We’re reader-supported and may be paid when you visit links to partner sites. We don’t compare all products in the market, but we’re working on it!
Let’s face it. No one wants to be stuck in the middle seat, in the middle row, near the toilets.
From getting a bit of extra legroom to sitting far away from crying babies, here are eight handy tips that can help make your next flight a lot more comfortable.
Depending on the model and layout of the plane you’re flying, what you think is an aisle seat might end up being squeezed between two passengers. And on planes that narrow toward the back, the letters allocated to each seat may change. It’s a good idea to check the seat map carefully when choosing your seat to avoid disappointment.
Like TripAdvisor for airplane seats, SeatGuru offers reviews of seats on most major airlines. It provides seat maps (such as the one pictured below) and you can hover over each allocated seat and read notes about them. The site will usually note things like extra legroom and proximity to the bathrooms.
Images: SeatGuru
There are a few apps out there that can help you trade or swap with other passengers to get better seats. Others can alert you when seats have become available on your flight.
Working with select airlines, Optiontown allows passengers who have already booked their tickets to pay as little as a quarter of the regular price for extra baggage or a seat upgrade. It also offers an option if you want to pay to have an empty seat next to you.
You just need to enter your airline, reservation number and name to see what options are available. If you choose to book one, you’ll get confirmation before you take off. If you can’t get your upgrade, you’ll get your money (minus an admin fee) back.
Sometimes the nominal fee for a few inches of extra legroom can be worth it – especially if you’re tall or are on a long-haul flight. For longer flights, Jetstar charges $47 each way, Virgin Australia charges $50 each way and Qantas charges $60 each way.
If you don’t want to pay for the privilege of a good seat, it’s a good idea to make note of when your flight’s online check-in opens. The earlier you check in for your flight, the sooner you’ll have your assigned seat.
Budget airline competitors Scoot and AirAsia X both offer a separate, child-free section. This option is ideal for those trying to catch some sleep without having to worry about being seated next to a crying infant.
It could be worth asking politely at check-in and again at the gate whether there are any better seats available, or if there are spots still available in the exit row. While it’s unlikely you’ll get an upgrade to first class, it’s certainly worth a try.
Believe it or not, each part of the plane does have its benefits. Depending on what your personal needs are when you're flying, here are a few things you might want to consider.
As noted above, some airlines let you pay extra to sit in a designated quiet zone. It’s ideal if you’re hoping to sleep during the flight.
If you’re worried about a turbulent flight, sitting above a wing tends to reduce the amount of movement you feel.
Not all flights will disembark using both the front and rear doors. So if you need to get off the plane quicker, choose a seat toward the front of the plane, or as close to it as your ticket class will allow.
If a roomier flight is your main priority, choose a seat toward the back. Flights tend to fill up from front to back, so selecting a set at the back gives you a higher chance of having an empty seat next to you – or a whole row if you’re really lucky.
Worldwide flights from $109 each way with Jetstar
Flights with Jetstar from $29 each way
Up to 50% off flights across Australia
Up to 50% off: Australia flights from $32 with Jetstar
Australia-wide flights from $41 each way
Up to 50% off Qantas flights
Australia-wide flights from $59 each way
Global flights from $1,099 return
Up to 50% off Rex Airlines flights
Domestic flights from $32 each way
Flights to Melbourne from $54 return
International flights from $130 each way
South Africa flights from $1,208 return
New Zealand flights from $319 return
Sydney flights from $67 return
International flights from $1,854 return
Canada flights from $1,682 return
New Zealand flights from $312 each way
Canada flights from GBP£332 return
Up to 10% off flights + extra checked baggage
Flights to Cuba from $1,121 return
Cuba flights from $1,968 return
International flights from $505 return
Sunshine Coast flights from $89 each way
Europe flights from $1,604 return
Flights to Europe from $1,132 return
New Zealand flights from $322 return
Flights to Fiji from $308 return
Get a EUR€20 voucher for your next trip
Sydney flights from $59 each way
Melbourne flights from $69 each way
Perth flights from $179 each way
Hobart flights from $79 each way
Gold Coast flights from $85 each way
Cairns flights from $105 each way
FlyPelican flights from $92 each way
Singapore flights from $674 return
Up to $35 off flight fees
Get $10 off flight booking fees
Flights to Hong Kong from $1,065 return
Feature image: Etihad
With the total market cap of the crypto sector dropping by a whopping 10% within the last few hours, it seems as though the coming few days could be highly volatile for ETH.
What are the things to watch out for when buying your child's first laptop?
As Russia gets ready to outlaw its local crypto market, BTC could be faced with even greater volatility in the near future.
Heavyweight stars Fancis Ngannou and Cyril Gane headline UFC 270.
Shares in Rio Tinto have climbed more than 15% in the last month.
Here are the 10 biggest movers on the ASX for Friday 21 January 2022.
This leave-in conditioner transformed my unwashed mop into silky locks that would make Rapunzel envious.
Samsung's next flagship S22 phone will be, in its own less than subtle phrasing, "noteworthy".
A fun superhero series, an epic sci-fi and a dark teen drama are among our top picks this week.
Emirates has 3 tiers of economy fares, Saver,Flex and Flexplus. The website shows the benefits / services provided for each tier. For example, baggage allowance, miles earned and miles required to obtain an upgrade. However it does not say whether the higher tiered (more expensive) fare gives one a better chance of obtaining miles / points upgrade.
Does a Flexplus fare improve chances of getting a point/ miles upgrade to business class?
Hi John,
Thanks for reaching out to finder. I hope all is good on your end.
Yes, there is an advantage because you need fewer Miles to upgrade a Flex Plus fare compared to a Saver fare. Flex Plus fares in Economy Class and Business Class can be upgraded at any time before departure based on availability whereas special fares (their most affordable fares) are not eligible for upgrades. Economy Class Saver fares can be only be upgraded within 48 hours prior to departure (before online check-in).
Please do note that tickets eligible for upgrades cannot be upgraded later than six hours before departure. You may also review the Fare Conditions and applicable restrictions at the time of booking.
I hope this helps.
Cheers,
Judith