Make sure you snag the perfect seat for your next flight.
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.
1. Always check the seat map.
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.
2. Check your plane on SeatGuru
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
3. See if there's an app for that.
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.
- Although only available for U.S. users at the moment, Seateroo lets you swap seats with other passengers on your flight for a negotiated price of $5 or more. The app charges a 15% fee (at the seller’s expense).
- Set up alerts on SeatAlerts by Expert Flyer and you can find out when a preferred seat becomes available on your upcoming flight. You’ll then be able to change your allocated seat to the one you prefer.
4. Get discounted seat upgrades, guaranteed empty seats next to you.
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.
5. Suck it up and pay to choose your seat, and be ready to cough up for the extra legroom.
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, Tigerair charges $25 each way, Jetstar charges $47 each way, Virgin Australia charges $50 each way and Qantas charges $60 each way.
6. Make the most of your online check-in window.
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.
7. See if there’s a designated quiet area
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.
- ScootinSilence, which is located in rows 21 to 25, offers more than just quiet seating for those aged 12 and older. Passengers will also be sitting closer to the front of the plane and a 35” seat pitch (four inches more than a standard economy seat). The airline charges $39 (up from the standard $12) to sit in this area.
- AirAsia X’s Quiet Zone is available for passengers aged 10 and older. It’s located just after the Premium Flatbed cabin from ros 7-14 and offers minimal noise, soft lighting and faster meal delivery. AirAsia X charges a fee for this option based on your flight, with prices for standard seats staring from MYR69 (around AUD$23).
8. Try just being nice.
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.
Great tips, but where should I sit on the plane?
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.
For peace and quiet: Choose a seat in a quiet zone
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.
For less turbulence: Choose a seat over the wing.
If you’re worried about a turbulent flight, sitting above a wing tends to reduce the amount of movement you feel.
For a short connection or a quicker exit: Choose a seat close to the front door.
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.
For more space: Choose a seat near the back of the plane.
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.
Now that you know how to pick the perfect seat for your next flight, it's time to book:
Flight Centre - International
International flights from $445 return
Valid for travel on select dates between July - November 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Singapore with Qantas. Destinations include Phuket, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Rome, London and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
10% off domestic flights with code
Valid for travel until December 2019. Destinations include Perth, Gold Coast, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
Up to 10% off international flights with code
Valid for travel until December 2019 on Getaway fares. Destinations include Australia, Bali, Hong Kong, Los Angeles, Port Moresby and Pacific Islands. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Flight Centre - International
Singapore flights from $445 return with Qantas
Valid for travel from July - November 2019 and January - February 2020. Sample fare is Perth-Singapore.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Japan flights from $655 return
Valid for travel from 9 July - 20 September 2019 with Malaysia Airlines. Sample fare is Melbourne-Tokyo.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Los Angeles flights from $999 return
Valid for travel from 9 May - 18 June and 26 July - 6 September 2019. Sample fare is from Melbourne.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hawaiian Airlines
Honolulu flights from $799 return
Valid for travel on select dates from May 2019 - March 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney and Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Qatar Airways
Up to 10% off Europe flights with code
Valid for travel until 31 March 2020 across Europe with Qatar for economy, business class saver and value fares. Destinations include Germany, Rome, London and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Flight Centre - International
Phuket flights from $618 return with Malaysia Airlines
Valid for travel from 8 July - 20 September 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Phuket.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Bali flights from $196 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 October 2019 to Bali and other destinations in Indonesia. Sample fare is Perth-Denpasar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Qatar Airways
Up to 12% off flights
Book an economy or business class flight with Qatar Airways and save up to 12% if you pay using paypal.
Last verified
Qatar Airways
UK and Ireland flights from $1,099 return
Available on flights until 31 March 2020 to cities like Dublin, London, Manchester, Cardiff and Edinburgh. Sample price is from Perth-Dublin.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
London flights from $999 return
Valid for travel until 30 November 2019 across London with Malaysia Airlines. Sample fare departs from Melbourne.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
New Zealand flights from $227 return
Valid for travel from February - March 2020. Destinations include Auckland, Christchurch, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Auckland.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hawaiian Airlines
Los Angeles flights from $1,109 return
Valid for travel from 1-14 February 2019. Sample fare is Brisbane-Los Angeles.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Auckland flights from $270 return
Valid for travel 10 October - 15 November 2019 with Jetstar. Sample fare is Sydney-Auckland.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Europe flights from $1,116 return
Valid for travel from 28 January - 31 March 2020 with Singapore Airlines. Destinations include Rome, Paris, Amsterdam, London and more. Sample fare is Perth-Barcelona.
