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

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

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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.

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