Explored Economy Class Seating Across the Entire Aircraft on a Long-Haul Flight
Experimenting Economy: A Test of Front vs Back on Long-Haul Flights
Last summer, I embarked on an intriguing adventure, testing out the seating arrangements in economy class on a long-haul flight – both at the front and the back. Curious to see if my preferences would change, I boarded a Lufthansa flight from Denver, USA, bound for Germany.
The front-seaters usually bask in the luxury of choice, nabbing their meal first, and being among the first to leave the plane. However, those in the back have a unique advantage – a better chance of having an empty seat next to them, a godsend for a journey as lengthy as this one.
With a researcher's mindset, in the summer of 2024, I conducted an experiment on this very flight. For the outbound journey, I found myself nestled in row 42, the third-to-last row in economy. For the return trip, I snagged a spot in row 11, right at the front of the economy section.
The Front Cuts it Close With Food Variety
On the flight to Denver, the flight attendants rolled out carts laden with food, and each passenger was presented with a simple dilemma: chicken or pasta? But the luck wasn't the same at the back of the economy cabin. When the cabin crew eventually reached my row, the pickings were slim, with only remnants of beef and mashed potatoes available. Over several long-haul flights, I've found that this isn't merely bad luck – it's a pattern. I've experienced this on my trip to Tokyo and another voyage to Germany.
If you're a picky eater, you might opt for a seat in the front rows, solely based on the food selection. Yet, I usually pre-book a vegetarian meal for long-haul flights to ensure I know what to expect before boarding.
The Back Wins in Toilet Avoidance
Cramped spaces require minimal disturbances, and that includes avoiding unpleasant odors from nearby toilets. So, my top priority when selecting a long-haul seat is to keep the bathrooms at arm's length – far, far away. On my ten-hour flight to Germany, I was seated at the back of the economy cabin, where thankfully, there was no bathroom immediately behind me. Instead, I had a galley just a few steps away, perfect for a brief break.
On the return flight, I found myself once again seated up front, with no bathroom in close proximity. Given the choice between premium economy on a future flight, I'd double-check seating options to ensure no bathrooms hovered nearby.
Vacant Seats are a Rear-end Specialty
I've been fortunate enough to secure a middle seat all to myself on a handful of long-haul flights, reveling in the extra space. In search of repeat luck, I've come to believe that your best bet for an empty seat neighbor lies at the back of the cabin. That's because most people tend to avoid this section, leaving these seats to be chosen last or left empty altogether.
Prior to the flights, I checked the seating plan and discovered my hunch was correct. Most of the vacant seats were situated at the rear of economy class. Unfortunately, despite my careful planning, both flights were fully booked, so I found myself sharing my seat with a fellow traveler regardless of where I was seated.
Pulling Ahead at the Back: Deplaning Speed
One of the main arguments for seating in the front of the economy section is the quicker deplaning process upon arrival. Although this was true for most of my long-haul flights, I encountered an exception on landing at Munich Airport. The cabin crew informed us that we could exit both the front and rear doors and thus, I was able to depart the plane swiftly even from my back-row seat. If I had been seated in the front on the return flight, I would have been one of the last off the plane, leading to longer queues at customs.
Embrace the Rear on Long-Hauls
A ten-hour flight is hardly a joy ride, but my patience has taught me to find solace in the little victories – like landing a window seat or securing an empty seat beside me. Ultimately, everyone has their own preferences. For me, it's the back of the plane where I can stretch out and have better chances of having an empty seat beside me.
In conclusion, seating choices on long-haul flights involve weighing various factors such as food selection, proximity to toilets, and seat availability and comfort. Whether you lean toward the front or the back, it's all about finding what suits you best.
Interesting Facts
- If you're a food connoisseur, choosing a seat near the front might be beneficial, as passengers there are usually served meals first.
- Sitting at the back of the plane can mean later wake-ups, since you're less likely to be disturbed by early meal services or sunrise landings.
- Airlines typically have more extra legroom seats towards the back, often due to bulkhead configurations.
What if I were to agree with Monica on the advantage of seating at the back of the plane on long-haul flights? In her lifestyle blog, home-and-garden section, she explains that it offers a better chance of having an empty seat, which can significantly improve comfort during the journey. Additionally, she points out that seating at the back can lead to later wake-ups since you're less likely to be disturbed by early meal services or sunrise landings. Furthermore, it's worth mentioning that airlines sometimes have more extra legroom seats towards the back, often due to bulkhead configurations. This could potentially be an interesting fact to consider when choosing a seat on your next long-haul flight. However, it's crucial to prioritize your personal preferences and needs, as everyone's experience may differ.
