6. Avoiding illness
Airplanes are notorious breeding grounds for illness. But contrary to popular belief, the stale air isn’t the problem. With the exception of tuberculosis and the flu, most infections don’t spread through the air, says Ray Casciari, MD, FCCP, pulmonology specialist at St. Joseph Hospital in Orange, California. Instead, you’ll contract most illnesses when germs travel from your hands to your face, so try to avoid contact with things that other passengers have touched. No matter where you sit, disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer are your best defense, but some seats get less germ traffic than others. If sickness is your main concern, stay away from the aisle seats, which people will touch when they’re on their way to the bathroom. “If someone doesn’t feel well and has to head back to the bathroom, they touch the seats and the armrest,” says Dr. Casciari. “It’s a matter of the virus going from the infected person’s hand to your seat, then you touch the seat and the virus goes from your hand to your face.” Find more tricks for a healthier flight here.
7. A smooth flight
Airplane turbulence can make for a bumpy ride, but seats over the wing and in front of it will get less of that unsettling wobbliness. Like a playground see-saw, the center of the plane moves less than the ends, says Captain Tom Bunn, founder of SOAR. “On a plane, the fulcrum point is the wing,” he says. “At the wing, the slight rotation is not noticeable. But at the tail, the up-and-down is.” Nervous fliers sitting in the back might feel like they’re falling, so sit farther forward to ease any anxiety.
8. Quicker service
For those who are just itching for that oh-so-yummy in-flight meal, pick a seat near the front of the cabin, which is where service usually starts, says Suski. Also, avoid booking a plane that has just one bathroom if you think you’ll want drinks on a short flight, says Laermer. “The worst service on airplanes takes place when there’s only one lavatory and it’s in the back of the plane, and the reason is that people going to the lavatory always have to make the person with the cart move,” he says. “If you want to get a drink, he or she probably will not get to you if it’s a short flight.” You might not get complimentary drinks and snacks, but there are still things you can get free on an airplane.
9. Staying warm
Always shivering during flights, despite packing an extra sweater? Try to avoid particularly drafty airplane seats. “The seats next to the exits are invariably colder than other seats,” says Suski.
