Same price, more comfort. What are the best seats on the plane?

Seat numbers and designations vary by airline and aircraft, but there are still universal zones where you can expect extra comfort at the same price as other seats in your class. Today, we’ll tell you which seats offer the most legroom, which ones experience less turbulence, and which ones are best for getting a good night’s sleep.

How do you choose the best seat on a plane?

On popular narrow-body aircraft, the 3-3 seating arrangement is the norm, which inevitably results in the dreaded “middle seat.” On larger aircraft, the 3-3-3 configuration affects aisle access and, consequently, the distance to the exit or restrooms.

To choose the best seat for us, let’s start by figuring out what matters most to us: quiet, more legroom, quick access to the restroom, or the best view from the window?

Seats near emergency exits

If you’re primarily looking for more legroom, the rows located near the emergency exits offer between 15 and 30 centimeters of extra space. Many airlines allow you to select these seats in advance, usually for an additional fee.

It’s a great choice for long flights, but there are certain requirements to keep in mind. With these seats, you cannot store your carry-on luggage under the seat during takeoff and landing, and the seat itself is not available to everyone. According to civil aviation safety procedures, the person occupying this seat must be prepared to cooperate with the crew and open the heavy exit doors in an emergency.

Seats at the front of the plane

For many passengers, seats in the front of the cabin are an excellent choice. Their main advantages are that passengers can disembark more quickly after landing and that engine noise is significantly reduced.

This is a great option for people with tight connecting flight schedules and those traveling with carry-on luggage only. One downside is the proximity to the bulkheads, where airlines often install bassinet seats, which increases the risk of sitting next to a crying baby. During boarding, this will also be the area with the heaviest passenger traffic, so you’ll have to wait until takeoff to enjoy the peace and quiet you’re looking for.

Seats by the aisle

A seat by the aisle allows you to get up without having to pass by the other passengers in your row, which is a big plus on longer flights and for people with a weak bladder.

These seats also offer more space around the armrest, but this comes with the risk of being bumped into frequently by passing passengers and crew members.

Seats by the window

The window seat has had its fans for years, and for good reason. It allows passengers to rest their heads against the cabin wall, which is a major advantage for those who sleep through most of the flight.

Unfortunately, if you choose this seat, you’ll have to squeeze past your fellow passengers whenever you want to get up. On shorter flights, this isn’t usually a problem, but on longer trips, when you need to go to the restroom more often and stretch your legs, it can be annoying. On the other hand, you never have to let anyone else pass.

Spaces above the wings

If you get anxious on flights or are sensitive to turbulence, it’s a good idea to choose seats near the wings. The middle section of the fuselage, located near the aircraft’s center of gravity and center of pressure, is the most stable part of the plane during turbulence.

On some planes, the area around the wings is also surprisingly quiet, which makes it easier to sleep through any motion sickness.

Unfortunately, the view from the window isn't the best here, because the wing will block a large part of the panorama.

The worst seats on a plane

Middle seats are generally considered the least comfortable. You don’t have access to a window, and your personal space is limited on both sides. If you’re flying alone, the middle seat is usually the least appealing option, though some airlines offer them at lower prices for this reason.

The last rows and seats at the back of the plane are also a poor choice. These areas tend to be noisier, have more passenger traffic, and experience more turbulence. On some planes, limited seat recline is also an issue, which can be particularly uncomfortable on longer flights.

Convenient access to the airport

If you value a comfortable trip, you’ll likely be driving to the airport in your own car. This option offers the most flexibility, especially for early morning departures, late-night returns, or when traveling with a lot of luggage. You can safely leave your car for the duration of your trip at our private parking lot at Kraków-Balice Airport. We provide not only a parking space but also a free shuttle to the airport, ensuring a quick and convenient ride to the terminal.