Over the years, I’ve gone from being an “always aisle seat” guy on planes, to being an “always window seat” guy. It has no doubt been a gradual transition. First I’d select aisle seats no matter what, then I’d select window seats only on shorter flights, then I’d select window seats only when in premium cabins, and now I select window seats no matter what.
Heck, this has almost caused some drama in my relationship. When I first met Ford I thought “great, he prefers the window seat, that’s perfect.” Nowadays we fight over who gets the window seat (though not really, because in this situation I give in).
Why has my seating preference changed so much?
In this post:
Why window seats are better than aisle seats
I understand all the arguments that people make in favor of aisle seats. Sure, you can go to the bathroom whenever you’d like, without having to step over anyone. You also potentially have a bit more space, in terms of being able to position your legs and “spilling over” into the aisle.
However, to me those positives pale in comparison to the benefits of a window seat. Now, I think we can all agree that a seat that gives you both an aisle and window is ideal, whether it’s in American Eagle first class or in Qatar Airways Qsuites. In fairness, though, most people aren’t flying in premium cabins, and/or aren’t on a plane with these kinds of single seats.
Anyway, in no particular order, let me share why I’ve become a total window seat guy.
Gazing out of airplane windows never gets old
Despite having flown millions and millions of miles, to me gazing out an airplane window never gets old. Ever. Even the least scenic flight has things worth seeing, and there’s only upside from there.
I don’t care how commonplace air travel becomes, I’ll never take for granted the miracle of flight, and the fact that we can basically get a bird’s-eye view of the world when hurling through the sky at 500 miles per hour in a metal tube. Really, for me this is 80% of the reason to select a window seat.
Honestly, there’s just so much to see when flying, whether it’s a gorgeous sunrise over Mongolia…
…or a gorgeous sunset over the Pacific…
…or just your average departure from Hong Kong.
I don’t judge who don’t look out the window when flying… but I am confused by them.
Window seat passengers control window shades
Beyond enjoying the views, you also want to be able to control the window shades. For example, if it’s a daytime flight and you want to sleep, you can control whether the window shade is lowered or not.
Similarly, if you want to watch your personal entertainment, you might want to lower the window shade to reduce glare. The person in the window seat always controls the window shades.
On the topic of views, it absolutely amazes me how many people simply choose to keep their window shades closed for the entire flight, and by being in the window seat, you can make sure you can still enjoy the view outside.
Window seats make it easier to work
Personally, I work quite efficiently on planes, and I find that being in a window seat helps with that. I can angle my laptop or phone screen away from the person seated next to me.
While my preferred view on a plane is out the window, some people seem to prefer staring at other peoples’ laptop screens. Of course it also makes sense to get one of those privacy filters to put on top of your screen, but even those aren’t foolproof when you’re packed in like sardines.
A while back I was on a flight in an aisle seat, and about halfway through the flight, the guy seated diagonally behind me started talking to me about things I was working on in my email inbox. Nice. “I’m not meaning to pry, but…” No, sorry, in this case you are prying.
In window seats no one climbs over you
Often the argument in favor of an aisle seat is that you can go to the bathroom whenever you’d like. The flip side of that coin is that you potentially have up to two people who need to climb over you (or ask you to get up) in order to use the bathroom.
Personally I’d rather be in the position of a window seat passenger than an aisle seat passenger:
- I don’t drink a lot on planes, so I don’t have to use the bathroom a lot
- When you’re in a window seat you have a reasonable right to ask the person in the aisle seat to get up when you need to use the bathroom; maybe I’m just entitled, but I don’t “worry” about when I’ll be let out when I need to use the bathroom, because it’s a reasonable request
- When you’re in the window seat you have the benefit of not having to get up when you’re not using the bathroom, and you also deal with fewer people “pulling” on your seat to get up
Window seats are better for resting
Whether you’re in economy or business class, window seats are consistently better if you’re trying to rest. In economy, you can rest your head against the fuselage, which you can’t do in the aisle seat.
Meanwhile in business class cabins that don’t have direct aisle access from all seats, personally I have a strong preference for sleeping facing the wall, as it minimizes disturbances.
