Where in the World: Is This Seat Taken?

I don’t fly frequently, but when I do, it’s for long distances. Because of this, I’m always interested and concerned about my seat on an aircraft. We’re familiar with the cramped seating on aircraft these days, and for an 11-15 hour flight, a seat can make a real difference in a vacation, or holiday.

I believe that a vacation begins the moment you walk out the front door. It helps when you know that you’ve secured a decent seat on a flight. Sometimes you’re able to select a seat on an airline, during the reservation process, other times you must wait until a day or two of your flight. Loyal flyers, eligible for upgrades, may have to wait until check-in at the airport for notification of a better seat, and other times you have to wait until boarding. I’ve actually been seated on the aircraft, when informed that I’ve been upgraded. I’ve experienced it all! With the advent of airline mergers, it’s become increasingly difficult for loyal airline members to get seat upgrades.

Increasingly, airlines charge for highly desirable seats, such as aisle, window, seats closer to the front of the aircraft, exit rows and premium, which offers more legroom. Flying has certainly become a daunting, and much more costly experience. So how to navigate your upcoming journey of flight?

For years now, I’ve referred to Seat Guru, a site that not only provides maps containing seating configurations for an airline’s aircraft, but also rates each seat on the plane, including details on pros and cons. I love it, and depend on it heavily for all of my flights. Another site that I find particularly helpful is Flyer Talk, which provides airline reviews, ratings, and images on specific seats, class categories, service, food, entertainment, and overall flying experience, on named airlines.