How to get the best airplane seats

Getting a business class upgrade is not always a walk in the park; but that doesn't mean that the person sitting in economy is destined to suffer. Some of the easy travel hacks like knowing your priorities and picking an odd numbered seat can help you get the best of seats while you are travelling,

Experts from global travel search engine Skyscanner and travel company Tripoto dole out tips on how to get the best seats in the airplane on your next vacation.

* Know your priorities: It is good to know whether it is extra legroom, less noise, or safety that is paramount in your travel priorities as these will impact the choice of seat you make. For example, if leg space is important to you, you will probably end up in noisy surroundings because the more spacious seats are offered to parents travelling with babies in fold-out cribs. But if it is a peaceful flight you are looking for, then a good idea would be to avoid the galley areas.

This is where the staff work preparing meals, where the toilets are located, and where the bulkhead seats are placed - which as we know are family favourites!

* Do your own thing: Don't follow the herd. A 2013 survey by Skyscanner tells that seat 6A is the most coveted seat on a standard plane, and the least favourite seat is 31E. So, if you want a seat of your choice, stay out of the competition and try picking an aisle seat in an odd numbered row.

* Figure it out: Doing your homework always helps with details of the airplane your flight is using, websites like seatexpert.com or seatguru help you figure out the best seats on a flight. The information provided includes legroom, whether or not it is a reclining seat, how close to the galleys and toilets the seat is, and even the type of entertainment system you should expect. Site users also rate various seats, while highlighting the ones to avoid.

* An early check-in gets the worm: With millions of passengers boarding planes daily, there is huge competition for coveted seats. It is but logical that the earlier you check in, the higher your chances are of grabbing your choice of seat. International flights can even open up to a year in advance.

Another thing you must keep in mind is that if the seat you want is not available, keep checking back online. Many airlines are known to release seats as late as a week to a day before departure. These seats are often preferred bulkhead and exit row seats which are kept reserved for frequent flyers.

* Be nice: A smile can get you a better seat. While checking in, it is always worth enquiring about a better seat at the counter. When frequent flyers are upgraded, the seats that free up could be better economy or premium economy seats. This goes down at the last minute, so a warm smile at the check-in counter might just get you a great seat!

--IANS

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