Aisle, Window, Middle
#3
Join Date: Jan 2006
Location: Chicago, IL
Programs: AA EXP 3MM
Posts: 496
If they offered an isle, I'd gladly take it! I live on one (though it's rather long).
But on the plane, I prefer an aisle seat because I can throw my elbows out and clobber people wandering down the aisle...
But on the plane, I prefer an aisle seat because I can throw my elbows out and clobber people wandering down the aisle...
#4
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PDX...most of the time.
Programs: F9 Ascent, UA, AA, AS, ICH PA, Hertz PC.....
Posts: 190
Depends on what YOU prefer...
Here's my ramble...
On a bird with "normal" seat pitch (31" or less), I will tend to prefer aisle regardless...I'm not petite and there is a bit more room with aisle seats. Last time I was on UAL in E-, I was in pain the whole flight. F9's A318 and A319 still state a 33" pitch, and you can tell the difference!
During the day, going into somewhere I'm relatively new to (especially on a short flight), I like window seats to get a "bird's eye" view of the area. It helps me navigate away from the airport and get my bearings. Also, sometimes when I'm going home from a long trip I like window, so I can see home on approach - day OR night, wx permitting . I also sometimes favor window if I can get exit row, 'cause it's a little easier to get past someone to the lav or to stretch, but that depends on seat assignment rules. When I flew WN Business Select (with near-preboard loading numbers) early this summer, it was exit row (11A 11C or 11D (NOT 11F though) on a 737-700) whenever possible...
Nighttime flights, if I've got work to do (again, not petite, need the elbow room to use the laptop), on a short connection (ok, it may only make a minute or two, but I've been stuck in the window behind someone who needed to go back in the plane for their carryon and let 2/3 of the plane empty out first), if I'm feeling restless or if I think I might need the ...facilities... I'll take aisle.
So, it all depends
RFTraveler ^
Here's my ramble...
On a bird with "normal" seat pitch (31" or less), I will tend to prefer aisle regardless...I'm not petite and there is a bit more room with aisle seats. Last time I was on UAL in E-, I was in pain the whole flight. F9's A318 and A319 still state a 33" pitch, and you can tell the difference!
During the day, going into somewhere I'm relatively new to (especially on a short flight), I like window seats to get a "bird's eye" view of the area. It helps me navigate away from the airport and get my bearings. Also, sometimes when I'm going home from a long trip I like window, so I can see home on approach - day OR night, wx permitting . I also sometimes favor window if I can get exit row, 'cause it's a little easier to get past someone to the lav or to stretch, but that depends on seat assignment rules. When I flew WN Business Select (with near-preboard loading numbers) early this summer, it was exit row (11A 11C or 11D (NOT 11F though) on a 737-700) whenever possible...
Nighttime flights, if I've got work to do (again, not petite, need the elbow room to use the laptop), on a short connection (ok, it may only make a minute or two, but I've been stuck in the window behind someone who needed to go back in the plane for their carryon and let 2/3 of the plane empty out first), if I'm feeling restless or if I think I might need the ...facilities... I'll take aisle.
So, it all depends
RFTraveler ^
Last edited by RFTraveler; Oct 25, 2008 at 7:24 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: May 2002
Location: Pittsburgh
Programs: MR/SPG LT Titanium, AA LT PLT, UA SLV, Avis PreferredPlus
Posts: 30,994
I'll take an isle. Preferably Maui.
On a plane, I take an aisle - at 6'2", I like to plop my legs out in the center for some extra room. And I've flown too often to get excited looking out the window.
The only time I take a window is on a red-eye or when I know I need to get some sleep for any reason.
Middle is always a last choice.
On a plane, I take an aisle - at 6'2", I like to plop my legs out in the center for some extra room. And I've flown too often to get excited looking out the window.
The only time I take a window is on a red-eye or when I know I need to get some sleep for any reason.
Middle is always a last choice.
#6
Join Date: Oct 2007
Location: Munich, Germany
Programs: Miles&More Blue, SPG Silver
Posts: 3,376
There is no best seat. It all depends on your personal preference. What do you want? A nice view - chose a window seat. Easy access to the overhead bin, lavatory, etc. - choose a aisle seat. You fly with a loved one - a middle seat can be fine, too.
#7
Join Date: Feb 2005
Location: South Florida
Programs: NW SE, AA GLD, Hilton Hhonors, Hertz GLD and Harrah's Diamond!
Posts: 344
Day flights - Window. I like to try and figure my location by landmarks if possible or to just check out the topography.
Night and especially long haul TATL - Aisle as it allows me to go to the lav or stretch without bothering my seat partner. I do not sleep well on planes, so it makes me fidgity.
Night and especially long haul TATL - Aisle as it allows me to go to the lav or stretch without bothering my seat partner. I do not sleep well on planes, so it makes me fidgity.
#9
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: PHL
Posts: 877
When traveling alone, I generally prefer aisle because it's possible to get up without disturbing other passengers. However, with a window seat there is something to the side to lean on, which can be nice. Middle is only acceptable when traveling with somebody else.
#10
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: New to Texas
Programs: AA Plat Pro
Posts: 894
Ditto and me too. (although I prefer Kauai)
Red-eye, I always go for the window so I can lean and nap. (unless I am on a seat that lays waaaaay back, then I don't care so much)
If I will be awake, the aisle. Don't get trapped in that way, and can get up as needed. But check out seatguru for your particular flight, and avoid middle seats at all costs.
When traveling with Mr. P1, we usually take window/aisle. If the flight isn't packed, no one will take the middle seat. :~)
Red-eye, I always go for the window so I can lean and nap. (unless I am on a seat that lays waaaaay back, then I don't care so much)
If I will be awake, the aisle. Don't get trapped in that way, and can get up as needed. But check out seatguru for your particular flight, and avoid middle seats at all costs.
When traveling with Mr. P1, we usually take window/aisle. If the flight isn't packed, no one will take the middle seat. :~)
#12
Join Date: Jul 2006
Location: PHL
Posts: 877
#13
Join Date: Dec 2006
Posts: 1,452
Isn´t the middle seat back wider than the others?
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/air...ps/707sec2.pdf
page 13 (as PDF sees it) or 19 (written on page), figure 2.5
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/air...ps/707sec2.pdf
page 13 (as PDF sees it) or 19 (written on page), figure 2.5
#15
Join Date: Dec 2005
Location: PDX...most of the time.
Programs: F9 Ascent, UA, AA, AS, ICH PA, Hertz PC.....
Posts: 190
Isn´t the middle seat back wider than the others?
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/air...ps/707sec2.pdf
page 13 (as PDF sees it) or 19 (written on page), figure 2.5
http://www.boeing.com/commercial/air...ps/707sec2.pdf
page 13 (as PDF sees it) or 19 (written on page), figure 2.5
RFTraveler