On airplanes, passengers often prioritize aisle or window seats, leaving the middle seat the least desirable. Many argue that aisle seats are superior, while others swear by the window seat as the "best" option.

Aisle seats offer several benefits: more legroom, easy access to stand up, convenient trips to the restroom or overhead compartments, and quicker disembarkation. However, this location can be noisy, exposes passengers to more foot traffic and potential disturbances, and lacks the wall support for sleeping.

Aisle seats are suitable for frequent restroom users. Photo: contentedtraveller

Aisle seats are suitable for frequent restroom users. Photo: contentedtraveller

Window seats provide scenic views, allowing passengers to enjoy the outside world. They offer a wall to lean against for comfortable sleeping, freedom from disturbances, and a fixed position without needing to move for others. However, window seats have drawbacks, making it inconvenient to enter and exit the row, requiring passengers to disturb others, especially on long flights. Additionally, window seats can feel more cramped.

Therefore, choosing between a window or aisle seat depends on individual needs, preferences, and the journey.

For long flights (over 5 hours), stretching your legs and standing up to move around becomes a key consideration. Passengers on long flights will inevitably need to use the restroom. An aisle seat is the better choice in this scenario. For short flights, if you don't need to stand up and prefer a view, along with the ability to lean against the wall for a nap, a window seat is often preferred.

"What’s worse than having to ask someone to let you use the toilet? We’re not in primary school anymore, and it’s especially true on a plane," one Reddit user, a frequent aisle seat occupant, shared.

Flight attendants always encourage passengers to stand up, walk around, and stretch to reduce fatigue and relieve pressure. If you're in a window seat in a row of three, you might hesitate to disturb the other two passengers. The situation isn't much better in the middle seat of a row of four, especially with potentially irritable neighbors. Therefore, check in early and carefully study the seat map to select an aisle seat if you anticipate needing to move around.

Window seats are more suitable for shorter journeys. Photo: internationalcitizens

Window seats are more suitable for shorter journeys. Photo: internationalcitizens

Elderly passengers or those with mobility limitations, if not seated in premium seats, should opt for aisle seats for easier movement. If you enjoy the view, don't anticipate needing to get up often, are sleep-deprived and just want to nap without needing to move, choose a window seat. In this seat, you have control over the window shade.

"Put your tray table up, put your eye mask on, don’t recline your seat, wear your seatbelt over your blanket, and rest assured you can lean against the wall and sleep without any passenger or flight attendant bothering you," another passenger advised on Reddit.

However, passengers choosing window seats should be aware that sometimes a window seat doesn't actually have a window. This occurs due to the aircraft's configuration, particularly in curved sections of the fuselage, or where there are additional amenities like restrooms or galleys, or simply due to seat arrangement (especially with budget airlines).

Also, for those who enjoy the view, the scenery outside isn't always captivating. Sometimes, it's just endless identical clouds, or worse, only fog.

Tam Anh (according to Reddit, Wotif)