Air travelers, especially those with fewer privileges at the economy class, always have to find the most comfortable way while inside the cabin.
One of the commonly raised arguments is the idea on which seat is better: aisle or window. The other provides quick relief to those who make frequent toilet visits while the other offers a glimpse of the “outside world.” So depending on who you ask, answers will vary.
However, for us, window seats offer the comforts and compromise for advantages aisle seats get.
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The view
The distinct advantage of taking a window seat is the ownership of the window. Although not guaranteed — some windows don’t get matched with seats — windows often provide spectacular shows while you’re flying the skies in a chair. Such sights inspire great Instagram photos or personal time for reflection.
Less risk of bumping
It may be a good thing to be ahead of the queue when boarding starts, but when you are taking the aisle seats in a cramped aircraft, you are subject to bumping of carts, backpacks, and other pieces of hand-carry luggage other passengers carry coming in. Not to mention the potential risks of falling bags on arrival as people can be careless in their effort to get ahead the exits and grab bags from overhead compartments.
More spacious under the seat space
If you are like us, the area under the front seat is a premium real estate, as items — pens, passports, laptops — are easier to access than when placed in overhead bins. So it saves us much trouble and offers peace of mind when our bags are safely stowed nearby as we take a nap or deep slumber.
Better sleep
Window seats have this small corner between the cabin wall and your chair. This area provides a much better nook for sleepyheads without getting occasional “excuse me, I’d like to go to the toilet” disturbance that awake half-asleep, half-annoyed folks at the middle and aisle seats endure. Bringing your favorite travel pillow ensures uninterrupted rest.
More natural light
Window shades regulate the entry of light into the cabin and your seat, so you have the option to slide it open and let sunlight in when you’re reading a book, and cabin lights don’t have enough illumination.
You can control the window shade. If you like to read books and magazines while flying, the cabin lighting sometimes offers too little illumination. Alternatively, shut it close when it’s time to sleep.
Less nauseous experience
Some passengers quickly get nauseated when they are inside a moving aircraft. However, looking out of the horizon helps control nausea. Also, passengers seated by the window can easily anticipate air turbulence through the sight of passing clouds and prepare themselves while others are caught by surprise.
As mentioned, the choice of window or aisle seat depends on who we ask, so we’re not going to convince die-hard aisle aficionados. However, just in case you are not yet sure where to go, this list might give you a compelling reason to make up your mind.