Last verified
Deal ends
Qatar Airways
Europe flights from $1,126 return
Valid on select dates in 2019. Destinations include London, Amsterdam, Athens, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Budapest, Stockholm and Moscow. Sample fare is Perth-Barcelona.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Tigerair sale: Domestic flights from $54.95
Valid for travel between June and October - December 2019. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Sydney.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Japan flights from $452 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 August 2019. Destinations include Osaka, Tokyo, Nagoya, Okinawa and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Osaka.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Taiwan flights from $401 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 September 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Taipei.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Maldives flights from $393 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 August 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Male.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Beijing flights from $273 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 October 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Beijing.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Malaysia flights from $183 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 November 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Kuala Lumpur.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Gold Coast flights from $79
Valid for travel from July - August 2019. Sample fare is Newcastle-Gold Coast.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Adelaide flights from $76
Valid for travel from 1-31 July 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Adelaide.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Scoot sale: Asia flights from $139
Valid for travel on select dates from 30 June - 30 November 2019. Destinations include Singapore, Hong Kong, Phuket, Manile and more. Sample fare is Perth-Kuala Lumpur.
Last verified
Deal ends
Etihad Airways Australia
Abu Dhabi flights from $1,178 return
Available select dates 15 May 2019 - 10 April 2020. Sample price is from Melbourne with flights also available from Sydney and Brisbane.
Last verified
Deal ends
Qatar Airways
Qatar: Up to 10% off France flights with code
Valid for travel on select dates until 31 January 2020 across France with Qatar. Destinations include Paris, Dublin, Athens and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
I Want That Flight
Hawaii flights from $485 return
Valid for travel between October - November 2019 and February - March 2020. Sample fare is Sydney-Honolulu.
Last verified
Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Greece flights from $681 return
Valid for travel between October - November 2019 and January - March 2020 with Scoot. Sample fare is Perth-Athens.
Last verified
Deal ends
Etihad Airways Australia
London flights from $1,293 return
Valid for travel from 15 May - 12 December 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-London.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Air
San Francisco flights from $1,071 return
Valid for travel from 18 August - 29 September 2019 with Qantas. Same fare departs from Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Air
Los Angeles flights from $1,021 return
Valid for travel from 20 - 27 November 2019 with Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Melbourne. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Australia flights from $89 return
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 - 2020 with Jetstar. Destinations include Perth, Adelaide and more. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Sydney. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Fiji flights from $575 return
Valid for travel from May - June 2019 with Virgin Australia. Sample fare departs from Sydney.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Vietnam flights from $259 each way
Available on select dates in August and September 2019 (from Melbourne) or November and December 2019 (from Sydney) when flying with Jetstar. Sample price is from Sydney-Ho Chi Minh City
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - Domestic
Domestic flights from $67 each way
Valid for travel until May 2020 including Christmas holidays with airlines like Tigerair, Virgin Australia and more. Destinations include Newcastle, Gold Coast, Cairns, Adelaide Melbourne and more. Sample fare is Brisbane-Sydney with Jetstar.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
Bali flights from $300 return
Valid for travel from 15 - 20 September 2019. Sample fare departs from Darwin.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Hawaii flights from $899 return
Valid for travel on select dates from July 2019 - March 2020. Sample fare is Sydney-Honolulu and Maui. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Emirates
Singapore flights from $634 return
Valid for travel from 26 April - 13 June 2019 with Emirates. Sample fare departs from Melbourne.
Last verified
Deal ends
Emirates
Europe flights from $1,245 return
Valid for travel from 15 April - 31 May 2019. Destinations include Paris, London and more. Sample fare is Perth-Rome.
Last verified
Deal ends
Hawaiian Airlines
Honolulu flights from $899 return
Valid for travel on select dates from May - 2019 - March 2020. Sample fare departs from Sydney and Brisbane. Includes free 2x32 kg luggage allowance and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Philippine Airlines sale: International flights from $609 return
Valid for travel between 1 May - 12 December 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Manila. Destinations include Singapore, Bangkok, Hanoi, Kuala Lumpur, Sapporo and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Japan flights from $830 return
Valid for travel from 15 May - 30 November 2019 with Thai Airways. Sample fare departs from Perth.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Bangkok flights from $653 return
Valid for travel from 15 May - 30 November 2019 with Thai Airways. Sample fare departs from Perth.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
San Francisco flights from $1,020 return
Valid for travel on select dates from 13 August - 6 September 2019 with Air New Zealand. Sample fare departs from Gold Coast.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Queenstown flights from $360 each way
Valid for travel on select dates with Virgin Australia. Sample fare departs from Perth.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Hong Kong flights from $374 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 June 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Hong Kong.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Shanghai flights from $332 return
Valid for travel from October - November 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Shanghai.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Dublin flights from $943 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 November 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Dublin.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Norway flights from $909 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 November 2019. Sample fare is Perth-Oslo.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Argentina flights from $898 return
Valid for travel from May - June 2019. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Buenos Aires.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Paris flights from $851 return
Valid for travel from October - November 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Paris.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Greece flights from $696 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 March 2019. Destinations include Athens, Santorini, Mykonos and more. Sample fare is Perth-Athens.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Brazil flights from $1,037 return
Valid for travel from May - June 2019. Destinations include Rio De Janeiro, Brasilia, Salvador and more. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Sao Paulo.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Los Angeles flights from $743 return
Valid for travel from 1-29 February 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Los Angeles.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
New York City flights from $988 return
Valid for travel from 1-30 November 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-New York.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Canada flights from $919 return
Valid for travel from November - December 2019. Destinations include Toronto, Vancouver, Montreal, Calgary and more. Sample fare is Brisbane-Vancouver.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Hobart flights from $80
Valid for travel from May - June 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Hobart.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Melbourne flights from $74
Valid for travel from 1-31 August 2019. Sample fare is Adelaide-Melbourne.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
5% off worldwide flights with code
Valid for travel until December 2019. Destinations include Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Asia and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skyscanner
Sunshine Coast flights from $123
Valid for travel from May - June 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Sunshine Coast.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Sydney flights from $66
Valid for travel from November 2019 - March 2020. Sample fare is Gold Coast-Sydney.
