Which is the best seat on an airplane? An expert answers

Passenger seat preferences vary widely, with families and groups seeking contiguous seating, solo travellers often opting for quieter areas, and some avoiding the bassinet zones.

By: Lifestyle Desk

New Delhi | May 26, 2025 09:30 PM IST

2 min read

Which is the best one? (Photo: Freepik)

We put much thought into planning our travel — the dates and the stay. But do we also plan as much when booking a seat on an airplane? That thought led us to ask an expert if any seats are considered ‘best’?

Dhairyashil Vandekar, an aviation expert and analyst, told us that seat selection on a flight is a “deeply personal decision influenced by a multitude of factors, including travel companions, flight duration, individual priorities, budget and personal preferences such as wanting to work, sleep, relax, or read during a flight”.

“Health concerns, anxiety, and other individual needs also play a significant role. Despite this diversity, emergency exit and bulkhead seats (seats immediately behind walls) remain globally coveted for their extra space and legroom, making them the most popular and preferred seats,” said Vandekar.

Passenger seat preferences vary widely, with families and groups seeking contiguous seating, solo travellers often opting for quieter areas, and some avoiding the bassinet zones. “Aisle seats are also quite popular as they offer ease of movement, as no one is sitting on one of the sides, and passengers can exit faster. Window seats continue to be popular as they offer breathtaking views, especially at 30,000 feet, providing a sublime experience,” said Vandekar.

Here’s what you must consider (Photo: Freepik)

Seats in the front also offer more comfort and convenience.

Vandekar mentioned that premium class seats, including business and first class, deliver an unparalleled travel experience with lie-flat beds, gourmet cuisine, and personalised service, redefining comfort and privacy. “Upgraded seats often come with perks like priority boarding, extra baggage allowance, and exclusive lounge access,” said Vandekar.

Vandekar has also encountered passengers who prefer the last row seats, citing safety concerns despite their non-reclining nature. “For them, these seats were the best on the aircraft,” he said.

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Ultimately, seat selection boils down to personal preferences and pricing, too.

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