Aisle vs Window Seats: The Pros And Cons

Aisle vs window seats. This is undoubtedly one of the biggest debates in the travel industry. Which one is better? Why choose an aisle seat? What’s the point of the window seat? It’s a never-ending conversation.

Ultimately, the answer depends on the person and each aircraft configuration. I’m going to lay out the pros and cons of both the aisle and window seats to help see the differences between each seat type. I will not be talking about the middle seat in this post, but if you’re the 1% of people who prefer the middle seat, please shoot me a message and tell me why!

Let’s go over the pros and cons of the aisle and window seats.

Aisle Seat Pros:

1. Restroom Access Whenever You Want

The first and most popular reason why people choose the aisle seat is being able to get out of your seat whenever you want. This is especially vital on longer flights. You don’t have to worry about whether your seatmate is asleep or not, you can just get up as many times as you want.

If you like to enjoy alcohol during a flight, having the aisle might be a good idea to have easier access to the restroom. Some people like the aisle as they can avoid awkward interactions with seatmates. There are many benefits to choosing the aisle for this reason.

2. A Little More Room

Another benefit for choosing the aisle is being able to have a little more room for yourself. I’m 6’1, and being able to stretch my legs slightly into the aisle helps a little bit with space. The best part, however, is the arm space. Having an armrest all to yourself with no obstruction thanks to the aisle makes the flight more comfortable, instead of being crammed into the middle or window seat.

Pro tip: If you’re right-handed, choose an aisle seat that would have the aisle on your right-hand side (left side for left-handed people). This way, you have free range for your dominant hand when you eat or write.

3. Easy Access To Overhead Bins

Just like how easy it is to get up and use the bathroom, the overhead bins are also easily accessible when you’re on the aisle. If you forgot something in your bag, or if you need an extra layer of clothing because the plane’s a little cold, your luggage is right above you.

4. Deplane Faster

When the seatbelt signs turn off when you arrive at the gate, you can immediately grab your bags out of the overhead bins. This isn’t possible if you’re on the window, as the aisle gets full right away and you have to wait in your seat until the line moves. This is especially helpful if you have a tight connection.

You’ll also have more time to make sure you have all of your belongings.

Aisle Seat Cons

1. You Need To Make Way For Your Seatmates

Although it’s nice to be able to get up whenever you want, your seatmates will want to leave their seats every once in a while, especially if it’s a long flight. In that case, you’ll have to get out of the way for them to reach the aisle, which can be disturbing if you want to get some sleep.

2. Bumped By Passengers And Carts

Another commonly mentioned issue of the aisle seat is being bumped by passengers and food carts during the flight. Although the space to stretch out may be comfortable, you also have to remember that the aisle belongs to everyone on the plane. It’s easy to get awoken from a passenger walking by mid-flight.

3. Limited Window View

The third negative of the aisle seat is the limited view of the window you’d get. Looking outside during takeoff and landing can be fun, and it’s nice to see what’s going on outside at any time during the flight.

You also don’t have control over the window shade. Maybe you want to get some sleep, but the person on the window is enjoying the outside view, brightening your row with sunlight. There isn’t much you can do about it unless you’re on a long-haul flight.

Window Seat Pros

1. Window Views

Mt. Fuji from a Japan Airlines Airbus A350

First, getting the view is very enjoyable, especially during takeoff and landing. Sunrises and sunsets can also be very pretty, which are something I’d argue that are some of the best views you’d see in your lifetime.

On very rare occasions, you’ll even get views of the northern lights depending on the flight route. I’ve been lucky enough to see them twice. Read here for my tips on how to see the northern lights during a flight.

2. Control Over Window Shade

In addition to being able to enjoy the view, you also have control of the window shade. If you want to get some sleep or watch a movie in a darker setting, being able to close the shade whenever you want is a plus. This isn’t possible if you were on the aisle, as you’d be dependent on how the window seat person is feeling.

3. Unbothered By Seatmates

Another big plus about the window seat is how you can spend the entire flight unbothered by your seatmates. If you were seated on the aisle, you’d have to get out of the way anytime your seatmates wanted to get up. There is no need for this on the window seat, as you’re at the very end of the row. This is very helpful if you want to get quality rest during your flight.

4. Rest Your Head Against The Wall

Some passengers like to rest their heads against the wall when they’re on the window. Flights in economy class can be tiring, and finding a comfortable position to get rest can be a difficult task. The wall next to the window seat provides that comfort for some passengers that are otherwise unavailable for the middle and aisle seats.

Window Cons

1. Limited Ability To Leave Seat

The biggest deterrent to the window seat is the difficulty of getting in and out of the seat. Every time you want to use the restroom and stretch around, you have to climb over your seatmates to do so. This can create awkward interactions and situations where you have to wake up those next to you.

2. Limited Access To Overhead Bins

Similar to my first point, having to climb over your seatmates every time you want to get up means that you’re also limited on your ability to access the overhead bins. Maybe you forgot a sweatshirt in there, or you want to grab your phone charger that’s still in your bag. It can be a pain, especially on a longer flight.

Bottom Line

The aisle vs window seat debate ultimately comes down to personal preference. Some people may value sleep so they’ll choose the window. Others may value space and opt for an aisle seat. Everyone has different preferences and makes seating decisions for various reasons. As long as you understand what each seat means and make decisions accordingly, you can’t go wrong.

Just don’t pick the middle seat.

All photos taken by the author.