September 16th 2024.
Have you ever found yourself in the dreaded middle seat on a long-haul flight? You know, the one where the person in front of you reclines all the way, leaving you with barely any legroom, while a restless child kicks the back of your seat. And let's not forget the struggle of needing to use the bathroom but being blocked by the drinks trolley. These are just a few of the many unpleasant experiences we face while flying.
In order to avoid these uncomfortable situations, most of us aim for a window or aisle seat, preferably towards the front of the plane for more legroom. But, according to travel expert John Burfitt, there's actually a better seat option that you might not have considered - the window seat at the back by the toilets.
In an article for escape.com.au, John shares why this unconventional seat choice might actually be the best one. Despite its reputation for being the worst seat on the plane, there are actually some perks to sitting in the back row. As someone who once endured a flight with a persistent seat-kicker behind him, John made the decision to always choose the back row from then on. And when he discovered that the last seat on the plane has a wall behind it, he knew he had found his ideal spot.
John explains, "In that instant, I decided the back row would be the only place I would sit on a long flight from now on. Sure enough, on my next flight, I booked into the back row of the cabin and, even better, my seat was the one right next to the window. As I nestled into that corner, I discovered what true airline love is about. I had just found the best seat on the plane."
Besides the added comfort of being able to lean against the wall for a nap and recline your seat without worrying about disturbing anyone, there are other benefits to this seat. You are more likely to be served first when it comes to refreshments, and you are conveniently located near the restrooms without having to navigate through a crowded aisle.
But as with anything, there are some potential drawbacks to consider. The back seat may not have a window, so if you enjoy taking in-flight photos, this may not be the seat for you. And if you have a connecting flight, you may have to wait for everyone else to disembark before you can move.
However, there is one potential perk that might convince you to give the back seat a chance - the chance of a free upgrade. Flight attendants have been known to offer upgrades to kind and generous passengers. According to Lisa Wilkes, a flight attendant of 15 years, a small gesture like a gift or kind words can go a long way in earning you some extra special treatment. And it's not just a myth - passengers have reported receiving better seats or even first class upgrades after showing kindness to the flight crew.
Daisy White, a former cabin crew member, also shares that upgrades can happen onboard as flights are often underbooked and passengers can be moved to other cabins. She advises being extra kind to the staff, as this may increase your chances of being chosen for an upgrade.
So, next time you're booking a flight, don't discount the back row just yet. It might just surprise you with its unexpected perks. And who knows, you might even end up with a better seat or a complimentary upgrade through a simple act of kindness. It's definitely worth a try. Do you have a travel story to share? We would love to hear it - just send us an email.
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