The 'simple' seat selection trick travel experts use to score extra legroom
Updated . First published at
Seat selection on a plane is an important decision for many flyers, particularly on long-haul trips.
But it seems not all seats are created equal - and we're not talking about economy versus business class.
A travel expert has revealed the different sides of a plane may have different amounts of leg room, including on some low cost airlines.
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A travel expert has revealed the different sides of a plane may actually have different amounts of leg room including on some low cost airlines. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Kate Pasola, from UK comparison website Which?, said even choosing to sit on the right of that plane can often give you a tad extra space.
Why? Because while planes may appear symmetrical, they're actually not - for example, you always get on on one side, and cargo is loaded off on certain sides, too.
"Simply book a seat on the right-hand side of the plane with the letters D, E or F (as opposed to A, B or C)," Pasola said.
"Our research shows that standard seats on the right-hand side of many planes (including Ryanair) can offer anywhere between an extra half-inch to an inch of legroom compared to those on the left."
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You can check the details on specific seats including the leg room, known as seat pitch, on some websites. Getty Images/iStockphoto
Some websites provide details on specific seats including leg room, known as seat pitch, but of course you'll need to know which type of plane you're flying on.
Pasola suggested finding your flight number's model of plan on Google Flights.
Which? state popular European budget airline, Ryanair's Boeing 737s have half an inch more on seats D, E and F in rows 3-15.
That can make a long flight easier, especially if you're tall.
Aussie airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia both use 737s.
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Meanwhile, Vivien Therese Santiago, who has been a Philippine Airlines cabin crew member since 1986, has her own take on the 'best' seats to get.
"For long-haul flights, I prefer the aisle seat for easy access and mobility," she tells 9Travel.
"On shorter flights, I enjoy the window seat for the view and a bit of quiet."
But as one writer found out, paying for a 'better' seat isn't always worth it.
Jemima splashed out hundreds of dollars for that prized bulkhead seat.
But the arm rests don't move in those rows and she was stuck by people waiting to use the bathrooms.
She reckons she'd have been better off sticking with a normal seat which didn't cost any more, further back.
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