For Pros Only :: Best Seats | Airplane Seating Secrets
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Introducing Eric Miller
“Eric Miller is the Director of Communications for, Studio M Interiors, a well known interior design firm based out of Tampa Florida. There he oversees the marketing, social media, special events, public relations, and overall imagery for the firm. He is also the editor for the company’s blog and is responsible for hiring writers and managing the sites editorial calendar. Eric is a graduate of Florida State University where he majored in Political Science. Although he is not an interior designer, Eric, prides himself on bringing his creative outlook not only to the firm but to every aspect of his personal life.
Eric comes to Studio M with over six years of experience in strategic management and communications for two high-profile real estate developments in the Tampa Bay area. His broad experience included managing construction schedules, budgets and personnel, while also coordinating the media relations and communications for each project.
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A few months ago good friend, JB, asked me to come on over and do a guest post for Building Moxie. Well let’s just say that he didn’t give any limitations, which is scary I know. Instead of choosing a topic based around the home or construction, I decided rather to touch on something far more important — an epidemic sweeping across the globe! Now sit back, relax and please make sure that your seat backs and tray tables are in their full upright position….
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Travel Like a Pro
It seems that more and more of us don’t look forward to boarding a plane for our next vacay or business trip. Each of us has our reasons: afraid of flying, self-proclaimed “germaphobe”, or if you’re like me-hate being stuffed into a seat.
As a passenger, airline comfort is everything, so why do I feel like my poor carry-on luggage jammed into the overhead compartments?! What is even more frustrating is that airlines have begun to exploit the holy grail of coach seating, i.e. the exit seats. These once highly coveted seats were a free upgrade for any of us without the deep pockets for first class. The only caveat? You must help others if the airline happens to run into a herd of geese and land in a near by body of water. Sounds heroic!
Most airlines now charge a fee to sit in the exit seats, which out of principle I will not pay for-what happened to the hero part? So it begs the question, “Must I live and tolerate the airlines cramping my style?!”
I say H to No! Therefore, I came across a few secret seats (thank you internet) that most people overlook! The best part? No additional cost, plus you can get your stretch on! Ahh yea…!!!!
Tip: Always Check Seating Charts
Most of you know that travel booking websites now come with a seating chart of the airline. For years, I would focus on picking seats that were near the front of the plane. Why? I wanted a quick exit! However, as I began to study the seating chart I noticed that the best seats were actually in the back or middle of the plane … OK hear me out! Yes you may wait any extra 4.33 minutes to deplane, but what is that time worth to you? Two hours of being wedged against the wall and/or an over-sized travel buddy’s arm?
But Eric I won’t get my drink or snack first! Touché … but who wants that crap anyway? Buy your water and gummy bears (my fav treat) prior to boarding. We all know the airline snack cart is a joke!
So without further adieu here is a list of a few seats to keep on the lookout when booking your next trip:
Air Plane: Boeing 747
Prime Seats: 60 B, C, J, H
Perks:
- Only two seats, less people
- No knees in your back or people behind you
- More leg room, especially the aisle seat
- Close to bathrooms (if no bad smell..haha)
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Air Plane: American Airlines 767
Prime Seats: 17 A, B, H, J (Domestic Only)
Perks:
These seats are reserved for flight attendants on International flights…They are fair game when flying domestic! Holler…!
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Air Plane: American Airlines 757
Prime Seats: 10 A, F
Perks:
No seats in 9A or 9F=tons of leg room!
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If you are digging this, then you may want to check out Skytrax as they have an entire section where you can look up and evaluate an airline’s seating chart! I feel pretty geeked out right now…Excited over seating charts?!
My only rule in using these planning techniques is that you must always default the best airplane seating to me when flying together… Happy travels!
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Written by: Eric Miller
Be sure to follow me on Twitter!
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Note from the Hosts
OK. I have been bugging Eric, Ezy E – Cut Concrete – Stache Daddy Man, Miller for a guest post for, well, several months. And this is what he came back with. Maybe he was too busy flying around all over the place or something. Nah! I’m not going to play it like that. I know he’s a world-class baller Director of Communications for a internationally recognized interior design firm, but this? This may in fact be our first post we’ve ever had that had absolutely nothing to do with, well, the house. (Oh Wait! I didn’t just type that?! ) Moving on . . .
And it’s all good. In fact when Barry & I set this “Tagged” thing down, it was EXACTLY what we had in mind. Give the individuals working in “home improvement” a place to share . . . on whatever they wished to share on. I do think it is ironic that Eric chose this topic though, it was in fact two jet-setting-type trips last year that brought E & I together.
Other than that all I can say is — “Well Done” and hope to hang again with you soon Eric. Thanks for reading all and send Eric a shout (you could leave comment below). Definitely one of the good ones and you certainly will not regret making the effort to connect. ~jb
Some secret spots! The best way to get a good seat on Soutwest is to have a new friend who has an earlier boarding zone and have them save you a seat… Fun Article E
Thanks Jeremy…Your right about Southwest! Great job at snagging those seats. #youtheman
Now that is some good intel. Friggin airlines are getting crazy with their ‘upgrade’ fees. You used to be able to just get a nice and cozy bulkhead or emergency row if you got to the counter early enough. Now you have to give your right arm for a comfortable seat?
