We’ve all been there: crammed in the middle seat on a long-haul flight, with the person in front of you reclining all the way back, leaving you with barely any legroom. And just as you settle in, a child starts kicking the back of your seat. It’s enough to make you want to stay home!
Most of us aim for a window or aisle seat, ideally near the front for more legroom. But a seasoned traveler, John Burfitt, has a surprising suggestion – the window seat at the back of the plane, next to the toilets. This is a seat that many avoid, but Burfitt argues it’s actually the best seat in the house.
After enduring a flight where someone kicked his seat the entire journey, Burfitt vowed never to sit in front of anyone again. This led him to the back row, where he discovered a haven of peace and comfort. He writes, “In that instant, I decided the back row would be the only place I would sit on a long flight from now on.”
He found that the back row offered several perks:
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Recline Without Worry:
No more being glared at by the person behind you. You can recline freely against the wall, perfect for a snooze.*
Fewer Passengers:
Often, there are only two seats in the back row, minimizing the chance of having to deal with too many people.*
First Service:
You’re likely to be served first for refreshments, making for a faster and smoother experience.*
Convenience:
The toilets are right there, eliminating the need to dodge people in the aisle.Of course, there are some drawbacks to consider:
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Windowless:
The seat at the back may not have a window, so forget those stunning in-flight photos.*
Connecting Flights:
If you have a connecting flight, you might have to wait for everyone to disembark before you can exit.But if you’re still not convinced, there’s always a chance of scoring an upgrade. Some flight attendants say that a small gift, like snacks or a Starbucks voucher, can go a long way. It might sound like a myth, but passengers report that it has resulted in better seats and even first-class upgrades.
Flight attendants also suggest being kind and polite to staff, both at check-in and on board. You never know, your good deeds might get you a seat upgrade!
So, the next time you’re booking a long-haul flight, consider ditching the usual front-row seats and give the back row a try. You might just be surprised at what you discover.
