If you fly often, you’ve probably had the big debate: window seat or aisle seat?
In India, people often fight over the window seat. It’s fun to look outside, especially during take-off or landing. But I’m here to tell you — the aisle seat is actually the best seat on the plane.
A recent survey abroad showed 53% of people prefer the window seat, 46% like the aisle, and only 1% (poor souls) like the middle seat. But I believe the 53% are missing out. Let me explain why.
Table of Contents
1. More Space to Move
In economy class — whether you fly IndiGo, Air India, Vistara, or any low-cost airline — seats are cramped. There’s hardly any legroom.
In an aisle seat, you get a little more freedom. You can stretch your legs into the aisle now and then (just be careful of the food trolley!). You also have more room for your arms while eating or using your phone.
2. Easy Access to the Washroom
Let’s be real — on long flights like Delhi to Dubai or Mumbai to London, we all need to use the toilet at some point. If you’re stuck by the window, you have to ask two people to move. It’s awkward.
In the aisle seat, you can get up whenever you want. No need to disturb anyone. You can also keep an eye on the line forming near the toilet and go before it gets long.
3. Less Trouble If You Want to Get Up
Whether you want to stretch your legs, grab a snack from your bag, or just walk a little — it’s much easier from the aisle. You don’t have to wake up a sleeping passenger or step over someone to move.
4. Easy to Use the Overhead Cabin
In India, most people carry hand luggage. And when you want to keep or take out your laptop, charger, or even snacks from your bag, it’s much easier from the aisle seat. Just stand up and do it.
From the window or middle, you’ll either disturb your neighbours or be stuck until landing.
5. Better Service from Cabin Crew
Flight attendants pass through the aisle. If you’re in the aisle seat, it’s easier to ask for water, an extra blanket, or even just catch their attention.
Also, if you smile and are polite, you might get better service — maybe even an extra juice box or snack!
6. Faster Exit After Landing
After landing, everyone wants to get out quickly — especially when flying domestic on busy routes like Mumbai–Delhi or Bengaluru–Hyderabad.
If you’re in an aisle seat, you can stand up quickly, grab your bag, and be ready to leave. If you’re stuck by the window, you’ll wait for two people to move before you can even stand.
7. Usually a Cleaner Seat
Cleaning between flights is often rushed — especially in Indian airports where planes turn around quickly. Window seats are harder to reach and clean. Aisle seats are more open and easier to clean properly.
8. More Chances of Getting It
Most people try to book the window seat first. That means you might have a better chance of getting an aisle seat, especially if you’re booking last-minute or during busy seasons like Diwali or summer holidays.
Final Thoughts
Sure, looking out the window at the clouds or city lights is nice. But is it worth all the inconvenience?
For me, the aisle seat is the smart choice — more freedom, fewer interruptions, and a more comfortable flying experience. So next time you book your flight, maybe give the aisle a chance.
You might never go back.