Quantcast

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

LA Considers $25 And $30 Minimum Wages For Hotel And Airport Workers
Airlines are on the hook for more than you think if something goes wrong with your trip
Spirit Airlines Pursues Bankruptcy as a Path to Tie-Up With Frontier
American Airlines fined $50M for violating disability laws
Canada's flight attendant union applauds NDP bill to end unpaid work in the airline sector
American Airlines testing new technology that would crack down on boarding
Exciting New Airline Routes Coming to North
Another city ignores airport commission's advice, zones for housing near JWA
United shares hit pre-pandemic high after airline forecasts strong finish to 2024, plans buyback
Alaska Airlines Just Made Its Loyalty Program Even More Lucrative With New Rewards, Better Upgrades, and More
Food safety problem closes Detroit airline kitchen leaving 200 flights without meals
5 Reasons Why Kazakhstan's Air Astana Is Establishing Itself As A Key Player In Asian Aviation
JetBlue is no longer serving hot food in economy class on transatlantic flights
Video shows traveler hurl computer monitor at Frontier employees in Chicago
White House 'in touch' with airlines as hurricanes Helene, Milton spark price-gouging fears
Airline bans two items from luggage amid conflict in the Middle East
Turkish Airlines pilot dies midflight, leading to emergency landing in New York
Spirit Airlines Explores Bankruptcy Filing
Airlines turn to AI to allocate gates and cut waiting times
American Airlines Passengers Save Woman from Alleged Violent Male Companion on Flight
Garuda Indonesia and Japan Airlines (JAL) Form Joint Business Agreement — What To Know
Here's how Southwest Airlines' new seating and boarding process will work
Delta Adds New Route to Asia
Southwest Airlines will begin selling assigned seats in 2025
United Airlines Pilot Buys Passengers Pizza In Albuquerque After Flight Was Delayed 7 Hours
Czech Airlines to Cease Operations, Ending 23-Year SkyTeam Partnership
An Asian airline hopes launching one of the world's longest narrowbody routes will actually be a comfort upgrade for passengers
Airlines begin canceling flights, offering rebooking ahead of Hurricane Helene
Southwest Airlines to cut service and staffing in Atlanta to slash costs
New heights, new features: Discover Alaska’s enhanced Flight Pass subscription service
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

London Heathrow, recognized as Europe's busiest airport, will soon experience an increase in its flight offerings by Oman Air.

Sep 2, 2025

Minneapolis–St. Paul International Airport will commence safety and airfield improvement projects on Runway 12R-30L in two distinct phases throughout 2025.

Aug 22, 2025

Delta Air Lines is adjusting its service between Atlanta and Anchorage, extending flights beyond the summer travel season to a year-round offering.

May 15, 2025

In December 2022, Southwest Airlines faced a major crisis as operational challenges led to the cancellation of 16,900 flights, affecting nearly two million passengers during a peak travel period.

Apr 19, 2025

Harrison Ford, an acclaimed actor known for roles such as Han Solo in "Star Wars" and Indiana Jones, is also a noted aviation enthusiast.

Apr 19, 2025

Iberia Airlines has confirmed a notable shift in its flight schedule connecting Madrid and Dallas/Fort Worth, introducing its first overnight service from Europe to the US.

Apr 19, 2025