Do you prefer window or aisle seat?

When it comes to air travel, choosing between a window seat or an aisle seat is one of the most common dilemmas that passengers face. Both seats have their own set of pros and cons that can influence comfort, accessibility, views, and more during a flight. Understanding the key differences between window and aisle seats can help travelers make an informed decision when booking plane tickets.

Table of Contents

Key Factors to Consider

There are several key factors to take into account when deciding between a window or aisle seat on an airplane:

Views – Window seats offer prime views of the sky, clouds, and landscape below during takeoff, landing, and cruising altitude. This is ideal for sightseeing or photography.
Access – Aisle seats provide easy access to use the lavatory, stretch your legs, and access overhead bins without needing others to move. This can minimize disturbances.
Space/legroom – Window seats in some configurations have slightly less legroom due to curvature of fuselage. Check seat specs.

Comfort – Both have pros and cons. Window seats provide wall support while aisle seats allow you to get up easier.
Claustrophobia – For people who feel confined, an aisle seat provides more openness.
Motion sickness – Looking outside via a window seat can help prevent nausea for those prone to motion sickness.

Pros of Choosing a Window Seat

Here are some of the main advantages that a window seat provides on a plane:

Views – As mentioned, window seats allow you to take in gorgeous views of passing scenery below and clouds/sky. This is ideal if you want scenic overlooks during takeoff, landing, and flight.
Photography – The views lend themselves perfectly to photography of stunning vistas you pass over.

Resting – You can easily lean against the side of the plane to rest your head or sleep.
Privacy – There is only one person (at the aisle) who can potentially disturb you.
Wall support – The cabin wall provides back/side support for better comfort and ergonomics.

Few disturbances – Less foot traffic and fewer carts brushing by compared to aisle seats.

Cons of Choosing a Window Seat

The cons of selecting a window seat include:

Limited mobility – You need others to move to use the bathroom or stretch. This can be disruptive.

Claustrophobia – For those who feel confined, the window side may exacerbate this feeling.
Legroom – Some planes have slightly less legroom at window seats due to fuselage curvature.
No personal storage – Middle seat may use underseat storage forcing you to stow carry-ons overhead.

Colder – Greater exposure to chilly air from window/wall can make you feel colder.
Light – Sunlight or reading lights may shine in during overnight flights disrupting sleep.

Pros of Choosing an Aisle Seat

Some of the best reasons to select an aisle seat are:

Legroom – Especially in cramped cabins, an aisle seat may have slightly more legroom.
Comfort – You can easily get up, stretch, and move around without bothering others.
Bathroom access – It’s simple to access the lavatory from the aisle vs climbing over others.

Storage access – You can access your underseat bag and overhead items yourself when needed.
Openness – One side is exposed providing more openness and less claustrophobia.
Cleaner air – Better ventilation from aisle may mean less stale air.

Cons of Choosing an Aisle Seat

Some of the disadvantages or challenges of an aisle seat include:

Disturbances – More foot traffic, carts bumping you, and people brushing by.
No scenic views – Inability to see out the window during takeoff/landing or sights.

No wall to rest – You may miss having the wall to lean against and sleep.
Less private – People and attendants on both sides can disturb you vs just one side.
Cold air – Drafty air from the aisles can make you feel cold more easily.

Brighter – Flight attendants opening window shades may shine bright light in your eyes.

Airplane Seat Dimensions Comparison

To provide an objective comparison between aisle and window seats, here is a table showing typical seat dimensions on major airlines:

Airline	Seat Pitch	Seat Width	Aisle Width
Delta	30-32 inches	17.2-18.5 inches	20 inches
United	30-32 inches	17-18 inches	20 inches
American	30-31 inches	17-18 inches	20 inches
Southwest	31-33 inches	17 inches	19-21 inches
JetBlue	30-33 inches	18 inches	20 inches

As you can see, there is very little difference in terms of seat width between aisle and window seats on major airlines. Seat pitch (legroom) can vary a bit but is generally in the same 30-33 inch range.

Tips for Booking Your Preferred Seat

To boost your chances of getting your optimal window vs aisle seat, keep these tips in mind:

Book early when more seat options are available.
Select your actual seat assignment when purchasing tickets.

Double check seat selection 24 hours before departure when seats may re-open.
Use online seat maps to visualize exact seat locations.
Pay for preferred seat upgrades if available and worth the cost.

Enter frequent flyer number to gain access to preferred seats.
Ask gate agents politely about seat options if none are available online.

Factors That May Influence Your Decision

When choosing between a window or aisle seat, consider factors like:

Trip duration – Aisle seats preferable for long hauls needing bathroom access.
Turbulence – Aisle is easier if needing to walk around during bumps.
Motion sickness – Window can help see horizon and minimize nausea.

Emergency exits – Exit rows have more legroom but aisles busy.
Companions – Sit together or separately? Coordinate preferences.
Meal times – Window may require aisle person to keep standing up.

What Frequent Fliers Recommend

Frequent travelers and aviation enthusiasts often recommend:

Aisle for flights under 2 hours when bathroom, stretching not needed as much.
Window for scenic daytime flights to enjoy views.

Aisle for overnight red-eyes to avoid sleep disruption.
Window for turbulence to limit nausea by seeing horizon.
Bulkhead or exit row aisle to get extra legroom.

Conduct an Experiment

Since it is largely a matter of personal preference, consider alternating between window and aisle seats on a few flights to experientially determine which you like better based on your needs. This can settle the decision beyond just abstract lists of pros and cons for each seat type.

Conclusion

The choice between a window vs aisle seat ultimately comes down to weighing your priorities like views, privacy, bathroom access, claustrophobia, and legroom. Focus on the factors above that matter most to you. Window devotees will always choose gazing out the windowpane regardless. For those who like both options, mix it up since you really cannot go wrong with either! At least you will be in the air headed to your destination in airplane seat comfort.