No, it’s not a slow news day, I’m just genuinely curious where other aviation geeks stand on this, because I think I had an epiphany…
In this post:
I love window seats near the wing
I almost always select window seats when flying, for a variety of reasons. Chief among them is that I’ll never cease to be amazed by the miracle of flight, and I spend a large portion of flights just looking out the window, especially during takeoff and landing.
While everyone should do what they want, I’ll never be able to understand people who just keep their window shades closed during takeoff and landing.
Anyway, while I always enjoy a view out the window, I think sitting near the wing (though ideally not immediately over the wing) really enhances the view even further. There’s just something about seeing those big engines and the flex of the wings that power flight.
The ability to look out the window is one of the reasons that I often prefer to sit toward the back of premium cabins, since you often don’t even see the wing if you’re seated at the very front of the plane.
Are views better in front of or behind the wing?
I’ve gotta be honest, I don’t often sit behind the wing. That’s not intended to be a “humble brag,” or anything. I frequently fly in economy, but when I do, I typically still sit toward the front of the cabin or at the wing, since I have access to exit row or extra legroom economy seating due to my frequent flyer status.
Anyway, I’ve now had two consecutive flights behind the wing, which were my first such flights in quite some time. It made me realize that I’ve been missing out all along. Sure, views from in front of the wing are great, but looking at the engine is pretty consistent, and you also have to turn your head (well, unless you’re in a rear facing business class seat… I love those!).
Looking at the back of the wing is like a totally different experience. You can see the flex and bounce of the wing and winglet more easily, you see everything that’s going on with the flaps, etc. There are so many more moving parts, and that’s fun. Honestly, I’m kind of in love with these views.
Also, you definitely feel all aircraft movements a bit more from the back of the plane, from takeoff, to landing, to turbulence. I realize that’s probably objectively a bad thing, but it’s something I do enjoy.
I’m now thinking that for situations where I am in economy on a plane that has exit rows toward the back of the plane, I might just sit there for the views from now on. Sure, it takes a few extra minutes to deplane, but that’s not a huge deal, in the scheme of things.
It’s also possible that there’s just a novelty to the view from behind the wing. Regardless, mixing it up a bit more seems in order.
Oh, and bonus points to anyone who can guess the two specific aircraft and airlines where I sat behind the wing (pictured above and below — I don’t think it should be too hard).
Bottom line
I love gazing out the window when flying, as the miracle of flight never gets old to me. Perhaps I’m an extreme case, but I often consider proximity to the wing when picking seats.
After a couple of consecutive flights behind the wing, I’m realizing what an enjoyable and different experience it is to watch flight from a different angle. When in economy (or on airlines with outrageously large premium cabins), you’ll be finding me behind the wing more often from now on.
I’m just not a fan of being over the wing, because then you get the worst of both worlds…
What’s your take — all else being equal (meaning seating quality isn’t a factor), do you prefer the view from in front of the wing, behind the wing, or is it the same to you?
A320 Etihad
You're kidding, right?
In some parts of the “rest of the world” it’s mandatory that window shades be kept open during take off and landing - why? If the aircraft were involved in a land or sea emergency landing - rescuers would be able to see if there were people still alive and needing assistance - clearly not the case if the shares were closed
From a first/business class window seat.
"I’m just not a fan of being over the wing, because then you get the worst of both worlds…"
Now we know why Ben doesn't fly premium economy
My favorite economy seat on a plane was the last row of Economy Plus on United's 777s before they went 10-abreast and added Premium Plus. I think it was row 25, and it was just forward of door 3 and right behind the wing. Like you said- you got all of the flaps and aileron movements, it was still economy plus (so, comfy), and it wasn't over the wing so you could look down at...
My favorite economy seat on a plane was the last row of Economy Plus on United's 777s before they went 10-abreast and added Premium Plus. I think it was row 25, and it was just forward of door 3 and right behind the wing. Like you said- you got all of the flaps and aileron movements, it was still economy plus (so, comfy), and it wasn't over the wing so you could look down at the world below. Fortunately I spend more time in premium cabins now, and I used to sit as far forward as possible but I also realized I was missing out on wing/engine views, so have recently started moving further back. That said, I still can't bring myself to sit behind door 2 with all of the people filing past...
Some aircraft trivia…has first class always been to the front of the wing?
In the prop plane days the premium space was in the rear of the plane away from the propellor noise.
Sitting in the middle above engines is not good bec when plane breaks into pieces the engine attached area will fall separately and your seat will be unattached to engine side
When fire engulf the plane your seats
Will be safe and away from fire balls
Moreover middle ir rear end seats will
Cause turbulent feelings
In regards to why someone might not have windows open. Im one of those who gets really sick looking out a plane window even w medication. I looked out a few flights over the years and every time turned a shade of green that is not a good aethetic. If I could look outside while flying i would but for the comfort of me and any passengers around me aisle it is or closed window.
