The Most Sought-After Seats on an Airplane [2024 Survey]

On an airplane, some seats are more desirable than others. But let’s face it, your ideal seat largely depends on what kind of flyer you are. Whether you’re an anxious traveler, a parent with small kids, someone who frequently needs the restroom, or a passenger with tight connections, your seat preferences can vary widely.

So, which airplane seats are Americans vying for? We surveyed over 3,100 U.S. passengers from across the country to find out which airplane rows and specific seats are most in demand among travelers. Discover the most coveted airplane seats across the board, each state’s ideal seat preference, and which airlines have the best seats, according to passengers.

Plus, we dive into how much extra Americans are willing to pay to choose their seat and hot-button issues like window versus aisle, reclining etiquette, handling turbulence, and traveling as a plus-sized passenger. 

Which Airplane Seats Are Most in Demand?

To determine the most sought-after seats, we gave survey respondents a Boeing 737-800 seat map and asked them to choose their top seat location.  

Seats 1A, 7F, 7A, 1F, and 7C were the top 5 choices among passengers. Overall, rows 1 and 7 (bulkhead seats) and 4, and 20 (exit row seats) were the most popular. This preference is understandable, as these rows typically offer more legroom, among other benefits.

It’s no surprise that seat 1A is the top choice for most passengers. This first class seat offers ample legroom, easy restroom access, a window view, and the perk of being one of the first on and off the plane. 

Close seconds are the window seats in the economy class bulkhead row (7A and 7F). Parents with small kids often favor the bulkhead seats in row 7, as they provide extra space for movement and easier access to overhead bins. Additionally, being at the front of a section, bulkhead seats in row 7 often experience less foot traffic, providing a slightly calmer environment for passengers. 

Bulkhead seats come with several benefits: priority boarding, ease of deplaning, and, in some cases, being among the first to receive beverage service. Plus, there’s no need to worry about the seat in front of you reclining. However, it’s worth noting that many airlines charge extra for the privilege of sitting in these coveted spots.

Window seats in the exit row (20A and 20F) are 2 of the top 10 seat selections. A significant portion of respondents (41%) are willing to accept the added responsibility of sitting in an exit row for the extra legroom and the peace of mind from being near a quick exit in case of an emergency. There’s also the potential for fewer seat neighbors. On less crowded flights, exit rows may have more empty seats, giving you additional space. 

Legroom isn’t the only factor influencing seat selections — 41% of passengers say their perceived safety of the seat factors into their seat choice on an airplane. Most flyers (66%) believe the middle of the plane experiences the least turbulence and is the safest section in the event of a crash. Safety concerns remain high, especially after Boeing’s door blowout incident in January 2024, further emphasizing the importance of seat selection.

What about the window versus aisle debate? Window seats dominate 8 out of the top 10 seat selections. Most passengers (66.6%) prefer a window seat, while 31.7% prefer an aisle seat, and a modest 1.7% prefer a middle seat. Window seats are favored for their beautiful views and the convenience of having a place to rest your head, making them ideal for airplane sleepers. On the other hand, aisle seats offer more freedom to move around the cabin and often more legroom.

Every State’s Ideal Airplane Seat

Where do passengers from different states prefer to sit on an airplane? Check the scrollable table above to see if your seat choice aligns with your fellow state travelers!

Row 7, the economy class bulkhead row, is the favorite in most states, with 17 states preferring it. Respondents in California, Georgia, Minnesota, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and 12 other states all show a strong inclination towards seats like 7A, 7C, and 7F. 

Respondents in Alabama, Colorado, Texas, and 10 other states favor the coveted 1A window seat at the front of the plane, prioritizing legroom and quick exits. Several states gravitate towards the exit row (row 20) for its roominess and practical advantages — Florida, Iowa, Ohio, and Utah. Lastly, passengers in Maryland, Tennessee, Virginia, and 5 other states prefer aisle seats, while the remaining 36 states’ passengers prefer the window.

How Much More Would Americans Pay To Choose Their Seat?

Seat selection fees in economy class can range anywhere from $25 to upwards of $100, depending on the route and the airline. We asked respondents if they would pay to choose their seats (if it wasn’t included as a benefit or they didn’t have elite status) and, if so, how much extra they would be willing to spend.

Nearly 60% of passengers are willing to pay to select their seat in advance. What’s more, on average, U.S. passengers are willing to pay $33.59 extra to select their seat. 

The states that would pay the highest fees to select their seat are:

1. Hawaii — $52.10
2. Arkansas — $49.90
3. Connecticut — $47.86
4. Alabama — $47.24
5. Wisconsin — $47.08

On the flip side, passengers in Idaho, Missouri, Washington, and Florida are the most budget-conscious, willing to pay only around $19 to $21 extra for their preferred seats. Additionally, Missouri, Pennsylvania, and Idaho flyers are the least likely to pay seat selection fees. When asked, 59% of Missourians, 54% of Pennsylvanians, and 52% of Idaho flyers said “no” to paying extra.

Which U.S. Airlines Have the Best Seats?

When it comes to the best seats in the sky, Delta Air Lines takes the lead with 33.6% of flyers rating its seats as the most comfortable. American Airlines and United Airlines tie for second place at 15.9% each. Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines received the lowest ratings, with only 0.3% of flyers naming their seats as the best. Notably, 45% of flyers admit to choosing a specific airline to fly with based on the comfort or availability of seats, highlighting the significant impact seat quality has on travelers’ choices.

Interestingly, 21% of flyers never use the restroom on a flight, and only 16% prefer to have a seat near the restroom. In terms of inflight etiquette, 44% of passengers think it’s rude to recline seats on an airplane, and over half (54%) believe people should be allowed to take their shoes off during the flight! Speaking of personal space, more than half of passengers say their seat neighbor often infringes on their personal space during the average flight. 

Further, 23% of passengers have had difficulties when flying as (or with) a plus-sized traveler, emphasizing the need for more inclusive and accommodating seating arrangements.

These insights highlight the varied preferences and challenges flyers face, providing airlines and passengers with a clear guide to making air travel more pleasant.

Methodology

To find the insights in this study, we surveyed 3,142 U.S. passengers across 44 states. This survey was conducted from June 14 to June 21, 2024. We did not include the following states due to limited survey responses: Alaska, Montana, North Dakota, South Dakota, Vermont, and Wyoming. To determine the most sought-after seats on an airplane, we gave survey respondents a Boeing 737-800 seat map and asked them to choose their top seat location. 

Final Thoughts

From window seats to exit rows, our airplane seat survey has revealed the preferences and pet peeves of flyers across the nation. Whether you’re shelling out extra for legroom or debating the etiquette of reclining, it’s clear that seat selection is a big deal for travelers. As airlines take note of these insights, we can all hope for a more comfortable and considerate flying experience. Happy travels, and may you always score your favorite seat!