Window seats let you control your experience
When I’ve been in a window seat and have asked to use the bathroom, I’ve never had someone in an aisle seat say no. Ever. However, I have been in an aisle seat and:
- Had a flight attendant pass a drink to the person in the window seat and spill it on my laptop, destroying it in the process
- Set up my electronics to charge (keeping things fully charged is a hobby of mine, and sometimes I’ll be charging four things at once), and shortly after setting everything up the person in the window seat asks to use the bathroom, and I have to disassemble everything
- Had someone standing in the aisle basically on top of me (whether a fellow passenger or flight attendant) having a loud, extended conversation with the passenger in the window seat
- Had someone who keeps the window shade closed for the entire flight (this is actually incredibly common)
Bottom line
Over the years I’ve had a change of heart regarding my airplane seating preferences. Nowadays I’m 100% in favor of choosing a window seat, regardless of the circumstances.
Window seats offer better views, afford more privacy, are better for resting or working, and actually let you control your own experience, in terms of the position of the window shade and when you get up.
Where do you stand — are you #TeamWindowSeat or #TeamAisleSeat?
On flights for up to roughly 6h I use the window seat but on longer flights I choose the aisle seat. I don't mind people asking me to stand up so they can use the restroom and I am uncomfortable asking people the same (go figure). I rarely fly on premium cabins, but I always choose the "true" window seat even when that means a tighter footwell.
" it absolutely amazes me how many people simply choose to keep their window shades closed for the entire flight, and by being in the window seat, you can make sure you can still enjoy the view outside"
You are the one that keeps the window open during a 10 hour flight with the light blaring into the cabin, preventing people from sleeping and seeing their TV screens
Guess we never fly on same plane. Had Air Tahiti control all the windows are recent flight to Tokyo. She said some people wanted to watch movies, and it was too light. My wife and I wanted to watch all the islands we passed. But, I n said situation, never get into discussion with FA. Only bad things can happen.
What all the islands to Tahiti ? OK, if you are lucky, 1 or 2 islands in the huge pacific on the way, again if you are lucky...
Thank God Air Tahiti took control and kept the window shades shut.
Or in UA Polaris seating in 1-2-1 cconfiguration. Window and aisle.
As always you are spot on. I agree 100% about the window seat being better.
Other point I have when flying economy is the aisle seat gets bumped all the time by flight attendants. (I actually prefer low-cost carriers in that regard as they don't keep going up and down the aisles.
Flying as a single passenger on TATL or TPAC in Y, so it has to be #teamaisle on the right side in the centre section. I like to stretch my legs in the aisle, and get up for a little walk in the middle of the flight. I scored an empty seat beside me on a few occasions when the plane was basically full. The only one occasion that brought me a regret of not...
Flying as a single passenger on TATL or TPAC in Y, so it has to be #teamaisle on the right side in the centre section. I like to stretch my legs in the aisle, and get up for a little walk in the middle of the flight. I scored an empty seat beside me on a few occasions when the plane was basically full. The only one occasion that brought me a regret of not having a window seat was on a TATL flight that coincided with the most spectacular northern lights occurrence you could even imagine. I had just a glimpse of it, whereas the lucky window side passengers remained in total awe for quite a long stretch!Flying as a single passenger on TATL or TPAC in Y, so it has to be #teamaisle on the right side in the centre section. I like to stretch my legs in the aisle, and get up for a little walk in the middle of the flight. I scored an empty seat beside me on a few occasions when the plane was basically full. The only one occasion that brought me a regret of not having a window seat was on a TATL flight that coincided with the most spectacular northern lights occurrence you could even imagine. I had just a glimpse of it, whereas the lucky window side passengers remained in total awe for quite a long stretch!
I strongly prefer the window for all the reasons you mention. Another reason, especially for those who board early and sit near the front, is that the window seat avoids people bumping into you as they pass with bags, or coughing in your face, etc.
+1 for window seats especially in economy. I rarely need and never want to use the economy lav .
I do enjoy the view but most important is comfort. My shoulders are wider than an econ seat and I get bumped by FA's and other passengers when I'm in the aisle seat, the window seat allows a little extra space for my shoulders which makes a but difference.
