When it comes to airplane seats, the aisle reigns supreme. Did you know that the average seat width has shrunk from 18.5 inches to 17 inches?
While the window seat offers picturesque views, the aisle seat comes with a host of advantages that can make your flight experience more comfortable and convenient.
Here are 10 reasons why the aisle seat should be your go-to choice on your next flight.
1. Unrivaled Bathroom Access
When nature calls at 35,000 feet, you don’t want to be stuck in the window seat. With the aisle, you have the freedom to get up and go whenever you please without having to disturb your seatmates.
No more holding it in or awkwardly climbing over sleeping passengers.
Plus, you can keep an eye on the bathroom line and time your visit strategically to avoid the rush. And if you’re on a long-haul flight, easy bathroom access is a game-changer for staying comfortable and hydrated throughout the journey.
2. Stretch Your Legs with Ease
Sitting in a cramped airplane seat for hours on end can leave your legs feeling stiff and achy. But with the aisle seat, you have the luxury of stretching out into the aisle whenever you need a little extra legroom.
Whether you’re tall or just need to move around frequently, the ability to extend your legs can make all the difference in your comfort level during the flight. Just be mindful of passing flight attendants and other passengers when you do decide to stretch out.
3. Get Up & Move Around
Sitting for prolonged periods can increase your risk of developing blood clots, a condition known as deep vein thrombosis (DVT). That’s why it’s important to get up and move around periodically during long flights.
With the aisle seat, you can easily get up and take a lap around the cabin without disturbing anyone else. Not only will this help prevent DVT, but it can also combat fatigue and restlessness.
And if you need to grab something from the overhead bin, you won’t have to awkwardly reach over other passengers.
4. Fewer Awkward Interactions
Let’s face it – airplane small talk can be painfully awkward. But when you’re in the aisle seat, you have a built-in escape route. If your seatmate starts chatting your ear off, you can politely excuse yourself to the bathroom or take a stroll down the aisle.
Plus, you won’t have to worry about disturbing others when you need to get up. No more accidentally elbowing your neighbor or stepping on their toes as you try to squeeze by.
The aisle seat gives you the freedom to move about the cabin with minimal awkwardness.
5. First On, First Off
If you’re someone who likes to get settled on the plane quickly, the aisle seat is your best bet. You can easily hop on and stow your carry-on without having to wait for others to move out of the way.
And when it’s time to deplane, you’ll be one of the first ones off. No more waiting impatiently for everyone else to gather their belongings and slowly shuffle towards the exit.
With the aisle seat, you can make a swift exit and be on your way to your final destination in no time.
6. Extra Elbow Room
Middle seats are notorious for being cramped and uncomfortable, with barely enough room to move your elbows. But with the aisle seat, you have a little extra space to spread out.
You can lean slightly into the aisle without encroaching on your neighbor’s personal space. And if you need to use your laptop or read a book, you’ll have more room to maneuver without feeling like a contortionist.
Those few extra inches can make a big difference in your overall comfort level.
7. Easier In-Flight Service
When the flight attendants come around with drinks and snacks, it can be a hassle to pass trays and cups over multiple passengers. But when you’re in the aisle seat, you have direct access to the service cart.
You can easily grab your refreshments without having to coordinate with your seatmates. And if you need a refill or extra napkins, you can flag down a flight attendant without disturbing anyone else.
It’s a small perk, but it can make your in-flight experience that much smoother.
8. Better Circulation
Sitting in a window seat can feel confining, especially if you’re prone to claustrophobia. But with the aisle seat, you have a greater sense of space and openness.
You’re not boxed in by the wall of the plane or other passengers, which can help alleviate feelings of anxiety or restlessness. Plus, the aisle allows for better air circulation, so you won’t feel as stuffy or overheated during the flight.
It’s a small detail that can make a big impact on your overall comfort.
9. Quicker Access to Overhead Bins
If you’re someone who likes to have all your essentials within reach, the aisle seat is a must. You can easily access the overhead bins without having to bother your seatmates.
No more awkwardly trying to climb over people or waiting for them to move out of the way. With the aisle seat, you can grab your bag, jacket, or headphones whenever you need them without any fuss.
It’s a small convenience that can make your flight experience much more enjoyable.
10. More Control Over Your Environment
When you’re stuck in the middle or window seat, you’re at the mercy of your seatmates’ preferences. But with the aisle seat, you have more control over your immediate environment.
If you need to adjust the air vent or turn on the reading light, you can do so without disturbing anyone else. And if your seatmate is hogging the armrest or invading your personal space, you have the option to lean slightly into the aisle for some relief.
It’s a small way to assert your comfort and preferences during the flight.
The aisle seat is the clear winner when it comes to in-flight comfort and convenience. From easy bathroom access to extra legroom, the perks of the aisle are hard to beat.
So, the next time you’re booking a flight, do yourself a favor and choose the aisle seat.
Source:
1.Time
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Nancy Maffia
Nancy received a bachelor’s in biology from Elmira College and a master’s degree in horticulture and communications from the University of Kentucky. Worked in plant taxonomy at the University of Florida and the L. H. Bailey Hortorium at Cornell University, and wrote and edited gardening books at Rodale Press in Emmaus, PA. Her interests are plant identification, gardening, hiking, and reading.
