Long-haul travel in economy can be a pain – especially if the passenger in front is all-too-happy to have their seat reclined for the duration of the flight.
But, according to a seasoned cabin crew member, there are ways travellers are able to enhance their comfort in cramped conditions – and it all starts with selecting the right seat.
The Virgin Atlantic flight attendant, who’s clocked up five years of experience, revealed the best and worst seats for long-haul flights, while sharing how economy passengers can sleep well.
For anxious fliers who struggle with turbulence, she advised to book a seat that is located above the wings, as this offers the ‘smoothest ride.’
Passengers tend to feel less movement in this area as this is as close as they can get to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, meaning seats will vibrate less than those further back.
Sleep, on the other hand, is perhaps the biggest concern for the majority of economy passengers on long-haul flights.
Limited leg room, cabin noise, seat design and oxygen levels all contribute to poor sleep, but if you’re lucky enough to be seated as far away from the galley or lavatory as possible, you might just be in with the chance of getting more rest.
Speaking to the Express, the flight attendant explained: ‘You can never truly predict the quietest spot on a plane, as it depends on the passengers around you. But the aft [rear] of the plane can be a bit noisy because toilet flushes are quite loud.
A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant has shared the best and worst seats for economy passengers on long-haul flights
Anxious flyers are advised to book a seat that is located above the wings, as this offers the ‘smoothest ride’
‘The seats at the back on all our aircraft recline, so that’s not a problem, but sometimes light catches through the galley curtains on a night flight, and it can be noisy as the crew are working. So, I also wouldn’t choose back row seats.’
For passengers who simply want to the get the most out of their flight experience, there are two specific locations in economy that have their own benefits.
According to the cabin crew member, the ideal seat would be either five rows from the front or five rows from the back.
Sitting as close as possible to the front and means passengers are likely get their first meal choice, and it also paves the way for a smooth and quick exit after landing.
As for those seated near the back of the plane, they’ll also be served their food quicker as crew work from the back simultaneously.
However, turbulence is felt more in this area, so it’s worth weighing this up before deciding on where to sit.
Meanwhile, to further improve economy travel for travellers, Virgin Atlantic flight service manager and Love Is Blind star, Ashleigh Berry previously shared with the Daily Mail some of the biggest in-flight perks that passengers always seem to miss.
She said: ‘There’s probably areas on a plane that you don’t even know about that have got things for our guests.’
For the perfect flight experience, the ideal seat would be either five rows from the front or five rows from the back
For those seated near the front are not only likely to get their first meal choice, and it also paves the way for a smooth and quick exit after landing
First up? Complimentary snack baskets, which Ashleigh says are usually located in the galleys and within areas she refers to as ‘secret wonder walls’.
In premium, a deluxe snack box hidden in the ‘wonder wall’ contains everything from Virgin’s premium crisps and gummy sweets, to eye masks and extra pairs of socks.
Ashleigh said of the hidden stash: ‘Sometimes our customers aren’t aware of it, even if they purchased the ticket knowing it’s there.’
As for passengers in economy, there are still plenty of hidden joys.
