Three bad places to sit on a plane – with crying babies, worse turbulence and no leg room
PASSENGERS aren't aware of how much the seats they select on their flights can affect their comfort on their journey.
But there are some rows that are far worse than others, while some seats all-but guarantee a terrible flight.
In this week's blog for Sun Online Travel, I'll explain the three worst spots on the plane - and why you should never sit there.
I'll also tell you my picks for the best places to sit to ensure your flight is as comfortable as it can be, when flying in economy class.
Firstly, the worst row in my opinion, when flying in cattle class, is the one right behind the bulkhead.
For those who aren't aware, the bulkhead is the very first row in economy class, the one with extra legroom and a wall in front of the passengers, instead of other seats.
Read More on Flight Attendants
It's understandable why people would want to sit there, because they have the option of stretching their legs out.
However, this is also where the bassinets are kept, meaning it's the spot on the plane where you're most likely to encounter a crying baby.
The compromise of getting the extra legroom might be worth it, but for the passengers sitting in the row behind, there's no real up side.
You're closer to the crying kids, without any of the positives that come with sitting in the very front row.
Most read in News Travel
Sure, you get your meals and drinks brought to you before most of the passengers on board, but other than that, you'll be just as uncomfortable, with louder volume on the bawling babies.
That's why in my opinion, it's the worst row on the plane by some distance.
However, there are some other spots that aren't a lot better, including the second to last row.
The last row isn't great, but when you sit there, you can be fly safe in the knowledge that you'll be able to recline your seat guilt-free.
The space between rows is getting smaller - and if the person behind me looks tall enough to be inconvenienced by me putting my chair back, I'm not doing it.
So if you're flying on the back row, you're guaranteed to have no one behind you, leaving you free to recline your seat as far as possible, without worrying about other passengers.
Airlines with the best plane food
Korean Air
Korean Air won best airline cuisine in last year's Global Traveler's awards.
Some of their popular dishes onboard include bibimbap, a Korean rice dish, and ssambap, Korean rice lettuce rolls.
It also made the top 10 for airlines with the best plane food in CN Travelers 2023 Readers' Choice Awards.
Japan Airlines
Coming in first place in the Reader's Choice Awards was Japan Airlines.
The airline has partnered with six Michelin-star chefs, each of whom have three stars - so you can expect it to be good.
Passengers can choose bento boxes and miso soups onboard.
Singapore Airlines
Often voted one of the best airlines in the world, it is no surprising Singapore Airlines is said to have some of the best plane food.
Chef Dennis Littley said: "Their gourmet meals rival those of ground-based restaurants."
Dishes include congee, a rice porridge, as well as Singaporean rice and curry options.
However, at the back, you do have other things to worry about, like turbulence affecting that part of the cabin more than others, being next to the toilets and getting your meals and drinks last.
When you're in the second-to-last row, you have all those problems - and sometimes you'll not even be able to recline your seat, depending on who's sat behind you.
Finally, the middle seats in the middle row are another spot you should always avoid if possible.
The window and aisle seats are the best places to sit for comfort - the former comes with a handy leaning wall, while the latter has space to stretch legs into.
However, the middle seat has neither. Then, when you add into it, being in the middle of the plane, sandwiched in between other passengers, with no glimpse of the window and no leg room, it's just the worst.
I'll always do everything in my power to avoid those seats if possible and I'll never pick it voluntarily.
It has absolutely no redeeming factors, leaving you feeling trapped and uncomfortable. Dodge it at all costs, if you can.
READ MORE SUN STORIES
Meanwhile, this is the best way to get a free upgrade on a flight.
And this is why you should always board your flight last.
