10 Tips for Securing the Best Plain Seats
(Without Paying Business Class Prices)
Let’s be honest flying isn’t always comfortable, especially when your body doesn’t quite fit the airline’s version of “average.” I’m only 155cm tall (that’s five foot nothing), but I’m also a curvier woman and airline seat dimensions haven’t exactly caught up with real-life bodies.
One of the most awkward parts of flying for me is Seatbelts on budget airlines. They often don’t fit, and while I’ve learned to ask for an extension before take-off, it’s never a smooth experience. Flight attendants tend to roll their eyes, delay the request, and eventually strut down the aisle holding a bright red seatbelt extender like it’s some sort of public announcement and yes, that vibrant red usually matches my face by the time they reach my row.
But here’s the thing: I love travel. And I’ve learned that where you sit on a plane can make or break your flight, especially if you’re in economy. With a few clever tricks and a little confidence, you can make your seat work for you instead of dreading take-off.
Here are my 10 best tips for scoring the best plain seats (without shelling out for business class).
1. Know What You Want in a Plane Seat
Start by asking yourself: What matters to me on this flight?
- Extra legroom?
- Less noise?
- Quick access to the toilet (or away from it)?
- Minimal turbulence?
Everyone seems to chase the window seat, and I’ll admit, I used to be one of them. That meant my poor husband would end up in the dreaded middle seat. We’d cross our fingers that no one booked the aisle, but more often than not, someone did. And since he’s not exactly “airline average” in size either, he’d end up leaning into me just to get a bit of breathing room.
That setup was fine for short flights, but on long haul journeys Not ideal especially when my knees start to ache and I need to get up and stretch or make one of my regular toilet trips. Trying to squeeze past a sleeping stranger in the aisle seat who barely budges isn’t just awkward it’s downright frustrating.
After a few too many of those cramped flights, I’ve learnt my lesson comfort comes first. It might sound basic but figuring out what really matters to you when choosing a seat whether it’s legroom, easy access, or personal space makes all the difference.
2. Choose Seats with More Legroom
Not all legroom is created equal. Here are your best bets:
- Exit rows plenty of space, but not available to everyone. You need to meet safety requirements, and some airlines charge a fee.
- Bulkhead seats no one reclining into your lap, but often near bassinets (aka: potential crying zones).
- Aisle seats not technically more legroom, but the ability to stretch one leg out now and then can be a game changer.
- And if you’re flying long haul, don’t ignore premium economy. It’s not business class, but it can feel like it when you’re used to tight knees and squashed shoulders.
3. Avoid Noisy Zones
If you’re hoping to sleep, meditate, or just breathe without interruption, avoid:
- Toilets – foot traffic, door slams, and odours.
- Galleys clanging trays and busy crew. Then chatting crew and passengers
- Front rows – often where babies and toddlers are placed (due to bassinet access).
These days, I’ll happily pay a little extra to sit in a designated quiet zone and trust me, it’s worth every single dollar. There’s something blissful about escaping the chaos of slamming toilet doors, clattering trolleys, and loud conversations at 35,000 feet. I used to grit my teeth through it, especially on night flights, but not anymore. That small upgrade buys me peace, rest, and a noticeably calmer flight.
Even some of the budget airlines like Scoot and AirAsia now offer “quiet zone” seating, and let me tell you, it’s a game-changer. The extra cost Usually minimal. Certainly not a bank-breaker. But the benefits Immense. For just a small fee, you get a far more peaceful flight free from the usual soundtrack of crying babies, chatty seatmates, and non-stop foot traffic.
It’s one of the smartest travel investments I’ve made, especially for longer flights when all I want is a bit of stillness and maybe a few hours of half-decent sleep. These quiet zones are often located in a separate cabin section, sometimes even dimly lit with fewer rows a subtle cue for everyone to keep things calm.
There’s something incredibly reassuring about knowing you’re not going to be seated next to a family mid-tantrum or a party group who’ve already started the holiday drinks. It helps me breathe easier, settle in, and arrive feeling more refreshed and ready to enjoy the journey rather than needing a holiday from the flight itself.
4. Score a Safer Seat (If That Matters to You)
Statistically, flying is incredibly safe.
But if your mind races during turbulence like mine sometimes does, it might help to know that the rear of the plane, particularly aisle seats, have slightly better survival odds according to studies.
Also, the back of the plane is often where the snacks and pillows get stored. I’ve been known to score an extra biscuit or two just by being nearby with a smile.