I don’t like the diffraction/mirage effect caused by the exhaust of hot air from the engine, so opt for in front of the wing or way way back, where possible. The diffraction ruins the view.
The plane moves around more in the back - hence front is better. And when there is severe turbulence, it is worst in the rear.
You notice and back and forth movement of the aircraft when in the reat toilet.
I like the seats in front of the wing, but the views from behind the wing are great and perfect for aviation fans. I’ve always loved watching the flaps extend, especially how far out they go for landing.
My favorite was on Austrian, last throne seat in Business, actually kind of parallel with the front of the engine. Still have the video. And like you, I just need to sit by the window. Best live entertainment ever, while everybody is sitting in a dark room staring at their whatever devices.
“ I’ll never be able to understand people who just keep their window shades closed during takeoff and landing.”
You fly on airlines which allow this to happen?
Very strange, as for safety reasons, window shades need to remain fully open during takeoff and landing.
I would have expected that a frequent flyer knows this…
Kinda of douchey of you.
On almost every airline only exit row windows need to be open.
You must not fly often if you haven’t noticed.
On the other hand, I agree for safety all windows should be open, but it’s not required in almost any airline other than the aforementioned exit rows.
Not commented on, but there’s also the matter of cabin lights on or off for take-off/landing at night. I thought it generally...
Kinda of douchey of you.
On almost every airline only exit row windows need to be open.
You must not fly often if you haven’t noticed.
On the other hand, I agree for safety all windows should be open, but it’s not required in almost any airline other than the aforementioned exit rows.
Not commented on, but there’s also the matter of cabin lights on or off for take-off/landing at night. I thought it generally accepted that they should be off at night for take-off/landing and have therefore always been amazed that Qantas keeps the cabin fully lit at night. I’ve never noticed any other airline do that…
This is a difference between United States (FAA) regulations and what's in my experience normal in the rest of the world on non-US airlines.
All Airlines in the United States only require exit row window shades to be raised (on a recent US regional jet flight where I was sitting in the exit row the shades were just missing), while it seems airlines in the rest of the world require all window shades to...
This is a difference between United States (FAA) regulations and what's in my experience normal in the rest of the world on non-US airlines.
All Airlines in the United States only require exit row window shades to be raised (on a recent US regional jet flight where I was sitting in the exit row the shades were just missing), while it seems airlines in the rest of the world require all window shades to up for take-off and landing, which is a regulation I would prefer as an American.
Strangely, airlines in Japan tend to side with the US on this one. If you fly a few times a year, especially outside the US, you're more likely to think that window shades must remain fully open during takeoff and landing on all airlines, but this isn't the case.
I haven't sat behind the wing for years, and I have no intention of doing-so again. Not only are those engines a lot noisier back there, but unless you're on an airline like Beond the seats are tiny and squished together. No thanks.
There is more going on behind the wing with the flaps/spoilers etc. That being said I'm selecting my seat on the best available seat and I'm likely to sit in front of the wing to be closer to the front of the cabin than I am to sit behind it if all else is equal. The exception is if I have a choice between a seat over a wing (that is not an exit row) or behind the wing I am taking behind the wing so I have a better view.
You should do these “guess the plane and airline” more often. Maybe even add airport into the mix. It’s fun.
seconded, you should do that more often, will be a fun game
Not as easy for the above picture. So many possibilities.
But my guess is Vueling A320neo.
Below is easy.
Beond A319
I would love a post on premium seats with the best wing views, by airplane and airline - for example, you mentioned rear facing seats. There's also some that are significantly worse because the shell of the seat blocks the window, or it's a herringbone config where you have to wrench your neck around to see anything.
The second photo is Beond airlines. No problems being behind the wing when it's all business class ;)
The first photo though I'm not quite sure. At first I thought Spirit but they usually have their "Spirit" or "Howdy" there. Is it vueling? Maybe to reposition to Zurich for the Beond flight?
Yes, that's my guess too.
Some NK doesn't have it written but I don't think he would skip the big front seats.
Another left is Cebu, but I don't recall him around there lately.
There are few more but I don't think he would Photoshop out the logo either.
On a side note, that wingtip very much looks like the Beond A319 -
I prefer the view of the engines intake when sitting in front, also you can see more of the scenery. In economy there is also usually a bit more space in the front seats.
In front, always.
Besides the wing obstructing the view, it seems louder.
I prefer sitting in front of the wing because I feel like the views behind it (especially looking down) are more blurry from water vapor etc. - not really visible to the naked eye, but makes a significant difference in photos imo.
Like you, I'm not in economy very often these days, but when I am, I'm absolutely behind the wing. I love watching all the avionics on the wing working, and during landing there's just something about watching the wing gliding low over buildings and roads that makes it a little extra exhilarating.
“Best View On A Plane: In Front Of The Wing, Or Behind?”
In front. Always. For a zillion reasons.