Since when do you fly economy or premium economy? .....
Probably not a lot lol, but from what he's hinted at in other articles, when he flies in Y/Premium Y it's on the short-haul positioning flights between long-haul Business Class ones. Basically, on the flights he doesn't review.
Window seats also help with those who have a fear of flying or anxiety.
I was wondering, will we ever see virtual windows in business class a la Emirates' "Game Changer" First Class seats or even just in first class? Qantas' First Class on their upcoming A350s would've been a good place to start along with JAL's First Class.
I wish I could be team window seat because, like so many in this comments session, I want the window OPEN on a daytime flight! Unfortunately, between the fact that I run cold and window seats tend to be colder and my desire to be able to get up easily, I'm #teamaisle. When I get on the plane, if my seatmate hasn't arrived, I'll put up the window shades. Sometimes they stay up for the...
I wish I could be team window seat because, like so many in this comments session, I want the window OPEN on a daytime flight! Unfortunately, between the fact that I run cold and window seats tend to be colder and my desire to be able to get up easily, I'm #teamaisle. When I get on the plane, if my seatmate hasn't arrived, I'll put up the window shades. Sometimes they stay up for the entire flight or a while. I also like to read and actual book. I often have to give up and read on my ipad because all the shades are down and the FAs have turned out all the lights for a daytime flight so that people will sleep and not bother them.
Sadly, my blood pressure meds require I have quick access to the aisle. Often times more than once per flight. So it's aisle for me, unless I am in C or F.
I have transitioned from aisle to window especially when flying F which is my usual. For all the same reasons that Ben has. I HATE all the closed shades and it makes me quite uncomfortable. When in Main cabin I will take an aisle on a longer flight since I am an older guy and the restroom seems to call my name more frequently. My boyfriend is def a window guy which is OK when...
I have transitioned from aisle to window especially when flying F which is my usual. For all the same reasons that Ben has. I HATE all the closed shades and it makes me quite uncomfortable. When in Main cabin I will take an aisle on a longer flight since I am an older guy and the restroom seems to call my name more frequently. My boyfriend is def a window guy which is OK when we fly together because he will open the shades first thing and I don't mind the aisle in that case.
Under 90 minutes or so, window. Over, aisle. Sadly my bladder is in control of my seat selection. Yes, at the window, you can ask people to get up but easier to be on the aisle.
As for window shades, most everyone is watching something or sleeping so I get the closing of the shades. Makes me think BWB’s with few windows isn’t a big deal.
That's very considerate of you. While I never mind getting up to let my seatmates go pp it's nicer if I don't have to do it repeatedly.
I'm curious Lucky, if you found yourself flying economy long-haul (maybe that Falkland Islands flight ;) would you reconsider?
I also do not understand people who close the window shades or keep them closed. Unless the sun is blasting directly thru, I find it so bizarre. I love, love to look out the windows. It's a magnificent blue ball we live on.
Well, depending on the side of the plane you're on and the duration of the flight, keeping up with the bright sun for multiple hours can make things uncomfortably warm.
It's very bizarre. On a recent LHR-JFK departing at 1000 and arriving at 1240 the cabin crew were asking pax to close their shades. It's madness. I declined to close mine, as it was the middle of the day and if others wish to sleep their lives away they can use the eye shades provided in the amenity kit.
I'm aisle every time: F, J, or Y. In part, I'd rather get up for others than ask them to get up. I refused to move to a window in F on a domestic narrowbody so a couple could sit together pabecause they took my seat, then "asked" for the trade. An indifferrent pax swapped, so I ended in an aisle seat (and a better seatmate than the hubby would have been). Obviously, I take the "1" in 1-2-1 and 1-2.
Flying as a single passenger on TATL or TPAC in Y, so it has to be #teamaisle on the right side in the centre section. I like to stretch my legs in the aisle, and get up for a little walk in the middle of the flight. I scored an empty seat beside me on a few occasions when the plane was basically full. The only one occasion that brought me a regret of not...
