Why I switched from #TeamAisle to #TeamWIndow on planes.
I used to be an aisle seat person, even if it meant sitting a few rows farther back instead of taking a window.
Then, thanks to miles/points, I started flying in premium cabins, and began choosing the window.
Airline-issued pajamas make me feel as though I’ve joined a cult.
This expanded to selecting window seats on shorter flights, especially those within or between foreign countries.
Now, whether I’m in the front or the back of the plane, on a long or short flight, I choose the window more often than the aisle.
An airline executive once said where passengers sit tells a lot about their value to the airline. Those who prefer aisle seats are usually business travelers who like to sit at the front of the plane and get off quickly. Those who prefer window seats are often leisure travelers, generally less valuable to airlines because they usually don’t pay as much for their tickets and don’t fly as often.
In addition to easier access to deplaning, he said aisle seats are better because
-You can get up and use the lavatory whenever
-Window seats are dirtier than aisle seats (supposedly cleaners do a better job on aisle seats)
-Window seats are claustrophobic
I agree an aisle seat offers easier deplaning and lavatory access, not sure the “aisle seats are cleaner” claim is true, and claustrophobia isn’t a problem for me. I also like aisle seats because
-In the event of a fire or crash, it’s easier to get out of the plane (this is the pilot-me talking here)
-I have long legs so I like being able to stretch them a bit into the aisle when no one is walking by
-the curve of smaller planes can impinge on your head space if you’re sitting in a window seat
All that said, here are advantages of a window seat:
1. Gazing out of an airplane window never gets old
Despite having flown millions of miles, looking out an airplane window never gets old. Maybe it’s because I’m also a pilot, but no matter what I’m flying over, it’s worth seeing. I don’t think I will ever take for granted the bird’s-eye view of the world from a metal tube speeding through the sky at 500 miles per hour.
2. Window-shade control
If it’s a daytime flight and you want to sleep or watch entertainment on your personal screen, you can lower the window shade.
3. Easier to work
I write on planes, so I want to be able to angle my laptop away from the person next to me. I know I could use a privacy filter, but they aren’t 100%, especially when people are packed in close together. I once had a person not only read everything I was writing, but offer editorial suggestions, too. They weren’t good.
4. No one will climb over you
If you’re sitting in an aisle seat, it’s true you can get up to use the lavatory whenever you wish. On the other hand, you’re subject to being bothered (or woken up) by your seatmates when they need to use the bathroom.
When I’m sitting in a window seat, I don’t have a problem asking my seatmate in the aisle seat to get up when I need to use the bathroom. Bonus: I like not having people behind me pulling on my headrest to get up.
5. Easier to rest
Whether in economy or business class, window seats are better if you’re trying to rest. In economy, you often can lean your head against the wall. And in business class cabins that don’t have direct aisle access from all seats, I prefer sleeping next to the window, as it minimizes disturbances.
6. Less exposure to people
Even assuming cleaners do a better job on aisle seats than window seats, I always do my own wipe down of my seat and area. (I’ve seen how cleaners clean planes; enough said.)
When it comes to Covid-19 and other bugs, studies show you’re less exposed in the window seat than the aisle seat:
-people hover over the aisle seats during boarding
-people in a window seat have people only on one side, aisle-seat sitters essentially have people on both sides (an aisle is, at most, only a couple of feet wide)
7. More control of your flight experience
When I’ve been in a window seat and have asked to use the bathroom, I’ve never had someone in an aisle seat say no. However, I have been in an aisle seat and:
-Had a flight attendant pass a drink to the person in the window seat and spill it on my papers and lap.
-Had someone standing in the aisle hovering over me while having a loud, extended conversation with the window seat passenger.
-Set up my tablet, earbuds, and phone to charge, only to have the person in the window seat ask to use the bathroom, which meant I had to unplug and move everything out of the way.
-Had someone keep the window shade open for the entire movie/sleeping period.
(I know, #FirstWorldProblems, but annoying nonetheless.)
In sum, window seats offer better views, afford more privacy, are better for resting or working, and let you control the position of the window shade and when you get up.
My favorite window seat.
Twist’s Take: If you’re #TeamAisle, try joining #TeamWindow on your next flight.
