For the vast majority of people, catching a flight is a necessary evil.
Flying often takes us to tropical holiday destinations and on important work trips faster than a gridlocked morning commute to the office.
But convenience aside, for the most part airplanes are cramped, uncomfortable and either stiflingly hot or chillingly cold, with sub-par food offerings and a host of invisible bacteria lurking on our nearest tray table.
And while it may seem as though one seat is as good as the next to get us where we need to go, an aviation professional revealed there may be a secret to take the pain out of flying – in the form of your seating allocation.
Kaipo Kauka, a flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines, recently told Insider the best place to sit depending on your preferences at 32,000 feet.
A flight attendant with Hawaiian Airlines recently told Insider the best place to sit depending on your preferences at 32,000 feet
IF YOU WANT TO SLEEP – THE WINDOW SEAT
According to Mr Kauka, if you’re planning to sleep through a flight the window seat is your safest bet.
Rest your head against a pillow on the plane’s outer wall for added support.
While your neighbour will thank you for leaning on the window instead of them, you also gain the benefit of not being disturbed each time a row mate gets up to stretch or use the bathroom.
According to Mr Kauka, if you’re planning to sleep through a flight the window seat if your safest bet
IF YOU USE THE BATHROOM A LOT
For people who like to move around a lot mid-flight and those who take frequent trips to the bathroom, an aisle seat is the way to go according to Mr Kauka.
Sitting aisle adjacent means you won’t have to climb over the other passengers in your row, and if you’re still concerned about proximity to the toilet, Mr Kauka recommends booking a seat close to the lavatory in advance.
IF YOU FEEL THE COLD EASILY
In high altitude, the human body is prone to feeling the cold more easily.
Some of us even start to shiver before the aircraft takes off thanks to the recycled air in the plane.
To avoid picking up a chill in transit, Mr Kauka advises against sitting near doors or emergency exit rows.
‘These exits allow external cold air to seep into the aircraft,’ he said.
To avoid picking up a chill in transit, Mr Kauka advises against sitting near doors or emergency exit rows
Mr Kauka observed that flight attendants generally start the refreshment service from the front of the plane, making the first five rows ideal for getting first pick on snacks
IF YOU’RE A PICKY EATER
Airplane food is rarely what you would call gourmet.
Mr Kauka observed that flight attendants generally start the refreshment service from the front of the plane, making the first five rows ideal for anyone eager to get their first pick on pre-packaged snacks and beverages.
‘This part of the plane is also best for those who hate turbulence,’ he revealed, as the smoothest ride is always felt at the front of the aircraft.