Do you prefer to sit on the port or starboard side?
#31
Join Date: Oct 2008
Location: Isle of Skye, Scotland
Programs: BA gold
Posts: 3,902
Whichever side has the least amount of people around my seat.
In Australia, I try to avoid the sunny side.
Long haul Oz-UK, sunny side so I can control the blinding light.
TATL crossings, north side to see the vast arctic landscape.
Finally, the A side has my preference due to my best ear being on the right to hear the cabin crew say "chicken or beef?"
In Australia, I try to avoid the sunny side.
Long haul Oz-UK, sunny side so I can control the blinding light.
TATL crossings, north side to see the vast arctic landscape.
Finally, the A side has my preference due to my best ear being on the right to hear the cabin crew say "chicken or beef?"
#32
Join Date: May 2014
Location: BRU
Programs: BA GGL, TK E (*G), ITA exec
Posts: 4,078
For SH usually port; reading left to right the seating map I choose the first available seat in the most forward row. Sometimes, when thinking a bit more about the seat and the view, I go for starboard.
Long Haul it really depend from the aircraft, but on BA (J) more starboard than not.
Long Haul it really depend from the aircraft, but on BA (J) more starboard than not.
#33
Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: LHR GVA HKG TLV PVG JFK
Programs: AA EXP
Posts: 3,951
I choose according to sun and views, if relevant (often is not, like not knowing which approach will be taken or dark flight etc). If not prefer A side because can then leave my GPS watch on left hand. It is no during flights so I see location, speed, altitude etc. makes it more interesting (and records path taken too), saying that, not too hard to put watch on other hand....
#35
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
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#36
FlyerTalk Evangelist, Ambassador, British Airways Executive Club
Join Date: Jun 2008
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Exactly the same here. Of course, NCE is a particularly interesting example because the wind of the day will determine what is the right side and it could change at any time in the day so can be complicated to guess (though I personally find the views on the rarer eastern approach even more spectacular so usually go for that in case. Lower probability of winning but by my taste a much greater reward!). SYD can also depend on the approach!
#37
Suspended
Join Date: Dec 2013
Posts: 1,271
Yes, one of the supposed origins of the word 'posh', referring to which side of a transatlantic ship one booked a cabin on when travelling from the UK to N. America. Intended to be on the sunny side of the ship.
Today on a transatlantic flight, who cares.
Today on a transatlantic flight, who cares.
#38
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Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: London
Programs: Mucci. Nothing else matters.
Posts: 38,644
I thought it was supposed to be the shady side on the trips to India? I think that all of the myth-debunking articles I've ever read referred to that being the supposed route.
#39
Join Date: Apr 2015
Location: US/UK - and elsewhere
Programs: BA Gold
Posts: 2,554
Starboard on TATL primarily to be mostly on the shady side - and for views of London if clear. Although occassionly port westbound which is good for seeing my house if coming in on 33L at BWI.... .
#41
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Join Date: Jul 2009
Location: UK
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You can also tell by looking at whether the call buttons are lighted up or not on the Airbus
#43
Join Date: May 2012
Location: London, UK
Programs: BA Gold, Hotels.com Gold
Posts: 390
I would have said no preference but seeing as yesterday I automatically went to sit in E/F and had to be reminded by my husband that we were actually A/B I guess that means I have some subconscious inclination to starboard.
I do prefer starboard and not over the wing for flying back into LCY in the hope of the approach over Canary Wharf.
I do prefer starboard and not over the wing for flying back into LCY in the hope of the approach over Canary Wharf.