Prefer right or left side of the plane?
May 14, 2013 | 12:52 pm
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2011
Location: SBN
Programs: I don't travel anymore
Posts: 123
Prefer right or left side of the plane?
I've seen two threads in the last week where people have mentioned preferring the right side of the plane. To me, it's symmetrical. Are there benefits to either side that I'm missing?
May 14, 2013 | 1:07 pm
#5
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 2009
Location: SEA the REAL Washington; occasionally in the other Washington (DCA area)
Programs: AS MVPG 100K (Atmos Titanium) / 0.5MM; DL fallen PM (1.58MM = Complimentary Annual GM); AA Gold
Posts: 24,464
physiological issues such as difficulty in bending a knee may influence whether someone wants or needs to sit on a particular side of the plane
time of day and general direction of flight, combined with sun position, can influence where someone chooses to sit (sunny side is often warmer, and lighting/glare can be an issue for laptops and e-readers)
underseat storage space and access can vary depending on whether the row in front of you has 1, 2, or 3 seats
there are probably a bunch of other factors ...
time of day and general direction of flight, combined with sun position, can influence where someone chooses to sit (sunny side is often warmer, and lighting/glare can be an issue for laptops and e-readers)
underseat storage space and access can vary depending on whether the row in front of you has 1, 2, or 3 seats
there are probably a bunch of other factors ...
May 14, 2013 | 1:08 pm
#8
Join Date: Aug 2012
Location: SE US
Posts: 94
Lots of factors at play here.
- type of aircraft - some smaller jets have 2 seats on one side and 3 on the other or 1 on one side and 2 on the other - makes a difference when travelling with others
- if you like gazing out the window, depending on takeoff/approach patterns, you might miss something cool to see if you're on the left rather than the right and vice versa. I've seen some very cool views of the Manhattan skyline while landing at LGA because I sat on the right that I otherwise would not have seen.
- direction of travel - this is my biggest one for me - if I'm taking a morning flight leaving from say ATL and going to SFO, I'm taking the left side so the sun isn't blinding me the whole way!
- type of aircraft - some smaller jets have 2 seats on one side and 3 on the other or 1 on one side and 2 on the other - makes a difference when travelling with others
- if you like gazing out the window, depending on takeoff/approach patterns, you might miss something cool to see if you're on the left rather than the right and vice versa. I've seen some very cool views of the Manhattan skyline while landing at LGA because I sat on the right that I otherwise would not have seen.
- direction of travel - this is my biggest one for me - if I'm taking a morning flight leaving from say ATL and going to SFO, I'm taking the left side so the sun isn't blinding me the whole way!
May 14, 2013 | 1:23 pm
#10
Join Date: May 2012
Location: Los Angeles, CA
Programs: AA EXP, SPG Platinum
Posts: 232
Prefer right or left side of the plane?
Left side aisle, 90% time. The right jaded thing coupled with maybe something to do with driving and that being on the left side...I obviously have control issues.
May 14, 2013 | 2:16 pm
#11
Join Date: Mar 2011
Location: UK
Programs: BA | VS | UA | DL
Posts: 270
Was just wondering this the otherday!
Right side. Don't care much for the right. Plus better views landing into LHR, typically. I like to let my head flop to the right when I'm nodding off in coach.
Right side. Don't care much for the right. Plus better views landing into LHR, typically. I like to let my head flop to the right when I'm nodding off in coach.
May 14, 2013 | 2:17 pm
#12
Join Date: Jul 2012
Location: DFW
Programs: UA 1K, HH Diamond, AA PLT, DL Silver
Posts: 427
Right side window, almost every time up until recently.. Never noticed it until my wife pointed it out. For long-haul flights, I do account for direction of travel and the potential for light.
Since my wife pointed it out about a year ago, I'd say I've been fairly even in my shorter flights. Always a window, though. Love watching the world go by.
Since my wife pointed it out about a year ago, I'd say I've been fairly even in my shorter flights. Always a window, though. Love watching the world go by.
May 14, 2013 | 2:33 pm
#14
Join Date: Mar 2004
Location: On the road, 24/7/365
Posts: 3,589
I'll take INside over OUTside. Otherwise, I'm indifferent. Give me a window (or, if necessary a "center") and keep me out of the aisle.
I'll pick right or left side window based on destination/approach once in a while.
I'll pick right or left side window based on destination/approach once in a while.
May 14, 2013 | 3:25 pm
#15
Join Date: Jan 2012
Location: MCI
Programs: DL, UA Silver
Posts: 287
I prefer the left for some unknown reason. Although, I just really like any aisle seat on either side of the plane. If I am on a DC-9 or MD-80/90, then I like the side with two seats if I am in the back. Of course, if you have to ride in the back of a DC-9, I love being by the engines. I just love hearing the noise and cannot get enough of that sound, because we will not be hearing it much longer.