Aisle or Window...Preference Poll
#47
Suspended
Join Date: Sep 2000
Location: GSP (Greenville, SC)
Programs: DL Gold Medallion; UA Premier Executive; WN sub-CP; AA sub-Gold
Posts: 13,393
Window, with NO exceptions!
I can't overdo singing the praises of seat self-selection!
If a window seat just a few rows behind the wing is available, that's my favorite (to watch the flaps and slats). Otherwise, window in front of the wing.
I alternate left and right sides so my neck doesn't permanently twist in one direction
I can't overdo singing the praises of seat self-selection!

If a window seat just a few rows behind the wing is available, that's my favorite (to watch the flaps and slats). Otherwise, window in front of the wing.
I alternate left and right sides so my neck doesn't permanently twist in one direction
#48
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Houston, TX , CO PLT
Posts: 189
Bulkhead in F/C is first priority for me. I prefer Aisle there, but it doesn't really matter, as the Aisle person does not have to get up for the Window person, so either is really OK with me.
If I am doomed to coach, then Aisle, please, Aisle.
If I am doomed to coach, then Aisle, please, Aisle.
#50


Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: Lake Oswego, OR
Programs: UA 1K 2MM, Marriott Lifetime Platinum, Hilton Diamond
Posts: 3,202
I prefer window seats nearly all of the time because I often appreciate both the view and the glimpse of actual daylight, something sorely lacking during occasional 14 hour stints in front of a computer. I typically opt for the right side of planes for Westbound flights and the left side of planes for Eastbound flights in order to minimize exposure to direct sunlight and to lessen possible conflicts regarding the position of the window shade. North/South flight preferences depend on the time of the day.
Whereas its true that there is often very little to see at cruising altitude, this is certainly not the case during takeoff and landing. Eastbound approaches into Denver and Northbound or Westbound approaches into PDX can be particularly spectacular. My favorite scenario is to fly north towards PDX and then make a sharp Westerly bank around the Camas area. The entire Columbia river gorge is displayed before me in all of its splendor. Doesn't seem to have quite the same impact at night, though
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Whereas its true that there is often very little to see at cruising altitude, this is certainly not the case during takeoff and landing. Eastbound approaches into Denver and Northbound or Westbound approaches into PDX can be particularly spectacular. My favorite scenario is to fly north towards PDX and then make a sharp Westerly bank around the Camas area. The entire Columbia river gorge is displayed before me in all of its splendor. Doesn't seem to have quite the same impact at night, though
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#51


Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: ZRH / YUL
Programs: UA, DL, TK, Starwood > Marriott, Hilton, Radisson, GHA
Posts: 7,583
i like window seats on all flights in c/f class and within europe on shorter flights (<3h), because i just love the view, it's like a living geography lesson and that's amazing, isn't it? as for longer flights, say transatlantic, i usally go for aisle so i won't disturb others and can have my legs streched a bit.
#52




Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: IND
Programs: 1K 2MM
Posts: 218
I prefer window for two reasons. On red-eyes (in coach) I find it much easier to sleep leaning against the wall. If I want a break from working, gazing out the window provides continuous entertainment. Plus, a window seat is almost mandatory when traveling with kids >2 years old. Choice of seats--whichever side Mt. Ranier will be on!
#53
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Nov 1999
Location: FTFOE
Programs: TalkBoard: We discuss / ad nauseum things that mean / so very little
Posts: 10,225
Always window. I like to be able to see what is going on outside, particularly when taxiing, takeoff, and landing. The wall makes a good headrest and no one has to climb over you when they need to go exercise their external sphincters. If stuck in economy class (i.e. all the time!), then a few rows behind the wing to get a good view down and to able to watch the flaps.
FewMiles..
FewMiles..
#54
Join Date: May 2000
Location: IAD/DCA via OMA, ATL, AUO, AMS, ORD/MDW, IAD/DCA, LHR/LGW, DEN, SEA, DFW/DAL
Programs: AA Gold; HILTON Gold; Ex UA PremEx
Posts: 337
As a large dude, always a window... but I'm happy to give up my seat if it means escaping a screaming 3-year old!
#55
Join Date: May 2000
Location: Naples, Florida
Posts: 7,419
Short flights: I don't care.
Longhaule:
Window, can sleep better.
As far in front as possible.
Not near the restroom(s).
From my booking/pre-seating calls with agents, I would assume that Frequent Fliers prefer AISLE; they mostly offer me Aisle first.
Longhaule:
Window, can sleep better.
As far in front as possible.
Not near the restroom(s).
From my booking/pre-seating calls with agents, I would assume that Frequent Fliers prefer AISLE; they mostly offer me Aisle first.
#57
Moderator, Argentina and FlyerTalk Evangelist




Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: MIA / EZE
Programs: Lord of Malbec & all Wines Argentine. AA EXP / Marriott Lifetime Gold / Hyatt Explorist / Hertz PC
Posts: 36,204
Avoiding bulkheads is also my priority. After that, I will take a window if its in the exit row, else I go for aisle.
When flying FC, I always try to go for the window seat.
When flying FC, I always try to go for the window seat.
#58




Join Date: Jun 2000
Location: Lost in Translation
Programs: DL DM, Hyatt Exp
Posts: 370
Always a window.
Not much photography can be done from an aisle seat.
The coast of France at dawn, the cruise ships of Miami, cloud formations, scars and gashes in the land of the Prairies and cities that spring up like an oasis, etc. Very unique photographic perspectives. Even the blurred lights of an airport terminal at touchdown can be an interesting picture if done right, although setting up a tripod in that tiny space can be tricky, but it has been done 
Elektrik
Not much photography can be done from an aisle seat.
The coast of France at dawn, the cruise ships of Miami, cloud formations, scars and gashes in the land of the Prairies and cities that spring up like an oasis, etc. Very unique photographic perspectives. Even the blurred lights of an airport terminal at touchdown can be an interesting picture if done right, although setting up a tripod in that tiny space can be tricky, but it has been done 
Elektrik
#59
Join Date: Feb 2000
Location: New York, NY, USA
Programs: BAGold; AA3MMPlat; UA1MMGold; FBGold; MarriottAmb; AccorPlat; HHGold; ICPlatAmb; HyattDiscoverist
Posts: 4,378
Aisle, so I can stretch my legs and not have to excuse myself and trip over someone's feet if I need to use the lav or get something from the overhead. I generally prefer bulkheads because I hate having someone's head reclining into my lap (or invading my 3" of space in coach), and will forego some (but not all) legroom in exchange, so there are a few bulkhead seats I won't accept.
#60
Join Date: Jan 2000
Location: Ex-BA Gold, now no status at all!
Posts: 357
Like many people here I always go for a window. On BA Club World I always used to go for the bulkhead too (hence the moniker), so that I could get out without disturbing my seat mate. Even with a 50 pitch the recline and leg rest can make it impossible not to disturb the aisle sitter. To be sure of the best possible view I would also go for the forward-most business cabin or up stairs to make sure I wasnt over the wing. Im sure on occasions my request for a seat as far forward as possible sounded like a lame request for an upgrade to First, which it wasnt.
However, my preference is changing . The new fully flat beds in Club on some BA routes now mean the bulkhead has no real advantage. In fact the one real disadvantage of the new seat-cum-bed arrangement is that you are more likely to be over the wing (the business class cabins extend further backwards), or just in front of the wing but looking back on to it
Still, its a small price to pay for a very comfortable seat 
Now, why not video pictures on your in-seat TV, giving you a view straight down and a pilots-eye view? Not as good as the naked eye I admit, but would offer alternative views, and could be available to all seats. I cant imagine that it would cost too much either. I dont know of any airline which has this, but do remember a few years ago Virgin Atlantic talking about it, and possibly removing windows to reduce aeroplane costs!
However, my preference is changing . The new fully flat beds in Club on some BA routes now mean the bulkhead has no real advantage. In fact the one real disadvantage of the new seat-cum-bed arrangement is that you are more likely to be over the wing (the business class cabins extend further backwards), or just in front of the wing but looking back on to it
Still, its a small price to pay for a very comfortable seat 
Now, why not video pictures on your in-seat TV, giving you a view straight down and a pilots-eye view? Not as good as the naked eye I admit, but would offer alternative views, and could be available to all seats. I cant imagine that it would cost too much either. I dont know of any airline which has this, but do remember a few years ago Virgin Atlantic talking about it, and possibly removing windows to reduce aeroplane costs!