I’m calling heightism out on the airlines. Being over 6 feet tall, I have to wiggle and worm my way through these crazy planes…and pay to check my own bags? I’m taking the high speed rail…oh wait.
Glad you liked the intel! So your saying there is no more high speed rail? When did that happen….Politics!
Nice info most people wouldn’t think about. Like how it is written . Makes a boring subject interesting to read. Good job.
Thx Jared…Definitely tried to spice it up a little bit…Glad you liked it!
I can totally identify with this and am looking for those seats on the trip I am planning now! Thanks for the tip and here is to arriving refreshed and ready to go – Christa
Would love to hear if you were able to land a great seat! Keep us posted….Oh and I have heard Austin is AMAZING.
Great post! Never thought of where I sat in a plane but will now. Who doesn’t want to holler for more leg room. Uh…. hello AND pay to sit in the exit isles crazy, I would actually pay NOT to sit in the exit isles!
Your right Coraly…Everyone wants to “holler” for a little extra space. Time to start a revolution?!
Hey JB – sure this post is about the house. Consider this: You’re hired to do a full renovation on well say…..George Clooney’s house for example ….well I would certainly not want to arrive with cramped legs….would you? How could you possibly – as a designer I mean – concentrate on George …….. I mean the house – with cramped legs?
ha! seems like you have that all laid out. and Touche. This post did give me a chance to do some creative tagging = “spacial awareness”. rock on!
Have you ever tried to design with a killer leg cramp?! Not so much…Loved your angle on this one Roberta…Hope all is well;)
Dang now all the good seats will be gone for us 6’5” and over people. Thanks Eric. Guess i will have to just get myself a G6!
Let me know when you land that G6…I think I could get use to riding private..ha!
First I must say that exit isle seats are my worst nightmare and being a small individual (standing 5’3″) I don’t need allot of room. I love sitting by the window so that I am not getting slammed by those horrid carts and people going to the BR!~ I do HOWEVER try to squeeze on the plane incognito with my oversized handbag and carry on. That extra space is much needed for a place to shove them!! Thanks Eric for all the helpful tips and advice on flight travel!! I will be sure to check my seat net time around!~
You are right about the cart…Glad you brought that up! My knee is still sore from a recent run in:)
Eric, that is some serious secret agent info… But where is the best place for a passenger traveling with 2 whiny tots and an oversized daschound stuffed into an airline-accepted size carrier that happens to be intended for a canary? JK, and thanks for the useful tips!
Your right Allison, I did not include the mini’s into any of this! Shame on me being a new daddy and all…As far as the daschound, can’t they ride in the luggage? jk
Its all about Southwest or pre-meditated seat picking these days. While this article was on point and WILL be bookmarked for my next flight, I have a bone to pick with “Stache Daddy Man Ezy-E”…the SNACKS. Yeah, the pretzels & peanuts suck but the Delta cookies? The boooomb! (Yep, bringing it back…) However, the cookies are about the only thing good about Delta & I am pretty sure TSA is going to cavity search me thanks to my bringing back the bomb while discussing this topic….
Oh no..K-Dizzle showed up on the scene… Everybody better watch out! I would like to hear if more people like these Delta cookies?! I have yet to be impressed by anyone airline food. Please don’t bust a cap in me for saying that!
Good info!!!! I usually hate flying b/c it’s so uncomfortable. I will have to remember this when planning my families summer vacation.
Think that would be great….Oh and I heard your husband is a great guy;) Tell him I said hello!
Great info will use it for my upcoming trip…
Would love to hear if you find a great seat…Where are you heading?!
Loving all of this great info Eric…thanks for sharing!! Will def be using this when booking our honeymoon for later this year! With Ben and I both being tall drinks of water, we seem to always try for the emergency exit seats…now we won’t have to all of the time!
Yes, last thing you want to do is have massive leg cramps on your honeymoon…In my homeland we call this no bueno!
“yes an exit row is a great thing– unless you have to use it”– Joan rivers……ha!
Now ain’t that the truth…Thanks for sharing a classic Joan quote!
Awesome post! You definitely hit the nail on the head with this one! All of the seats you pointed out are FOR SURE prime seating! This makes me want to take an impromptu trip! NYC for the weekend!?
Nothing wrong with a short NYC trip?! Hopefully you land a prime seat!
What a great topic- this actually IS a huge part of what we do in design! Planning, ergonomics, anthropometrics, personal space, and comfort. And with Eric’s background in real estate, he obviously understands the importance of a great view and location, location, location!
Thanks so much for posting this! We travel so much and there is nothing more stressful than limited leg room on a flight. Once I had a very TALL gentleman behind me – in coach – on a 4 hour flight and couldn’t recline my seat. ARGH. I’ll definately be checking out SKYTRAX for my next flight.