Flying as a single passenger on TATL or TPAC in Y, so it has to be #teamaisle on the right side in the centre section. I like to stretch my legs in the aisle, and get up for a little walk in the middle of the flight. I scored an empty seat beside me on a few occasions when the plane was basically full. The only one occasion that brought me a regret of not having a window seat was on a TATL flight that coincided with the most spectacular northern lights occurrence you could even imagine. I had just a glimpse of it, whereas the lucky window side passengers remained in total awe for quite a long stretch!
If one only travels in F or J, then the question is almost academic. However, it is much easier to avoid having to observe the antics of the proletariat if one chooses a window seat, should there be no doors to isolate one from the outside world.
Ben this is a calculus question to us avgeeks where to sit on the plane there are so many variables.
As a flyer who never likes to put small bags under the seat in front of me, I pick aisle seat so that I can get up to grab something from my bag whenever I need to without disturbing the person next to me.
Team window all the way. I especially deplore being bashed by toilet travelers and service carts in the aisle seat and having my seat used for stability by the moron behind me (who can't manage pushing his own seat when standing up).
Great Article. I recently flew with Condor in business from Calgary to Frankfurt. As I am sitting there waiting for takeoff, I am casually looking over the flight route. Interesting as I never had flown a real polar route over the years. Takeoff and glued to the window as usual. This exceptional as there were only a scattering of clouds and stayed that way for overs and of course not getting dark (it's summer) Cutting...
Great Article. I recently flew with Condor in business from Calgary to Frankfurt. As I am sitting there waiting for takeoff, I am casually looking over the flight route. Interesting as I never had flown a real polar route over the years. Takeoff and glued to the window as usual. This exceptional as there were only a scattering of clouds and stayed that way for overs and of course not getting dark (it's summer) Cutting it short the weather conditions remained clear and very visible throughout the night and early AM. I had one of the most interesting experiences. All worth staying awake for
I didn't even know Condor had business class. I thought Condor was all high density coach for cheapskates from the EU on package holidays.
Window 100% of the time for me, I love looking out the window. I drink lots of Diet Coke, so I make the aisle/middle folks get up at least twice on longer flights. Everyone needs to use the facilities, so getting up to let out window/middle seat passengers is just part of flying.
Is this post just a young guy gloating about the health of his prostate?
NO of course not! But the result is the same.
I'll take a window seat if:
- all people between me and the aisle are my companions or
- I have aisle access.
Enjoy your thirties Ben!!!
For realz. I did middle seat in my 20s going back and forth from the US to NZ. No pills, not even a neck pillow. But I could just conk out for 12 hours in one spell from sheer exhaustion.
Now it's a good night if I stop getting up to pee before like 11:30. Thanks to this blog I haven't flown Y in years but if I did, aisle seat all the way.
Why does it matter? I always stay very well hydrated so I use the restroom a lot. I still always choose the window seat. Not my problem how many times aisle/middle passengers have to get up.
My rule is:
• Economy class, short haul: aisle seat — I value the extra space of an aisle seat
• Business class, short haul: window seat — you get the extra space anyway, and I don't need to leave my seat
• Economy class, long haul: centre aisle seat — you get the extra space and it minimises the chance of someone needing to step over you, since they have another person (who might...
My rule is:
• Economy class, short haul: aisle seat — I value the extra space of an aisle seat
• Business class, short haul: window seat — you get the extra space anyway, and I don't need to leave my seat
• Economy class, long haul: centre aisle seat — you get the extra space and it minimises the chance of someone needing to step over you, since they have another person (who might be their travel companion)
• Business class, long haul, 2-2-2 config: centre aisle seat — despite getting the view and the space, stepping over a sleeping passenger (or being stepped over) sucks; centre aisle guarantees this doesn't happen. I might make an exception for a day flight!
• Business class, long haul, individual suites: window seat — all upside.
Best summary I've seen. 100% the same thinking on my end.
teamwindow for many of the same reasons... mostly as the views never get old, and never having someone climb over you
Thanks for mentioning one of my biggest pet peeves about flying (the pulling of the seat in front of you to get up). Every time I see someone do it I want to yell at them, especially since there are other ways to get out of your seat that do not unexpectedly disturb the person in front of you.
