Which side of the plane do you like to sit on, left or right?
 

Assuming you're riding on a plane with an equal configuration on both sides (2-2, 3-3, 2-3-2), which side do you like to sit on, left or right? Why?

I prefer the left side. Since I usually sit in an aisle seat, and I'm right handed, the left side of the plane means I am less likely to bump my seatmate while writing, using a laptop, etc.

usually the left side not even sure why

... expect for transatlantic overnight where i want to sleep and then the right side so my head can lean against the window

Shadow side always.

I tend to choose the side that has the seat I want closest to the front. On a two-aisle aircraft, I always try to choose the right. The right aisle is always quicker to get to your seat and exit than the left aisle. Non-frequent travelers just queue like lemmings into the closest aisle upon entering and seem to get in the left aisle when exiting.

right side, no reason why...

Usually right side aisle so that I can stretch my bum leg if I need to; but have often opted for the shady side.

I decide according to the route and what I think we'll see on a certain side. I find it frustrating to hear the captain pointing out Las Vegas or the Grand Canyon and to be unable to have a look. Of course, with the advent of audio and then films, these announcements seem to be fewer. The two best sights I ever saw were not announced and they were both on the left side. One was a clear view of the Emerald Isle one morning [it's often covered with fog] and the other came up so fast that I had to make a mad lunge for my camera but I did manage to get a photo, of Windsor Castle. We flew right over the Queen's home, thanks to British Airways, somewhat in the same manner that Jet Blue now flies over our house on its approach to Long Beach Airport.

If I go for the aisle, the right side, as I'm left-handed and it's easier to do the crossword & sudoku.

BINGO!

Exactly the same for me.

William

Being right handed, I like the left side aisle seat as well. I prefer configurations with three seats on the sides so that I can(hopefully) have an empty seat between me an the window seat occupant.

The right side is doesn't work as well if you're using a laptop.

I tend to choose the left side (specifically, the aisle), since I'm right-handed. If I'm in Y in an MD-80 (shudder), I'll always choose the aisle on the 2 side - regardless of the configuration.

(edit to note that on the MD-80, the 2 side is also usually the left; however, I have been on a couple of AS flights this year where there was a 3-2 configuration, with the 2 side being the right side. That said, though, I was in F for both of those flights.) :D

Mike

If it's a 2-3 config, I like the right side because of the increased chance of an empty seat. Preferably aisle. If it's a 3-3 and I'm in coach, I like the left aisle. If I'm in F, I like the window and don't care about which side I'm on.

All depends on the route. Into DCA, its worth it to take a chance on a River approach, you means you want to sit on the left size.

I'm flying into SAN in Sept. and also picked the left side because I heard its a better view.

I take the left side for most of my BOS arrivals, as you can see the skyline either when landing on 4R/4L, or while flying over the airport to land on 22R/L.

For a BOS departure, its a decent bet to sit on the right side for runway 27.

I try to do this too sometimes. Wish there was a web site that would tell you what side of the plane you need to be on to see certain sites depending on your departure and arrival city. Some Flyertalker must have a list of likely runways for certain flights and knowledge of flight paths.

Shady side window unless there's going to be some great
natural wonder on the sunny side.

I'll testify that it's correct, the airport is no more than a mile as the crow flies... planes buzz right by. It's nice at night.

If a flight is in the morning or evening, always sitting on shade side. Otherwise, depending on what scenary is there to see on each side of the plane.

What about the Middle ? You missed the middle row seats. I like the middle row seats. I like to be sandwiched in between.

I'm right handed but I always prefer to sit on the right side - I don't know why.

Ever since I saw photos of the damage to UA flight 811 HNL-SYD, in 1989, where 9 paxs were sucked out the right side above the faulty cargo door which opened in flight, I always opt for the left side.

Shady side. Actually, either side, so long as it's not the middle.

For my upcoming Trip, I mixed where I sit.. Outbound to lhr on the right… Lhr-bom on the left… bom-lhr on the right and lhr-jfk on the left…

All window seats….
:D

Shady side means the north (left) side of the plane when going west to east within North America; the south (right) side when going from east to west (the sun is over the equator). In other words, a daytime RT from LAX-IAD-LAX is POSH (Port Out Starboard Home), even in Y. Flying north-south routes, in the AM on the west side, and in the PM on the east side.

I dont care really aslong I have my aisle seat... I hate getting over people, and i get up alot during a flight.

-Vincent

Right side when flying into the old HKG.

Left side when travelling to NRT as I was lucky (just the once mind) to see an exhilarating panoramic view of Tokyo with Mount Fuji clearly towering in the distance as I descended into the airport. I wouldn't like to miss the opportunity to see it again (although I'm putting my Dad there for my next trip... just in case.)

Is there a thread somewhere saying which sights can be seen on certain routes (and where you should sit to see them)? I was on the right from LAS-MAN a few months ago and got a terrific view of the Hoover Dam.

As others have said, depends on the route. I like the window seat because I need to see what's going on outside the plane - helps me make sense of bumps in the road and keeps me calm. ;) It also depends on the time of day, as I don't really enjoy having the sun in my eyes if it's in the middle of the day. So beyond that, I don't really have a preference as to which side.

I'm right handed so I prefer the aisle seat on the left side of the plane.

I will sit on the right, however, if it is the last aisle seat open.

Have you ever noticed though that no matter which side of the plane you sit on, if you fly over something really cool and the pilot comments on it, it is ALWAYS on the OTHER side of the plane. :mad:

:D

Left side on long flights since, in my experience, that side usually gets served beverages, etc., first (I like to sleep).

I like to sit on the aisle unless I'm travelling with Mr. Tb; then I'll take the window so that he can have more room.

Usually the left window, but for no reason. Unless I know the route and if there is something special to see. In that case, it doesn't matter. As long as the window. And I prefer the front half of Y, if not F.

Posh.

Varies
 

Earlier writer said "Wish there was a web site that would tell you what side of the plane you need to be on to see certain sites depending on your departure and arrival city."

Still only gives you a 50% or so chance of being at the correct window. Unless noise restrictions or mountains dictate one way traffic patterns, the runway in use changes with the wind. Your view is completely different regardless of which side you are on.

I don't really feel the difference. Any side is fine by me as long as it's an aisle seat.

That earlier writer was me. Flyertalkers are so knowledgeable that someone could probably tell you "if there is a northwesterly breeze at EWR, you should sit on the left side of the plane if you want to see the Manhattan skyline after takeoff".

That's the kind of thing I was thinking of too! The variations can be just as interesting as the sites.

Lately, I've been sitting on the left side. There is no reason for it, and I don't request it, it just tends to happen that way...

Years of flying DL's MD88's have conditioned me to selecting the right side, even when there are equal numbers of seats on either side.

Give me the aisle every time. The heck with the view, I just want to be able to get up when I want to without asking permission.

I got the same kind of brainwashing! On some flights/ aircrafts I usually to go on the left side, on other ones I'll pick the right side, but always an aisle seat. Most of the time it's on the left side because I am under the (false?) impression that I would deplane faster.
Seatguru.com is obviously of a great inluence too and overall comfort would prevail to sticking to one side or the other!