How to choose your seat online

Whether you are heading off on a transatlantic flight or an interstate getaway, your comfort is top priority. If you require an aisle seat, more leg room, or a seat that is closer to the amenities, you don’t have to settle for what you’ve been allocated. If you aren’t sure how to choose your seat online, Sarah’s comprehensive guide will have you comfortable in no time.

How do I know where to sit?

To see a map of your aeroplane, the best website to look at is SeatGuru.com. If you want to know how wide your seat is, how much leg room you will get, how close to the amenities you will be and what the in-flight entertainment is going to be, this website is your bible.

Check in online

Try and select your seats online as soon as possible. You should be able to choose your seats at the time of booking, if not, you can choose your seats while checking-in online within the 24-hour window before the flight. This is where SeatGuru comes in handy so that you can make an educated decision. Or if you are going through a travel agent, make sure your seating requests have been noted.

Aisle seats

• Great for stretching legs or regular visits to the bathroom.
• Bad for bumps and bruises and frequently having to stand up to let others through.

Window seats

• Great for those who want to sleep well as you have the window to lean your pillow against.
• Bad for needing to go to the bathroom when everyone is asleep.

Seats at the front

• Great for getting the first choice of meals and peace and quiet.  

Seats at the back

• Great for spreading out when there are spare seats but the engine is much louder and you can expect more turbulence.

Avoid the toilets – unless you require frequent toilet breaks

Often, if you are seated near the bathroom, you will have passengers queuing up near your seat. This can be an irritating place to sit if you are trying to rest as the flush can be quite noisy.