US Flight Seating Secrets: How to Secure the Best Seat for Your Journey

While the flying experience has never been that great, most travelers would agree that in-flight enjoyment has become harder than ever to find. Airplane seats have been shrinking to the point where even the average person can hardly get comfortable these days, and airports always seem crowded and understaffed. Not only that, but more and more people seem to have given up on basic common courtesy lately, including common sense practices like not reclining during meal service and wearing headphones instead of listening to a device on full blast.

Of course, the seat you get on the plane can also impact your flying experience in more ways than one. This is true when it comes to the location of the seat you wind up with on any given plane, but it’s also based on something you can’t really control — who ends up sitting next to you.

That said, there are steps you can take to improve your chances at a more comfortable, less stressful flying experience. Here’s a rundown of the six best strategies to score the best seat you possibly can, whether you’re flying a short distance or hopping on a wide-body jet for a long-haul flight.

Never Book Basic Economy
First off, you’ll want to avoid booking fares that are labeled “Basic Economy,” even if they’re the cheapest option for your travel destination and dates. After all, you make more trade-offs with a Basic Economy fare than not being able to bring a carry-on bag on your plane. Most airlines set it up so travelers in Basic Economy do not have the option to select their seats ahead of time, and Basic Economy flyers also board the airplane dead last.

This means flying Basic Economy gives you a better chance of getting stuck in a dreaded middle seat, or even being separated from the rest of your travel party.

The bottom line: Pay a little bit more for a Main Cabin flying experience when you can, and you have a much better shot at having a better seat for your flight.

Select Your Seats Early On
If your goal is avoiding the worst seats on an airplane, you’ll also want to make sure you don’t leave it to chance. Most airlines let you select a seat for your flight early on in the process, and even when you book. By logging into your flight itinerary to take care of this task, you can pick a seat that meets your criteria.

The debate between aisle seats and middle seats is as old as time, but there are other considerations to keep in mind when selecting where you sit on a plane. For example, many frequent flyers recommend picking a seat away from the bathroom and crew areas of the plane since they tend to be loud and attract traffic.

Others say to avoid the final row of seats on an airplane since they typically do not recline at all, and most agree to avoid bulkhead seats if you want to have storage space under the seat in front of you.

Pay to Pick a Seat or Upgrade (with Miles or Cash)
It’s possible you may not be able to pick the seat on your plane unless you’re willing to pay, although this all depends on the airline you’re flying with. Either way, forking over some unused airline miles to pick the seat you want can definitely be worth it — especially if you wind up on a flight that’s completely full.

Some airlines are better than others at allowing this option. For example, Delta Airlines lets members of its frequent flyer program use some of their miles to select a seat or upgrade their seat if they don’t like the available options that don’t have a surcharge. The same is true with the American AAdvantage program.

You may also have the option to pick a seat you want and pay in cash. However, the cost of doing so can vary depending on your airline and itinerary, and only you can decide if paying more for your flight is worth it or not.

Lock In an Exit Row Seat
Exit row seats are popular among flyers since they offer a lot more legroom in general, although you do have to agree to provide other passengers with assistance in the event of an emergency. You also have to be at least 15 years old to occupy an exit row seat with any airline, so this option isn’t necessarily workable for families with smaller kids or young teenagers.

Either way, some airlines let you lock in an exit row seat without an added cost, whereas others require you to pay a surcharge for the extra room. If you’re able to book an exit row seat and you don’t mind paying for the privilege, doing so ensures you’ll have more space so you can stretch your legs and avoid feeling cramped.

Earn Elite Status
Earning elite status with a frequent flyer program is another way to get one of the best seats on an airplane and for more reasons than one. Not only do many frequent flyer programs offer upgrades to premium seats based on availability, but most elite-status members get to pick a seat ahead of time.

Programs also tend to let their elite members board the airplane in one of the first few groups. This helps flyers secure space in an overhead bin for their belongings and avoid having their legs cramped the entire flight due to having their bag under the seat in front of them.

Pay for Business or First Class
The final strategy to consider that can help you score a good seat is just paying for what you want. You’ll have to fork over a larger stash of cash or airline miles to secure a seat at the front of the plane, but the extra space and added perks can be worth it in the end.

Not only do First and Business class passengers get access to larger seats in general, and even lie-flat seats that turn into a bed for longer journeys, but they board the airplane first. Plus, the best cabin on an airplane always serves premium meals and drinks, including alcoholic drinks. On an international flight in First or Business class, you can even enjoy a multi-course meal served on real china and access to a full bar.

Premium economy seats are a more affordable option to consider as well, although you’ll give up some of the perks you would get with First or Business Class. After all, premium economy is typically just regular economy with better snacks and more legroom.

The bottom line: If you really want the best seat on an airplane, you may have to pay for it.