Consider your priorities. Most travelers would prefer to have the most comfortable seat or the one with most legroom. Certain seats in airplanes, such as exit row seats, offer more legroom and space. However, government regulations require that passengers sitting in an exit row must be able to communicate and understand instructions, be able-bodied and at least 15 years old, and be willing to help in the event of an emergency. Another consideration for some passengers is safety. While there is contradictory information as to which seats are safest, most studies conclude that being further back, and/or close to an emergency exit, may help in the event of a crash. If traveling in a group, you may want to sit together, and this may require advance reservations. If you're in a hurry or trying to make a tight connecting flight, a seat toward the front may help you get out faster.
Get informed. The airline you are traveling with may have information about seating arrangements in each aircraft. However, more detailed and unbiased information about cabin seating can be found on travel advocacy websites such as SeatGuru.com or SeatExpert.com. These websites often point out positive or negative traits of specific seats on specific aircraft and can help you make a better decision. Some considerations include ability to recline, amount of space, availability of in-flight entertainment, and proximity to lavatories.
Determine your airline's policies and procedures. These can be found on the airline's website or by calling customer service. While airlines have always charged more money for first-class or business-class seats, many airlines, such as Continental, JetBlue and Spirit, have also started charging for the extra room of an exit row seat. Many airlines charge a fee to pre-reserve any seat. It is also important to determine the boarding method for your carrier; some airlines offer reserved seating, and some charge for this perk, while others have free seating or board by zones. Checking in early, either at the airport or online when available, may lead to a more favorable seating assignment.