5. Use Tools Like SeatGuru to Research Your Plane
Gone are the days of seat selection being a guessing game. Tools like SeatGuru.com let you:
- See the layout of your actual aircraft
- Read reviews on specific seats (yes, 21A really is misaligned with the window!)
- Avoid duds (like limited recline or noise zones)
- This is a must-do every time I fly, especially on unfamiliar airlines.
6. Check In Early — Or Very Late
If you want control over your seat, timing is everything.
- Check in as early as possible most airlines open online check-in 24 to 48 hours ahead.
- Or check in late if you miss early check-in, go old school and ask at the airport. Sometimes last-minute seat shuffles (like upgrades) free up prime spots.
- I’ve had surprising luck both ways including nabbing a row to myself just by asking nicely.
7. Be Kind – It Really Does Pay Off
A little kindness and charm go a long way. I always make eye contact with the check-in staff, smile, and ask:
“Are there any seats left with a bit of extra room or comfort?”
Nine times out of ten, they appreciate the manners and if there’s a good seat going, they’ll give it to someone pleasant over someone grumpy. True story: I once got moved to an exit row because the woman in front of me was rude to the staff.
My father-in-law didn’t begin travelling until later in life, and when he did, he was completely unaware of the usual dos and don’ts or unspoken travel protocols. But what he may have lacked in travel savvy, he more than made up for in kindness. He was one of the most gentle, respectful men I’ve ever known always gracious, always polite, with a quiet charm that made people want to help him.
To this day, I’ve never seen anyone receive more upgrades or unexpected perks than he did and not because he asked or expected it. He was simply treated well because of the way he treated others. His kind soul made an impression wherever he went. And even now, I often think of him when I travel reminding myself that genuine courtesy and a warm smile often open more doors than status ever could.
8. Use Your Frequent Flyer Points Wisely
Even if you’re not a platinum member, you can still get perks:
- Use points to upgrade
- Get access to seat selection before regular passengers
- Earn extra points through shopping portals or rewards credit cards
I once earned enough Qatar Airways points for a flight upgrade simply by doing what I already do every week paying bills and doing the grocery shopping. No extra flights, no fancy purchases. Just smart use of the right credit card or Wise card
These days, many banks and financial institutions offer frequent flyer-linked credit cards that reward you with airline points for everyday spending. Whether you’re paying for your weekly groceries, petrol, insurance premiums, or even your Netflix subscription those little purchases can quietly stack up into big travel rewards. Some cards even offer bonus points when you sign up or spend a certain amount in the first few months, which can fast-track you to your next upgrade or even a free flight.
Many of these cards also come with built-in travel perks, like complimentary overseas travel insurance, access to airport lounges, or priority check-in and boarding. For anyone who travels more than once a year, these benefits alone can often justify the annual card fee.
Of course, you still must be sensible it only works if you pay off the balance in full each month. But if you’re already spending the money, why not let those dollars work a little harder for you
It’s one of those quiet travel hacks that feels like a reward for simply living your life. And trust me, it feels especially satisfying when you’re sipping a drink in the lounge or stretching out in an upgraded seat all thanks to your morning coffee, electricity bill, and a few clever points.
9. Try the “Middle Seat Hack”
If you’re travelling as a couple or with a friend
One popular strategy is to book the window and aisle seats in a row of three, leaving the middle seat empty. The logic is that most solo travellers will avoid the middle if other options are available, giving you a chance at having the row to yourselves.
Best case? No one books the middle seat, and you get to stretch out, chat, or rest without a stranger in between.
Worst case? Someone ends up there, and you can always offer to swap so you and your travel buddy can sit together.
It’s a clever little trick that often works but here’s the thing: it only works when it’s done with kindness and a realistic mindset.
I’ve seen people try this recently, and when it didn’t go their way, they got visibly upset even rude towards the solo traveller who had deliberately booked that middle seat. One woman told me she prefers the middle because she gets anxious near windows and feels overwhelmed in on the aisle. She wasn’t trying to be difficult it was simply what made her feel safe.
So yes, this seating hack can be handy, but it’s not a guarantee, and it should never come at the cost of someone else’s comfort. If you’re going to use it, do so with good intentions and be prepared to gracefully accept the outcome, whatever it may be. Travel is so much better when we lead with understanding, not entitlement. Airlines are aware this is happening so be prepared for that check in person that is having a bad day.
