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:
Skyscanner
South Africa flights from $1,099 return with Qantas
Valid for travel from May 2019 - February 2020. Sample fare is Adelaide-Johannesburg.
Last verified
Deal ends
Qatar Airways
Europe flights from $1,075 return
Available select dates in 2019. Destinations include London, Amsterdam, Athens, Rome, Paris, Barcelona, Budapest, Stockholm and Moscow. Sample fare is Sydney-Istanbul.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Italy flights from $1,169 return
Take off to Italy in October-November 2019, when there's fewer crowds but pleasant weather, with flights on sale to Rome, Milan and Venice. Sample price is Sydney-Rome.
Last verified
Deal ends
Etihad Airways Australia
Europe flights from $1,192 return
Valid for travel from 1 June 2019 - 7 February 2020. Destinations include London, Dublin, Athens, Rome, Paris and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Athens.
Last verified
Deal ends
Etihad Airways Australia
Europe flights from $1,192 return
Valid for travel from 1 June 2019 - 7 February 2020. Destinations include London, Dublin, Athens, Rome, Paris and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Athens.
Last verified
Deal ends
Air New Zealand - Pacific Islands
Norfolk Island from $229 each way
Valid for travel from 7 May - 31 August 2019. Sample fare is from Brisbane.
Last verified
Deal ends
Air New Zealand - Longhaul
South America flights from $1,085 return
Valid for travel from 15 May - 25 November 2019. Sample fare is Melbourne-Buenos Aires.
Last verified
Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Africa flights from $890 return
Valid for travel between May - December 2019 with South African Airways. Sample fare is Adelaide-Cape Town.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Latam sale: South America flights from $969
Valid for travel between May - August 2019. Destinations include Santiago de Chile, Lima, Bogota, Montevideo and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
LATAM Airlines
Up to 27% off Lima flights
Valid for travel between May - August 2019. Departures include Melbourne, Sydney, South America and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Los Angeles flights from $761 return
Valid for travel between April - November 2019 with Fiji Airways. Sample fare is Melbourne-Los Angeles.
Last verified
Deal ends
I Want That Flight
Hawaii flights from $445 return
Valid for travel between May - November 2019 with Jetstar. Sample fare is Melbourne-Honolulu.
Last verified
Deal ends
Malaysia Airlines
Up to 20% off flights
Bookings must be made on Saturdays or Sundays to qualify. Discount varies from 5-20% depending on route and type of fare.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trip.com
Fiji flights from $546 return
Valid for travel between 1 May - 8 May 2019 with Fiji Airways. Destinations include Nadi, Suva, Taveuni and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Nadi. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Air New Zealand - Longhaul
USA flights from $765 return
Valid for travel from July - November 2019. Destinations include Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and more. Sample fare is Gold Cost-San Francisco.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
FlyScoot: Singapore flights from $179
Valid for travel between 13 - 27 March 2019. Destinations include Bangkok, Kuala Lumpur and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Singapore.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Perth flights from $143 each way
Valid for travel between March - February 2020. Departures include Gold Coast, Darwin, Adelaide, Brisbane, Melbourne and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Perth.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Ireland flights from $1,392 return
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019. Destinations include Belfast, Waterford, Wicklow, New Ross and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Dublin. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Fiji flights from $519 return
Valid for travel from 20 July - 15 September 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Fiji.
Last verified
Deal ends
Emirates
International flights from $699 return
Valid for travel on select dates between 23 April - 30 April 2019. Destinations include London, Dublin, Porto, Athens, Rome and more. Sample fare is Melbourne-Singapore. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
Thailand flights from $353 return
Valid for travel from 1 May - 15 June 2019. Sample fare is Darwin-Phuket.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Up to 10% off domestic and international flights
Valid for travel until August 2019. Destinations include New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Pacific, Africa and across Australia including Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Virgin Australia
Up to 10% off worldwide flights
Valid for travel until August 2019. Destinations include New Zealand, Asia, Europe, Middle East, Pacific, Africa and across Australia including Perth, Gold Coast, Townsville, Sunshine Coast and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Virgin Australia
Extra 10% off domestic and international flights
Valid for travel until August 2019. Destinations include Pacific Islands, Bali, Port Moresby, Los Angeles, Asia, North America, Middle East and across Australia including Brisbane, Adelaide, Sydney, Melbourne and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Coupon code ends
Skyscanner
Australia flights from $272 return
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Adelaide, Brisbane, Gold Coast, Perth, Townsville, Sunshine Coast and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Brisbane. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Flight Centre - International
International flights from $355 return
Valid for travel on select dates. Destinations include Rome, Paris, New York, London, Singapore, Tokyo, Hong Kong, Hawaii, Manila, Bali and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Christchurch. F&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Air New Zealand
New Zealand flights from $189 each way
Valid for travel on select dates in 2019 with Air New Zealand. Destinations include Auckland, Wellington, Queenstown and more. Sample fare is Sydney-Christchurch. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Trafalgar Tours
Europe and Britain flights from $999
Valid for travel on select dates across Europe and Britain. Destinations include Ireland, Italy, Croatia, France, Spain, Scotland and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Insight Vacations
Europe flights from $899 return with tour bookings
Valid when booking a tour departing between April - November 2019 and flying with with Cathay Pacific.
Last verified
Deal ends
Virgin Australia
Australia-wide flights from $89
Valid for travel on select dates between March - July 2019. Sample fare is Sydney-Ballina. Destinations include Brisbane, Canberra, Darwin, Gold Coast, Hobart, Hamilton Island and more.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Up to 29% off worldwide flights: Easter sale
Valid for travel from April - May 2019. Destinations include Manila, Beijing, Taipei, Hamilton Island, Christchurch, Los Angeles, Hawaii, Paris, Dublin, Singapore and more. T&Cs apply.
Last verified
Deal ends
Skyscanner
Vanuatu flights from $325
Valid for travel between June - December 2019 with Air Vanuatu. Sample fare is Brisbane-Espiritu Santo.
Last verified
Deal ends
Emirates
Up to 50% off privileges
Valid for travel until 31 March 2019. Exclusive for My Emirates Pass 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
Popular Flights coupon codes
| Last checked | Code description | Code |
|---|---|---|
| 11 Mar 2019 | Up to 10% off domestic and international flights | DSX**** |
| 11 Mar 2019 | Up to 10% off worldwide flights | JTX**** |
| 11 Mar 2019 | Extra 10% off domestic and international flights | BDR**** |
| 19 Mar 2019 | South Africa flights from $1,099 return with Qantas | ******** |
| 6 Mar 2019 | Europe flights from $1,075 return | ******** |
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