Best View On A Plane: In Front Of The Wing, Or Behind?

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…

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.

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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?