Where to sit in a plane by a long-distance intercontinental flight?

A few things make the difference.

Airline, kind of ticket, destination and time of the year.

As a regular passenger to and from China I came once back to Europe on the day of Chinese new year. Clever as I was, I calculated. Everybody who goes to china goes before Chinese new year’s day. To celebrate the Chinese new year with friends and family. And nobody will be interested to leave the country on the most important Chinese bank Holliday. So I could count on it. I will have 3 or 4 seats only for me.

But as usual. The smartest people are the most defeated. When I stepped in to the aircraft, I saw that the plane was…. Full!!!

So… never confuse smart thinking and experience with reality. Sometimes it helps but its always a uncertainty.

Destination?

I flew once from Amsterdam to Caracas with only 8 people in a 747. And I flew many times with complete occupied seats. So, is it important? Yes of course it is. At this moment the planes to Hong Kong are less occupied then in normal moments. Trouble in a country or aria always decrease the number of passengers going, ore coming back from that aria.

And of course if you have a business seat or first class ticket; you will be seated more comfortable then in economy class. But last time (2 weeks back) when I came back from China/Shenzhen I had 4 seats only for me. except the food I had the same comfort as business seats. And that for the lowest price.

'Airline' is another story. I will write about later.

Kind of ticket, destination and time of the year I just spoke about.

So. How to get a good seat in an aircraft or at least; making more chance to get one?

I explain for a long-distance intercontinental flight.

I never “check inn” in advance. It’s a risk. But most of the time, it gives me the best seats.

I always arrive in the airport 4 hours in advance. I can assure you. 4 hours are not that much. Time will not be dull and “flies by” in an airport. This give you an important information before check inn.

Groups are most of the time placed at the end of the plane. And believe me. Most of the time you don’t want to be seated in the middle of a group. Especially not if they are German, Dutch, British ore Chinese. So if I see there is 1 or more groups I already change my strategy.

Being so early gives you more advantages. You are the first on the inn-check-desk. What makes the girl behind it more tolerant. Witch helps if your luggage has some overweight. And certainly helps to get the place you want.

As I said. If there are groups I ask a row 10 rows more in front of the row I normally ask.

Every airline has for every flight a seat map. So you can chose the row in advance. If you couldn’t find a seat map. Chose the second last row ow the plane.

Why not the last? Toilets and kitchen are just behind. Noise and smell can be a factor.

So second last row and ail seat. Why ail seat? So you can go up to walk around or to go to the toilet without someone that blocks your way.

But especially… because they fill up the plane from the beginning to the end. And first the ail seats and the window seats. So, if you ask a ail seat at the end of the plane in the middle for seats? You find a bigger chance that nobody will be seated next to you.

I hope you enjoy your next flight and that my advice helps to get some more comfort during the trip.

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Regards Captain Geronimo.

12-10-2019 om 09:42 geschreven door zeilduiker