That being said I'm team aisle, mainly because I do like to drink when traveling, so I need to use the bathroom a lot.
Seriously, please tell me how I can get out of my seat without pulling on the seat in front of me as I hate to do that. I have mobility issues and must grasp something to stand up and both armrests aren't always available.
Just curious Lucky but how much of your flying as a percentage is in non-premium cabins?
Not often: https://onemileatatime.com/insights/fly-economy/
I’m constantly baffled how in the US on daytime flights most people will pull/keep the window shades down as soon as they get to their seat and keep it down for the entire flight. It could be a glorious afternoon outside but it’s a dark claustrophobic tube inside. Honestly, why take the window seat at all if you’re going to pretend there is no window there? I never see this when flying in other countries.
It's because these people are addicted to their phone, and are not interested in looking at anything but TicTok on their tiny phone screen. I don't get it either, but that is the way too many folks are.
Drives me crazy and why I have taken to window seats especially traveling F. I hate being in a dark tube. I do not get it. Airlines in the USA should require shades open for takeoff and landing like most of the rest of the world.
Agree 100% with all the reasons you mentioned on why a window seat is better. However, after getting older and suffering from huge knee and quad pain, I now choose aisle seats and take the opportunity to stand up and flex my legs a bit when I can. Also, after seating for a long time, I really want to get out of my seat and stand up once the plane gets to the gate and...
Agree 100% with all the reasons you mentioned on why a window seat is better. However, after getting older and suffering from huge knee and quad pain, I now choose aisle seats and take the opportunity to stand up and flex my legs a bit when I can. Also, after seating for a long time, I really want to get out of my seat and stand up once the plane gets to the gate and seatbelts signs are off. No, I do not leave my row until it is my time but I need to stand up and flex my legs.
Middle seat is by far the best way to go! Only one person to climb on top of to get out, you can easily reach over and pull down the window shade (without permission, of course), and best of all, you can give little elbow light-jabs to both of your seatmates to ask them for their free fruit and cheese plate due to being stuck in the middle. You also get the right to demand...
Middle seat is by far the best way to go! Only one person to climb on top of to get out, you can easily reach over and pull down the window shade (without permission, of course), and best of all, you can give little elbow light-jabs to both of your seatmates to ask them for their free fruit and cheese plate due to being stuck in the middle. You also get the right to demand a seat swap with 2A and say that "it is a fair swap". xD
In all honesty, though, I feel like it changes as you get older. At least with me, my bladder becomes weaker with age, and an aisle seat on a 3-hour daytime flight seems more enticing.
Plus... I'm super touch sensitive and can't stand being bumped and jostled, and people leaning on my seatback or using it as a handrail...
I was #TeamWindowSeat until my pants started to shrink for some reason, and now I'm 90% #TeamAisleSeat - and yes, that makes me sad for all the reasons you argue. But seat width is my primary consideration the last 10 years, since 1) most window seats are impacted by the curve of the aircraft and 2) most aisle seats have an armrest that to move up. Exceptions for me are flights under 3 hours, and...
I was #TeamWindowSeat until my pants started to shrink for some reason, and now I'm 90% #TeamAisleSeat - and yes, that makes me sad for all the reasons you argue. But seat width is my primary consideration the last 10 years, since 1) most window seats are impacted by the curve of the aircraft and 2) most aisle seats have an armrest that to move up. Exceptions for me are flights under 3 hours, and sometime those where the seat is 18-18.5" wide. The 17" seats for 12-16 hours are just too uncomfortable for me (thus reducing my sleep quality). First world problems - no doubt.
Conceding that I'm #TeamAisleSeat against my will (or perhaps due to lack of will-power), on long-haul wide-body aircraft I love the compromise of the center section aisle, since it's less likely that the passengers will be crawling over me when I sleep.
The more #TeamWindowSeat fliers you inspire, the more open seat options for me... so by all means, hold fast to your well-reasoned logic! :)
#TeamAisleSeat
I like to get up, go to the loo, open the overheld to get something out and stretch my legs at my own schedule.