10. Pay a Little, Gain a Lot
Let’s not pretend it’s all about freebies. Sometimes, paying $25–$50 for a better seat is the smartest investment in your entire trip.
- Quiet zone = better rest
- Front row = off the plane faster
- Extra legroom = your knees will thank you
On a recent budget flight from Bali, I paid $35 to sit in the front row and honestly, no regrets whatsoever. While the rest of the passengers were slowly squeezing down the aisle, jostling for overhead bin space, I was already comfortably settled in my seat, carry-on tucked neatly away.
Being based in Perth, Western Australia, means that Bali is practically our backyard. It’s actually quicker and often cheaper to fly to Bali than it is to fly to Sydney. Booking.com Because of that, I’ve been more than 40 times over the years. I know the drill, I know what to expect, and I’ve fine-tuned how I travel.
These days, I usually travel with just carry-on luggage to save time and avoid the baggage claim wait. But that also means I need to board early enough to secure overhead space and front-row seating makes all the difference. You’re one of the first on board, your bag gets stowed exactly where you are, and you’re one of the first off, the plane too.
So, for me, that $35 wasn’t just about legroom. It was about convenience, efficiency, and starting my holiday in a calm frame of mind instead of feeling flustered and boxed in before we’ve even taken off.
I must admit, one of my biggest gripes and a personal pet hate when it comes to air travel is the absolute chaos of carry-on baggage. It baffles me how airlines seem to turn a blind eye to what people are hauling into the cabin these days. If everyone just stuck to a regulation-size bag, there’d be enough overhead locker space for all of us right above our seats, where it belongs.
But no somewhere along the way, it became a free-for-all. Suddenly, we’ve got passengers rolling in with two backpacks, a tote the size of Tasmania, a collapsible hat, three duty-free bags, and a mystery box that probably contains a dried fish. If you’ve ever flown domestic in Vietnam, you’ll know exactly what I mean. I’ve seen everything short of a live chicken being shoved into the overhead bin and honestly, I wouldn’t be surprised if one made it through.
The result by the time I get on board with my neat little bag that does follow the rules, the lockers above my seat are full of someone else’s overflow. It’s frustrating and unfair, and yet it keeps happening.
Airlines really need to tighten up on this. It’s not just about space it’s about respect. We all paid for a seat; we all deserve a place for our belongings. So please, pack smart, pack small, and maybe leave the kite at home. (Read my article on packing)
Final Thoughts
Travelling well is absolutely part of living well. It’s not just about where you’re going it’s about how you get there. And while most of us aren’t boarding business class with champagne in hand, we still have choices. Real, practical ones that make all the difference.
Because let’s be honest seat selection isn’t just a minor detail. It’s the difference between arriving at your destination calm and refreshed or frazzled, cramped, and cranky. It’s the space to stretch your legs, the ability to get up when you need to, and sometimes even the simple luxury of feeling like you’ve been treated with respect.
So, the next time you book a flight, Booking.com don’t just click and hope for the best. Take a few moments to plan. Use the tools. Be kind to the staff. Know your priorities. And remember, a few clever hacks and a little charm can go a surprisingly long way in the sky.
And above all, travel with grace. Be the person who smiles at the gate agent, who lets someone go ahead in the aisle, who remembers that we’re all just trying to get somewhere hopefully with a bit of dignity intact.
Until then, happy flying and may your seatbelt always fit without fanfare, your neighbour be quiet and kind, and your journey be every bit as joyful as the destination.
Bonus Tips for Extra Comfort
If you’ve got the seat you want, make the most of it by packing smart. Here are a few of my go-to comfort items:
- Neck pillow – memory foam works wonders
- Compression socks – a must for long flights
- Noise-cancelling earbuds or headphones
- Eye mask and light blanket
- Water bottle – stay hydrated
- Healthy snacks – airline food can be hit and miss
Add a few personal touches from Alibaba APAC and your economy seat starts to feel a whole lot more luxurious.
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About the Author:
Sheridan-Leigh is the passionate voice behind the MyLifestyle Blog, where life is celebrated with vibrant stories and insightful travel tips. With a deep love for slow travel, she believes in truly experiencing each destination, creating connections beyond the surface. Her blog is a blend of personal stories, expert advice, and a philosophy that life is for living to the fullest and is rich with opportunities for growth and adventure. Join Sheridan-Leigh as she shares her journey, inspiring others to embrace life, travel deeply, and live fully.
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