Airplane journeys can seem like forever, especially when you’ve got a lousy seat. Between a lack of legroom, being sandwiched in a middle seat, and fighting over an armrest, it’s anything but relaxing. But there are ways to get better seats that can make things much more comfortable. Here are five ways to get a better airplane seat.
Join a Frequent Flyer Program
The most reliable way to get a better seat is to use a frequent flyer number when you make a reservation. You can use frequent flyer miles for seat upgrades.
Buy Tickets Early
The earlier you book your flight, the more seats there are to choose between. Flights on Tuesday and Wednesday tend to be less busy, which means there are more middle seats left open so you can have wiggle room when you’re in an aisle or window seat.
Purchase a Seat
Many airlines have economy-class seats with extra legroom for an additional fee. Be aware of what comes with your ticket since many of them don’t have extra perks like meals for “upgraded” seats.
Choose Your Seat When You Book
Most airlines allow you to select a seat when you purchase your ticket or return to your reservation after you make your purchase to choose your seat.
Confirm Your Seat at Check-In
Most airlines allow you to check-in up to 24 hours before the flight departs and that’s when you confirm your seat or choose a better one. There may also be discounted upgrades or offers on premium economy or business-class seats.