Air travel can bring excitement, anxiety, or boredom—but your seat choice makes all the difference for a great flight (unless you're in first or business class). Drawing from insights shared by flight attendants with Refinery29, who know the skies best, here are proven tips to elevate your journey.
When selecting a seat, skip the first row in your section. While it offers extra legroom, drawbacks include no items at your feet during takeoff and landing, smaller TV screens, and early stowing 30 minutes after departure or before arrival. Window seats provide views but limit bathroom trips. Middle seats work if you like your neighbors. Aisle seats allow easy movement but expose you to passing passengers and carts.
Airline meals often disappoint (and may cost extra), leaving you hungry, moody, or tired. Eat at an airport restaurant beforehand, or grab snacks for a flight-friendly picnic paired with complimentary drinks.
Planes are chilly due to air filtration systems, even on warm routes. Airline blankets are thin, so layer up with warm, comfortable clothing.
Tempting to slip off shoes for comfort, but flight attendants advise against walking barefoot. That 'water' on the floor? It's not—put them back on for bathroom visits.
Handy for headphones, books, or phones, but crew note passengers often forget items there. Use and stow belongings promptly to avoid losses.
