Choosing the right seat on a plane can make the difference between a comfortable journey and a stressful, exhausting experience. While many travelers focus on getting a window or aisle seat, they often overlook the fact that some areas of the aircraft should be avoided altogether. If you want a smoother, quieter, and more enjoyable flight, here are the worst places on the plane—and why you should never choose them.
1. The Last Row (Back of the Plane)
The last row is widely considered the worst place to sit on an airplane. While it might seem convenient due to proximity to the rear exit, it comes with several major disadvantages:
- Seats often don’t recline
- Close to noisy bathrooms
- Constant foot traffic from passengers and crew
- Limited overhead bin space
Additionally, food service usually starts from the front, meaning passengers in the last row may get fewer meal options or even miss out on their preferred choice.
2. Seats Near the Toilets
Sitting near the lavatories might seem convenient, but it’s one of the least desirable spots on the plane.
- Unpleasant odors
- Long queues of passengers waiting
- Frequent door slamming
- Lack of privacy and quiet
These seats are particularly uncomfortable on long-haul flights, where restroom usage increases significantly.
3. Middle Seats (Especially in Economy)
Middle seats are rarely anyone’s first choice—and for good reason:
- No direct access to aisle or window
- Limited personal space
- Armrest conflicts with neighboring passengers
On long flights, being stuck in the middle can feel extremely cramped and uncomfortable.
4. Seats Near the Galley (Kitchen Area)
The galley is where flight attendants prepare meals and drinks, making it a busy and noisy area.
- Bright lights throughout the flight
- Noise from carts, dishes, and crew conversations
- Passengers gathering while waiting for service
If you’re trying to sleep or relax, this is definitely not the place to sit.
5. Seats Over the Wings (Limited View)
While seats over the wings are more stable during turbulence, they are not ideal for everyone.
- Blocked window view
- Less exciting for first-time flyers or photography lovers
If you enjoy scenic views during takeoff and landing, you’ll be disappointed here.
6. Exit Row Seats (Not Always Ideal)
Although exit row seats offer extra legroom, they come with restrictions and responsibilities:
- Cannot store bags under the seat
- May not recline
- Must assist in emergencies
These seats are not suitable for everyone, especially if you want a relaxed journey.
7. Seats Close to Engine Area
Seats near the engines (typically around the wings) can be quite noisy.
- Constant engine noise
- Harder to sleep or concentrate
Noise-sensitive passengers should avoid this area.
8. Bulkhead Seats (Front Row of Sections)
Bulkhead seats may seem attractive, but they also have drawbacks:
- No under-seat storage
- Fixed armrests reduce width
- Often near bassinets (crying babies)
This can make long flights less comfortable than expected.
Do Airlines Offer Discounts or Free Seats for These Areas?
Short answer: Yes—but not in the way you might think. Airlines don’t “discount” the worst seats specifically… but they often give them to you for free if you don’t pay for seat selection.
Most airlines follow a simple system:
- Good seats = paid (front, aisle, window, extra legroom)
- Bad seats = free (back rows, middle seats, near toilets)
If you skip seat selection, the airline will assign you a seat at check-in. In many cases, this means you may end up with the last rows, middle seats, or seats near toilets or the galley. This is because airlines prioritize selling the better seats first.
Low-cost airlines like Ryanair, easyJet, or Frontier Airlines follow this model very strictly. You pay if you want to choose your seat. If you don’t pay, you get a random seat, which is often not ideal.
Even full-service airlines such as Emirates, Lufthansa, and British Airways use a similar approach on cheaper tickets. While higher fare classes may include seat selection, basic fares often come with random seat assignments.
There are some exceptions. Airlines like Qatar Airways, Singapore Airlines, and ANA may offer free standard seat selection, but premium seats like exit rows or front rows usually still cost extra.
So technically, the worst seats are often free—but you don’t choose them; they are assigned by default when you skip paying for seat selection.
Airlines don’t sell bad seats cheaply—they simply give them away for free when you don’t pay to choose.
Tips to Choose the Best Seat
Now that you know what to avoid, here are a few quick tips:
- Choose seats in the front half of the plane for quicker boarding and exit
- Pick window seats for better rest and views
- Select aisle seats if you need frequent movement
- Use seat selection tools before booking
Conclusions
Not all airplane seats are created equal. Avoiding the worst places—like the last row, near toilets, or close to the galley—can significantly improve your travel experience. A little planning goes a long way in ensuring a smoother, more enjoyable flight.
Next time you book a ticket, don’t just pick any seat—choose wisely and travel comfortably!
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