When booking a flight, choosing the right seat can make all the difference in terms of comfort and convenience during your travels. Many people prefer aisle seats for the extra legroom and easy access to the aisle without needing to climb over other passengers. But with airlines offering different configurations, it’s not always straightforward to figure out exactly where the aisle seats are located. Here’s a quick guide to finding the aisle seat on your next flight.
What is an aisle seat?
An aisle seat refers to any seat that has direct access to the aisle without needing to pass by other seats. This gives passengers in aisle seats a few key advantages:
- Extra legroom – Aisle seats typically have a bit more legroom since there is no seat directly in front.
- Easy restroom access – You don’t need to climb over other passengers to access the aisle and restrooms.
- More mobility – It’s easier to get up and stretch your legs or grab items from the overhead bins.
- Less disrupted sleep – Fewer disturbances from neighboring passengers needing restroom access.
Of course, there are some potential downsides too. Aisle seats don’t have a window view. They also tend to have more foot traffic and may get bumped by the drink cart. But for most fliers, the pros outweigh the cons which makes aisle seats the top seat choice.
Where are aisle seats located?
Airplane seating configurations can vary, so aisle seat locations are not always the same. Here are some common arrangements:
Two seat side
On small regional jets, seating is typically 2 seats on each side of a single aisle. In this case, every seat is either an aisle or window seat. The odd-numbered seats (A, C, E, etc.) are on the left side, while even-numbered seats (B, D, F, etc.) are on the right.
Three seat side
Many mainline jets have 3 seats on each side of the aisle in coach. In a typical ABC/DEF/HJK configuration:
- A, D, F, and K are aisle seats
- B, E, and J are middle seats
- C, F, and H are window seats
So if you want an aisle, choose a seat ending in A, D, F, or K based on availability.
Two aisle cabin
On larger widebody jets, there are often two aisles in coach dividing seat sections like ABCDE/FGHJK. In this case:
- A, D, F, and K are outer aisle seats
- E and J are inner aisle seats between sections
When booking, select A, D, F, K, E or J for an aisle seat. The inner aisle seats E and J provide easier access to both aisles.
How to find and choose aisle seats
Finding and selecting aisle seats takes a bit of planning, but these tips can help:
Use seat maps
When booking online, most airlines provide a graphical seat map showing the cabin layout. This lets you visualize the aisle seat locations. Look for seats shaded in green as open aisle seats.
Select seats ahead of time
For the best selection, choose seats as early as possible, ideally when first purchasing tickets. This ensures access to preferred aisle seats before others can claim them.
Check in early
Checking in online as soon as allowed will give you the chance to view updated seat maps and change your seat if needed.
Use seat selection tools
Some airlines like Southwest only provide seat assignments at check-in. Use tools like Southwest’s EarlyBird Check-In or apps like GateGuru to get alerts and maximize your aisle seat chances.
Ask at the gate
If you still haven’t scored that coveted aisle seat, politely ask the gate agent if any aisle seats opened up. Being nice goes a long way if they have some wiggle room.
Monitor at boarding
Pay attention for vacant aisle seats as you board and ask to switch. Flight attendants are usually happy to help seat neighbors together.
Seat selection strategies
Everyone has aisle seat preferences based on their needs. Here are some effective selection strategies:
Front of section
Choose an aisle seat in the first row or two of each cabin section. This provides easy access to bathrooms and allows deplaning faster.
Exit rows
Emergency exit row aisle seats have the most legroom. But taller passengers are often prioritized, so reserve early.
Near restrooms
Pick an aisle seat close to restroom areas, but not directly adjacent due to lines forming.
On the left
Some frequent fliers prefer left-side aisle seats on the odd-numbered aisle so they can sleep towards the window without the aisle disturbance.
What if aisle seats are taken?
Demand for aisle seats is high, so they can sell out on popular flights. If no more aisle seats are available, here are some options:
- Consider a window seat – Also has easy restroom access.
- Choose an exit row middle seat – Allows standing access to the aisle.
- Select a bulkhead seat – Offers extra legroom.
- Pick the aisle side of middle seats – Only one person needs to move for restroom access.
- Pay for seat upgrades – Airlines offer extra legroom and early boarding to get aisle access.
Bottom line
Aisle seats are in hot demand, but a bit of planning and preparation can help claim that sought-after seat. Follow seat maps closely, reserve early, check-in as soon as allowed, and keep an eye out for open aisle seats at boarding. Focus on seats near key areas but away from lavatories. And if aisles are booked up, explore alternatives like windows, exit rows, or bulkheads. Prioritizing aisle access makes flying more comfortable and less stressful.
