Air travel can be tiring and tedious, especially if you are cramped in a small seat for many hours. The fastest way to obtain an excellent seat is to pay for an upgrade. You can pay or use frequent flier miles to bump a coach-class seat to business or first class. For those who are on a budget, other ways are available to snag your preferred seating.
Purchase your ticket as early as possible. The longer you wait to book a flight, the less seats will be available. Book at least several weeks in advance so you can choose an excellent seat on the plane. Most airlines and booking websites allow passengers to select their seats at time of purchase. Call the airline if seat selection is not available and inquire about availability of your preferred seat. Generally, window, aisle and exit-row seats are considered excellent seats. Many also prefer seats close to the front of the airplane for faster exiting upon arrival.
Compare the seats of different airlines. If you've traveled on different airlines, you may have noticed that airplane seats are not identical. Compare the dimensions of seat pitch and width between airlines and aircraft type. Seat pitch is the measurement of how much space is in between a seat and the one right behind or in front of it. To compare flights easily, go to Seatguru.com and use the sortable comparison charts to compare seat pitch and width of various airlines.
Look at the in-flight amenities. Some airlines offer seats with power ports, a personal video screen and free earphones that can help you relax and stay entertained. However, not all seat have amenities. Call the airlines and ask about specific seating amenities.
Ask the attendant once you reach the gate if any new seats are available. Seats get upgraded frequently and you may be able to switch to your preferred seating.
