The Most Sought-After Seats on a Plane: Insights from a New Study

Choosing a seat on a plane can often feel like a real challenge, especially when trying to balance comfort, convenience, and preference. That aisle seat near the front might offer a quicker exit, but it also means you’re likely to get jostled by passengers and flight attendants. On the other hand, a window seat at the back gives you a view and something to lean on, but might come with more turbulence. This constant reassessment of options is something many travelers are all too familiar with.

But where exactly on an aircraft is that coveted “perfect” seat? To find out, a recent survey conducted by a well-known travel research company gathered responses from over 3,000 passengers across several African countries, including Nigeria, Ghana, and Kenya. The survey aimed to discover which seats on a Boeing 737-800, with its single-aisle configuration, are the most preferred.

One of the most interesting findings from the study is that preferences are quite varied, with no single seat overwhelmingly preferred. While bulkhead seats, exit rows, and window seats generally topped the list, it’s clear that individual preferences play a significant role in seat selection.

Window Seat vs. Aisle Seat

The survey revealed that window seats are still the most popular choice among travelers, with the top four preferred seats being bulkhead window seats. In fact, 66.1% of respondents chose window seats, with the top pick being the first-row window seat in first class, followed closely by the bulkhead window seats in economy. Aisle seats, however, were favored by 31.7% of respondents, while the middle seat – often the least desired – surprisingly had a small group of loyalists, with 1.7% of respondents preferring it.

Personally, I’ve always leaned towards the window seat for the ability to create a little private space and enjoy the views. Although I’ve tried aisle seats a few times, I often feel too exposed and uncomfortable, especially with people passing by frequently.

Bulkhead vs. Exit Row

The survey results also highlighted the popularity of bulkhead seats, which are often seen as premium due to the extra legroom and priority boarding they offer. These seats were the most sought-after, particularly the bulkhead window seats in both first class and economy. However, some travelers, myself included, prefer to avoid these seats because of the lack of under-seat storage space.

Exit rows also scored high in the survey, particularly among those who don’t mind taking on the responsibility of assisting in an emergency in exchange for more legroom. Two of the top 10 preferred seats were exit row window seats, demonstrating their popularity among passengers seeking extra space to stretch out.

Recline vs. Upright

One of the most contentious topics in air travel is whether or not to recline your seat. The survey found that 44% of respondents consider it rude when passengers recline their seats during a flight. This sentiment is surprising, given that reclining is a common practice. Personally, the risk of damaging my laptop from a sudden recline has made me cautious about placing any device on the seat-back tray.

The fact that bulkhead seats prevent the person in front of you from reclining might also contribute to their appeal. There’s a certain peace of mind that comes with knowing your space won’t be invaded.

Airline Loyalty vs. Seat Comfort

When it comes to airline loyalty, many travelers in Africa, especially those who frequently fly within the continent, tend to choose airlines based on seat comfort. In Nigeria, for example, frequent fliers often stick with airlines like Arik Air or Air Peace, known for their relatively comfortable seating options. According to the survey, 45% of respondents said that seat comfort influences their choice of airline.

Interestingly, the survey found that a significant portion of travelers ranked Ethiopian Airlines as the top carrier for seat comfort, followed by Kenya Airways and South African Airways. On the other end of the spectrum, budget carriers like Fastjet and Mango Airlines were rated lower for comfort.

Choosing the right seat on a flight is a highly personal decision, influenced by a variety of factors from legroom to proximity to the restroom. While the survey shows that bulkhead and window seats are generally the most sought-after, it’s clear that every traveler has their own set of priorities. Whether you’re flying within Africa or internationally, the key is to find a seat that matches your comfort needs and travel style.

So the next time you’re booking a flight, take a moment to consider your preferences and select a seat that will make your journey as enjoyable as possible. After all, a comfortable seat can make all the difference on a long flight. Safe travels!