Why sit in the exit row?

If you need more legroom, the exit row has plenty of it (although the amount of legroom varies per aircraft). However, these seats aren't for everyone. If you're nervous about assisting in an emergency, don't sit here.



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Exit row seats have extra legroom, which is great, although most airlines now charge for them. However, I steer clear of the seats one row in front of the exit row, since these seats have their recline mechanisms disabled so they don't block the emergency exits if people need to leave the plane in a hurry.

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7 reasons some passengers don't want an exit-row seat
  • If the plane is mostly empty. ...
  • You want width more than space between seats. ...
  • If you have a tight connection. ...
  • You are hungry. ...
  • If the only exit-row seats left don't recline. ...
  • If you're traveling with a pet. ...
  • If you want a window seat, mostly for the views.


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Best seat for peace and quiet: A seat near the front. Best seat for legroom: A bulkhead or exit-row seat. Best seat for sleeping: A window seat in a bulkhead row. Best seat for extra space without a seatmate: A seat towards the back.

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On aircraft with over-wing exits, the exit row tends to have a seat pitch of around 36 inches (91cm), which is far more generous than the 31 or 30 inches in the rest of the economy cabin. This is done to ensure that passengers can rapidly access the emergency exits in case the situation ever arises.

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If you're going to sit in economy, you want to be sure you select a Main Cabin Extra seat. These are the best seats you'll find in the rear section of the plane. What makes these seats special is that they have extra pitch — that is, the distance between the seat back of one seat to the seatback of the seat in front.

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What Are the Worst Seats on a Plane?
  • The dreaded middle seat is our pick for the worst seat on a plane. ...
  • Seats towards the back of the plane tend to experience more turbulence than those towards the front. ...
  • An aisle seat located near a bathroom is one of the worst seats on the plane.


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However, statistically speaking, a seat close to an exit in the front or rear, or a middle seat in the back third of the plane offers the lowest fatality rate.

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The best way to get an exit row for free is to hold elite status with the airline you're flying. Elite members will often have the option to book premium seats like the exit row for free. Check the airline's membership program details to know what perks come with elite status.

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So, if you're wondering where to sit on a plane for the smoothest ride, book seats up front or over the wing for less turbulence. Hot Tip: Sitting in the window, aisle, or middle seat doesn't affect turbulence.

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Choose a seat between the plane's wings or closer to the front of the airplane, where the ride tends to be more stable. Avoid sitting in the back of the plane.

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