Tips to Get a Better Seat

Many passengers are concerned about safety, but unfortunately there’s no clear answer about where you should sit in order to fare best in a plane crash. One study suggests that you may have a higher chance of survival during a plane crash if you’re seated in the rear of an aircraft. However, another more recent study contradicts those findings, indicating that the safest place to sit is near the front of the plane within five rows of an emergency exit.

1. Join a frequent flier program. This is the most reliable tactic you can use. Providing your frequent flier number at the time of reservation goes a long way toward netting you a good seat, especially if you are a loyal, high-ranking member. If you don’t already have your seat assignment when you arrive at the airport, present your number at check-in.
2. Buy your tickets early. The number of seats available for pre-assignment dwindles as the travel date approaches. If you can’t buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, be sure to check in online as soon as possible before your flight to select a seat, or arrive at the airport early if online check-in isn’t available.
3. Consider purchasing a better seat. Several airlines now offer economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. JetBlue’s “Even More Legroom” seats are located in exit rows and have 38 inches of seat pitch (instead of 34 – 36 inches on its regular seats). United offers Economy Plus access to high-ranking frequent fliers and to any travelers who pay the annual fee of $425; this entitles travelers to five more inches of seat pitch in the coach cabin. (If any Economy Plus seats are still available at flight time, they can be purchased on a one-time basis.) Continental has also recently begun charging for seats with extra legroom.
4. Select your seat when you book. Most airline Web sites and major booking engines allow you to choose a seat when you purchase your ticket, or to return to your reservation after your initial purchase and make your seat selection later. (In most cases this process is free, but some airlines — including AirTran and Spirit Airlines — have added fees to select your seat in advance.) If you don’t see a seat online that you like, consider calling the airline and speaking to a live agent; sometimes there’s a disparity between what’s displayed on a carrier’s site and what’s actually available.
5. Confirm your seat at check-in. Most airlines allow passengers to check in online 24 hours before their flight departs. At that point you can confirm the seat you’ve already chosen or even choose a better one.
6. Get to the airport early. If you arrive too late at your gate, you may lose your seat.
7. When in doubt, ask. Once you reach your gate, ask whether any new seats have opened up. If other passengers upgrade to business class or don’t show up for the flight, you may get lucky and grab a better assignment.
8. Be specific. If you know exactly what seat you’re interested in, it can be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for an exit row or “a good seat,” try asking for “12A” — you’ll be more likely to get what you want.
9. Keep the agent informed. If you have a medical condition, let the agent know. Most will do their best to accommodate you.
10. Kindness counts. Approach agents in a spirit of understanding. They hear complaints and demands all day. Treat them like human beings, and they may surprise you.