in this History
More News

The Lockheed Martin F-22 Raptor, known as the world's first fifth-generation fighter jet, has never been sold to other countries.

Jul 15, 2025

The F-15 Eagle, a fighter jet in service for nearly 50 years, remains a significant asset to the United States and several allied nations.

Jul 15, 2025

Which country operates the most superior reconnaissance aircraft in the world?

Jul 15, 2025

A United States senator has raised concerns about the proposed partnership between United Airlines and JetBlue, known as "Blue Sky."

Jul 15, 2025

The McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, an iconic military aircraft, remains operational in limited numbers despite being over 60 years old.

Jul 15, 2025

Boeing's Dreamlifter aircraft has been making regular flights to Taranto-Grottaglie Airport in southern Italy, sparking curiosity among aviation enthusiasts and industry analysts.

Jul 15, 2025