Window Vs. Aisle Airplane Seat: Which Is Better?

Who doesn’t love going on vacation? No matter if you’re headed for sunny skies and an endless blue ocean or you prefer ski boots and winter charms, everyone loves getting away from their ordinary life for a little while. 

But, before you can enjoy your vacation, you first need to get there. If you’re not a frequent flyer, then you may be confused when it comes to booking your seat and are faced with the ultimate choice: window or aisle?

This Window VS Aisle question has caused heated debate for many years. In this article, we will help calm the storm by providing the answer, once and for all. So, if you want to know which seat is better between the window or aisle seat on an airplane, read on for more!  

Window Vs. Aisle Airplane Seat: Which Is Better?

So, you’re about to book your flight, the last thing you need to check off your list before your vacation planning is complete, and all you need to do is wait! The question is, should you book the aisle seat or the window seat?

Well, we can tell you today that actually…neither is better than the other. The truth is, some people will prefer the aisle seat, and some will prefer the window, and this can be for very different reasons.

So, which seat you choose depends on a variety of factors, and we will take you through each of these below! 

However, you can be sure of one thing, the thing that even the strongest aisle seat lovers and window seat lovers can agree on: never go for the middle seat! 

Window Vs. Aisle: The Window Seat

Here are some of the reasons why you should choose the window seat on a flight! 

If You Want To Sleep

If you are on a particularly long flight and would like to sleep during it, then the window seat would be best for you!

This seat provides you with a wall you can lean on as you sleep, which will be more comfortable than trying to rest with your head forward or to one side by your shoulders. 

Not only that, but you are less likely to wake up than you are if you try to sleep in an aisle seat. This is because you will not have anyone climbing over you trying to use the bathroom, etc. 

If you Like Scenery 

If you like watching the world go by, then the window seat will be better for you than the aisle seat!

Naturally, you will be able to see more from the window and while typically you cannot see much, you’ll definitely want the window seat if you are flying over the Grand Canyon or the Rocky mountains! 

If You Are Traveling With A Baby 

If you are traveling with a very young baby, then the window seat may be better for you. The window seat will allow you more privacy if you need to help your baby go to sleep or if you need to feed and nurse them. 

If You Are Traveling With A Child 

Children can sometimes be difficult to travel with because they often get bored easily or may be afraid on the airplane.

So, it is a good idea to make sure the window seat is accessible to them so they can look out of it and get distracted by the clouds and the birds-eye view. 

If You Are Traveling With A Friend 

You will have a higher chance of a free middle seat if you book the window seat, and your friend books the aisle (or vice versa!) This is because the middle seat will often be booked last. 

If You Don’t Want To Be Bumped Into 

If you like a peaceful and private flight, then it may be best to take the window seat, or else you risk getting bumped into by other passengers, drink carts, etc.

On a similar note, you are more likely to be asked to move if you are sitting in an aisle seat, by friends or family members who want to sit together, this is a lot less likely to happen if you are sat in the window seat! 

Window Vs. Aisle: The Aisle Seat 

Here are some of the reasons you should pick an aisle seat! 

If Your Flight Is Long 

If you are on a long flight, then the aisle seat may be better. This is because you may frequent the bathroom thanks to all the food and drink you’ll consume on the flight.

On top of that, you may find that you need to get up and walk around just to get your blood flowing, and you can do this easily in the aisle seat since you will not have to climb over people. 

If You Need To Catch A Connecting Flight 

If there are hours between your flight and your connecting flight, then you do not need to worry about this one so much.

However, if you do not have long between one flight and the other then it is best to take the aisle seat so you can easily get off the plane and gather your things to make it to the next flight without stretching. 

If You Are Tall 

If you’re a tall person and like stretching your legs, then it is a good idea to take the aisle seat to be able to do this comfortably.

A window seat will not allow you this luxury – and you do not want to be uncomfortable for the duration of your flight. 

If You Are Flying Economy 

Similar to the reason above, if you are flying economy there is not much space, so if you like to stretch your legs, go for the aisle seat! 

If You Are Claustrophobic 

If you can feel claustrophobic from time to time, then it may be best to take the aisle seat so you have more space and can feel calmer on the flight. 

If You Need To Access The Overhead Compartment 

Sometimes, there may be items in the overhead compartment that you need to access quickly.

Therefore, sitting in the aisle seat is better because you will be able to access these items with ease, as opposed to climbing over people to get them, or asking someone to get them for you. 

Final Thoughts 

There has been heavy debate as to which seat is better on an airplane – the window or the aisle.

However, we are here to put an end to the debate. The truth is, the window and aisle have different advantages and disadvantages that are suitable for different situations and people. 

For example, if you are on a long flight, then the aisle seat may be better because you are more likely to use the restroom on the plane.

You also may be more likely to want to exercise, and by sitting in the aisle you are less likely to disturb people by climbing over them. 

However, if you love watching the scenery and want to sleep on your flight, then the window seat may be better because you can look outside and then have somewhere comfortable to rest your eyes.