Last verified
Deal ends
Budget Air
$20 off Asia flights with code
Valid for travel on from June - September 2019 across Southeast Asia. Destinations include Manila, Singapore, Bali, Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and more. Discount applies when departing from Australia. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skyscanner
Turkey flights from $816 each way
Valid for travel until April 2020 across Turkey. Sample fare is Perth-Istanbul with Qatar.
Last verified
Skyscanner
Malaysia Airlines sale: Thailand flights from $495 return
Valid for travel until 22 November 2019 across Thailand, Asia. Destinations include Phuket, Bangkok and more. Sample fare is Perth-Kuala Lumpur.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Italy flights from $812 return
Valid for travel until 22 November 2019 with Air China. Sample fare is Melbourne-Milan. Flights also available to Rome, Venice, Florence and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Hawaii flights from $279 each way
Available on select dates in August and September 2019 when flying with Jetstar. Sample price is from Sydney to Honolulu.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Singapore flights from $225 return
Valid for travel from May - June 2019. Sample fare is Darwin-Singapore.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Philippines flights from $288 return
Valid for travel from 1-31 August 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Manila.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
South Africa flights from $914
Valid for travel from 1-31 August 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Cape Town.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
South Africa flights from $1,099 return with Qatar
Valid for travel from 14 October - 30 November 2019 and 1 February - 27 March 2020. Sample fare is Perth-Johannesburg.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Fiji flights from $599 return
Valid for travel from 1-28 November 2019 and 1 February - 31 March 2020. Sample fare is Sydney-Fiji.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
New Zealand flights from $249 each way
Valid for travel from on select dates from May - December 2019 across New Zealand including Christmas holidays. Destinations include Christchurch, Wellington and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Auckland.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Round-the-world flights from $1,595
Valid for travel from 3 October - 25 November 2019. Destinations are Hong Kong, London and Los Angeles. Sample fare is from Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
British Airways
Autumn sale: International flights from $752 return
Valid for travel from 1 May 2019 - 24 March 2020. Destinations include London, Rome, Dublin, Amsterdam and more. Includes a 7-night journey and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Singapore. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
Hamilton Island flights from $135 each way
Valid for travel on select dates from May - December 2019 across Hamilton Island in Queensland. Sample fare departs from Brisbane.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia - Deals
Ayers Rock flights from $239 each way
Valid for travel on from 28 May - 25 June and 10 November - 17 December 2019 across Ayers Rock in Uluru. Sample fare departs from Sydney.
Last verified
Deal ends
Emirates
Earn double Skyward Miles with Portugal return flights
Valid for travel from 2 July - 30 September 2019 across Portugal. Promotion applies to Emirates Skywards members. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
British Airways
UK flights from $1,368 return
Valid for travel until November 2018. Destinations include London and Edinburgh. Sample fare is for Sydney-London.
Last verified
Budget Air
$10 off your first booking
Valid only on bookings for flights from Australia. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Lufthansa
Europe flights from $1,510 return
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include London, Rome, Paris, Dusseldorf, Frankfurt, Milan, Madrid and more. Sample fare is Perth-Barcelona.
Last verified
Skiddoo
$25 flight voucher
Book your hotel with Skiddoo and get $25 flight voucher to spend on your next flight. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
LookUpFare
Flights under $99
Get instant $10 off on your flights when you book with LookUpFare. Destinations include Denver, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Dallas and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
ISIC Card
Up to 40% off flights
Valid on select dates. T&C's apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre
Free booking fees every Friday
Valid on all flights booked before midnight on Fridays.
Last verified
Etihad Airways Australia
Europe flights from $1,889 return
Valid for travel until 31 December 2019 including Christmas holidays. Sample fare is Melbourne-Belgrade.
Last verified
Deal ends
Popular Flights coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 20 May 2019 | 10% off domestic flights with code | GPR**** |
| 20 May 2019 | Up to 10% off international flights with code | HNV**** |
| 21 May 2019 | Up to 10% off Europe flights with code | FRE**** |
| 20 May 2019 | Qatar: Up to 10% off France flights with code | FRE**** |
| 15 May 2019 | 5% off worldwide flights with code | CMT**** |
Feature image: Etihad
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