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Flying economy class can be a nightmare. With airlines trying to fit as many passengers as possible on each flight, the seats are getting smaller, legroom is decreasing, and elbow space is non-existent. But among all the bad options, which seat is the worst of them all? In this article, we’ll take a closer look at the worst seats on a plane and explain why they’re so bad.
The Last Row: A Living Hell
Most passengers agree that the last row of the plane is the absolute worst. If you’re stuck in one of these seats, you’ll find that they don’t recline fully (or at all), and you might not even have a window to look out of. But that’s just the beginning.
Being seated at the back of the plane means you’re close to the lavatories, which can mean long lines of people waiting to use the restroom. You’ll also have to deal with the constant flushing noise and unpleasant smells that come with being so close to the restroom.
Another issue with the last row is that it’s right next to the galley, where flight attendants congregate, chat, and prepare meals. You’ll have to endure the smell of reheated food mixing with the unpleasant odors coming from the lavatory.
To top it all off, turbulence often feels more intense at the back of the plane, making for a bumpy and uncomfortable ride. And if you’re in a rush to make a connecting flight, getting off the plane from the back can take valuable time away from making your connection.
The Dreaded Middle Seat
Another seat that most passengers dread is the middle seat. Being sandwiched between two strangers with no easy access to the aisle or a window view is a recipe for an uncomfortable and claustrophobic flight. It’s easy to spend the entire flight dreaming of escape or praying for it to be over.
But as bad as the middle seat is, it’s not as bad as the last row. At least you won’t be subjected to the smells and sounds of the lavatory or the galley, and you won’t have to deal with the turbulence as much.
Making the Best of a Bad Situation
If you find yourself in the last row or the middle seat, all is not lost. The last row has some advantages, such as not having to worry about the person behind you reclining their seat and having the potential to stretch out if you’re lucky enough to have the row to yourself. And the middle seat, while uncomfortable, can be made more bearable with a good book, a movie, or some noise-canceling headphones.
When booking your flight, it’s important to be aware of which seats are the worst and avoid them if possible. Many airlines charge extra fees for preferred seating, so it’s important to read the fine print before booking. You can also consult a website like SeatGuru to find out which seats to avoid on your specific flight.
One thing to keep in mind is that while comfort is important, safety is even more crucial. Some studies suggest that the rear middle seat is the safest place to be in case of a crash, while others disagree. Either way, booking a direct flight minimizes the number of take-offs and landings, which are the riskiest parts of a flight.
In conclusion, while there’s no avoiding the discomfort of economy class, being aware of the worst seats on a plane can help you make a more informed decision when booking your flight. Whether you find yourself in the last row or the middle seat, there are ways to make the best of a bad situation and arrive at your destination in one piece.
