More than 75 percent of British adults are planning to travel abroad this year, according to a survey, and we want to know what YOUR favourite seat on the plane is.
The 2024 State of Travel report from Going has revealed that just one percent of jetsetters book the middle, rather than the aisle or window seat. However, research by the Aviation Safety Network has highlighted that the middle seat is the safest location on a plane in the event of an emergency. What’s more, there is an unwritten etiquette that the middle seat passenger has priority of both middle armrests, claims one cabin crew member.
She said: "If I could give an airline-etiquette PSA, I'd say I wish more passengers knew middle seat armrests are for the middle seat passenger — both of them." Dealchecker's travel expert, Rosie Panter, told Cosmopolitan: "It’s universally accepted that the middle seat passenger has drawn the short straw, so they should get the luxury of both armrests."
However, travelling in between two strangers for hours makes the middle seat an unpopular choice for many flyers. The Going report pointed out that 53 percent of passengers favour the window seat, which comes as no surprise as flyers have the luxury of looking out of the window as well as the perfect place to rest their heads to enjoy some shut-eye.
While this may sound like the more desirable position, these travellers are forced to make a nuisance of themselves every time they get up and use the bathroom. Meanwhile, 46 percent opt for the aisle as they have the freedom to stretch their legs and visit the bathroom without interrupting other passengers.
But there’s always the risk of being woken-up by a neighbour who needs to clamber over them, or face having their kneecaps knocked by the drinks trolley. Travel expert Gilbert Ott has shared his thoughts on the debate, as he told the Sydney Morning Herald: "With the curvature of most aircraft, you do actually have slightly more space in the window seat.
"But the magic spot is the bulkhead or exit row window, where there's often enough legroom to tiptoe past your neighbours without spilling their drinks." With the holiday season fast approaching, we want to know which plane seat is the best. Vote in our poll HERE to have your say.
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