Every traveller seems to have one. There’s not always a reason for it, but most people will pick a similar place every time they fly. Hubby and I clash because he likes to sit on the left of the plane and I prefer the right. There’s no rhyme or reason as to why we prefer these sides… it just is what it is. So what are you? A window or an aisle person? On the wing for less turbulence? Toward the back because statistically that part of the plane is more likely to remain intact upon impact? (I’d be lying if I said the thought had never crossed my mind) All I can say is that it really does seem to come down to personal preference.
If you’re tall, for example, extra legroom seats are the bomb. But I’m not, and I find that stowing my belongings, even just for take off and landing, is annoying. And something in me feels bereft without seats in front. It’s like a constant reminder that I’m in a tin can thousands of feet in the air.
What about a window seat? Sure, I’ll take it if it’s a quick European leg, but otherwise I am taking the aisle, my friend. I want to be free to get up as often as possible. To go to the toilet, and drink water, and drink wine, and go to the toilet again. And I don’t want to have to wake someone up, climb over someone, or hold onto my pee when I’m flying, thank you very much!
I’ve heard people say that sitting toward the front of the plane is quieter. But I’ve been on a number of flights where I’ve made my way up the back to go to the toilet only to find a theatre of spare seats. And what I’m looking for most on an aeroplane, is quiet. So I often opt for the rear.
One of my favourite places to sit on larger planes was always those dreaded four seats in the middle. I say dreaded, because for whatever reason, people seem to avoid them in favour of being closer to the windows. Not me! I prefer to be closer to less people.
I’ve heard there are people that simply accept the seat they’re allocated. Now don’t get me wrong, I hate paying extra for an allocated seat, but quite often once check in opens you can shift around a bit. And I have been known to move more than once in that period to get the seat I really want.
Still, on our upcoming trip, to Australia with a toddler, will be a lot less flexible. We’ve picked our seats and we’re sticking with them. And I’m not really worried about there being noisy people around us… this time I’m worried about being the noisy one!
So what’s your favourite spot on the aeroplane?
an aussie in austria 