EXPERTS have revealed the best seats to pick if you want to increase your chances of sleeping.
Many passengers dread long-haul flights, especially in economy class where space is restricted, but there is a way to maximise your comfort.
GettyExperts reveal which seat is best for sleeping[/caption]
If you are flying long distance and would like to catch up on that sleep debt, but don’t have the budget for first-class, then we have the solution for you.
Not all seats are equal in economy, and some are definitely better than others – especially as airlines are making seats more uncomfortable.
Window seats have always been most sought after, but it’s not only for great views.
Although enjoying the scenery when flying above Maldives is appealing, window seats can also offer the best sleep.
Gabby Beckford, the founder of travel site Packs Light, told HuffPost: “No one likes the middle seat for obvious reasons, and the window allows me to entertain myself and a better opportunity to sleep.”
When sitting by the window, you are less likely to be disturbed by other passengers getting up to use a toilet.
You can also use the window as a support to lean on when space is already tight in the planes.
Exit rows could be a great alternative option as they boast more leg space, allowing you to stretch out – but they might not recline.
If you missed out on the window seat and still want a somewhat quiet nap, then at least avoid the last row.
Flight attendants warn passengers not to sit there if they don’t like experiencing turbulence, with planes shaking much more at the back than they do at the front.
If lavatories are located at the back of the plane, then you also risk being constantly woken up by passing passengers – or, the smell.
Travel blogger Sean Lau said: “You’ll also have to deal with noise from the passengers using the lavatory. The last row on the plane may not always recline.”
It is a general rule of thumb to avoid seats close to lavatories and even more so if you are seeking some privacy and peace.
What’s more, passengers who sit at the back have longer to wait to get off once the plane has landed than those who sit nearer the front, due to the way people disembark.
But travel journalist Monica Humphries disagrees – insisting that booking the last row has many positives.
She claims that the back row is actually quieter, given that there’s no loo at the tail.
She told Insider: “Boeing 787-9s have three bathrooms for economy-class passengers, and they’re all located at the front of the economy cabin.
“Every passenger walks to the front of the cabin instead of the back to use the bathroom.”
Secondly, the back of the plane’s lack of appeal creates its own benefits, particularly when it comes to storing luggage.
Monica said that she has the “best chance of getting accessible overhead storage” at the back, due to the seats further forward being seen as more attractive options.
But popular seats need to be booked well in advance to avoid major seating disasters on a plane.
Sites like SeatGuru allow other passengers to leave reviews of their seats in a very interesting ratings system.
All of the seats are ranked in the system into the best to worst meaning you can steer clear of some and try to bag yourself others.
Alas, all of this effort could be in vain if you are seated next to a screaming child.
If you do find yourself in a pickle, then you might be able to switch your seats.
But a flight attendant has revealed the huge seat-swapping mistake you should avoid as it drives crew mad.
“}]]