Life · The seat question · Take No. 019

Window or aisle?

The view and a wall to lean on, or freedom to stand up without negotiating with two strangers. Every flight begins with this decision, and people are strangely sure about it.

The case for each side, then the verdict. Then the floor is yours.

The case for

The aisle seat

Freedom of movement

0People you have to wake to go to the bathroom. On a long-haul, this is the whole debate.
1stOff the plane. Overhead bin, then gone, while the window waits for the row to clear.
+4 inOf legroom, effectively, by stretching into the aisle when the cart isn't coming.

The case for

The window seat

The view and the wall

1Wall to lean against. The only seat in economy where real sleep is possible.
0Elbows in your side from the cart, or strangers' bags brushing your shoulder.
35,000 ftThe view. Mountains, cities at night, the curve of the coast. People forget that flying is a miracle; the window reminds you.

Cast your take

——

The verdict

It's Aisle, for anything over three hours.

Window is the romantic answer and, on a short daytime flight, the right one: take the view, you've paid for it.

But most arguing happens about long flights, and on those the window seat is a polite prison. The aisle means you own your legs and your bladder. Aisle, and look out the window on the way to the bathroom.

Disagree? That's what the buttons are for.

Window or aisle?

The aisle seat

The window seat

Cast your take

It's Aisle, for anything over three hours.

Next on the docket

Cats or dogs?

Toilet paper: over or under?

Morning person or night owl?