Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - What is SeatGuru and How Does it Work?

SeatGuru is an invaluable resource for travelers looking to secure the best seat possible on their next flight. With airlines cutting legroom and cramming more seats onto planes, picking the right spot can make or break your in-flight experience. SeatGuru provides detailed seat maps and reviews for nearly any aircraft flying today so you can locate the seats with the most legroom, avoid lavatories, score aisle access, and dodge recliner conflicts.

Founded in 2001, SeatGuru contains a database of thousands of aircraft seat maps and user-generated reviews. The site lets you easily search for your airline and flight number to pull up the exact plane you’ll be flying on. From there, you can view the seat map to find open seats and click on any chair for photos and feedback from previous fliers. Reviews highlight pros like extra legroom and cons like noisy galleys so you can learn from other travelers’ experiences.

SeatGuru also uses color coding and ratings to identify good, bad, and standard seats at a glance. Green seats are considered “best” picks with extra legroom or special features while red flags note poor seats, like those near lavs that limit recline. Yellow marks average or standard options. These visual cues make it easy to zero in on seats with the most perks and avoid ones with major drawbacks when reviewing the map.

In addition to seat-specific details, SeatGuru provides useful airline information like aircraft configurations, seat pitch and width, plane amenities, and lavatory counts. This gives valuable context on what to expect, especially when comparing similar flights on different planes. You can also access airport lounge reviews and terminal maps covering over 350 airports worldwide.

While SeatGuru excels at aggregating input from frequent fliers, it does have limitations. Some seat maps and reviews can be out of date as airlines regularly reconfigure cabins. Budget airlines often have less details available. Reviews also reflect personal preferences that may not match your needs. However, SeatGuru remains an indispensable resource for getting the lay of the land before you select seats.

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Focus on Legroom - Pick Seats with the Most Space

Cramped legs and stiff knees make for an unpleasant flight. With airlines squeezing more seats onto planes, legroom has become a hot commodity. Focusing on seats with ample leg space can transform an arduous journey into a comfortable one.

Legroom varies greatly depending on airline, aircraft, and seat location. Consulting SeatGuru reveals key details on the best seats for stretching out. For example, bulkhead rows and emergency exit rows typically offer the most generous legroom on any given plane.

Bulkhead seats have no row in front so you can really extend your legs. However, these rows sometimes lack under-seat storage space for bags due to equipment under the seats. Exit rows are located next to emergency exits, either over the wing or at the front/back of coach. Airlines require exit row passengers to be capable of assisting in case of emergency, so not all travelers qualify for these seats. But if you can snag one, you’ll be rewarded with up to 10 inches of extra space for your knees and feet.

Aside from bulkheads and exits, there are other seats sprinkled throughout the cabin offering extra inches of precious legroom. These are highlighted in SeatGuru’s color-coded maps, making them easy to identify. For example, United's 737-800s have a few rows of Economy Plus seats with expanded legroom.

However, it's important to note that an "Economy Plus" seat on one airline may offer less space than a standard seat on another carrier. This is where SeatGuru's detailed measurements for seat pitch (distance from one seat to the same spot on the next row) become invaluable.

For instance, a Lufthansa Airbus A320 coach seat has a pitch of 30-32", while a Spirit A320 seat pitch can be as little as 28”. That 2-4” difference can mean the world on long flights. Comparing seat pitch and width stats on SeatGuru can help you zero in on not just exit and bulkhead seats but other "hidden gems" with extra wiggle room.

Scouring travel forums and SeatGuru user reviews reveal favorite picks amongst seasoned travelers. On American Airlines 737s, seats in row 17 frequently come highly recommended for having both ample legroom and no seat in front thanks to the exit row. United's 757-200 aircraft only has a few rows of Economy Plus, making row 20 top choice for coach travelers needing to stretch out.

Of course, open seats with extra legroom come at a premium. Airlines often charge higher fares for bulkheads, exits, and priority seats. Budget carriers in particular monetize every inch of space. Spirit notoriously offers a misleading “Big Front Seat” which is simply an exit row without more room - it just lacks a seat in front.

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Locate the Lavatories - Avoid Being Near the Bathrooms

Sitting near an airplane lavatory may seem like a convenience, but this location comes with several nuisances that can ruin your flight. From unpleasant smells to bothersome traffic, dealing with the bathroom area is a headache most travelers aim to avoid. Consulting SeatGuru’s detailed maps allows you to steer clear of lav-adjacent seats and enjoy an undisturbed journey.

While situating yourself near the lavatory may promise easy access for bathroom runs, this region is inevitably smelly, noisy, and crowded. The aroma of bathroom odors tend to linger around lavatory rows. These unpleasant whiffs make enjoying meals or catching shut eye difficult. Flight attendants opening and closing lav doors also generates bothersome noise pollution. You’ll constantly hear the clanking of doors amid announcements about the bathrooms being out of service.

Furthermore, the space around the lav transforms into Grand Central Station with passengers lined up and cramming the aisles. Fellow travelers waiting their turn to use the bathroom have little regard for your personal space as they bump your elbows and step over your feet. You’ll constantly need to unbuckle your seatbelt and get up as a steady stream of lavatory-goers flow by. This area simply becomes a high-traffic zone you'll never find peace in.

SeatGuru reviewers often complain of getting stuck in lavatory rows. One United passenger remarked, "Don't sit in any seat next to the bathrooms, especially bulkhead, people congregate waiting for bathrooms." A Lufthansa customer noted there was a "constant stream of passengers waiting for the bathroom mostly standing in the legroom." And an American Airlines flier remarked that the bathroom rows were "very busy with passengers waiting in line".

Airplane bathroom ratios also impact traffic flow. SeatGuru provides details on the number of lavs onboard so you can anticipate demand. For example, a United 777-300 has 8 lavatories for 364 economy passengers. Meanwhile, an American A321 has just 2 bathrooms for 156 coach travelers. The 777 provides a ratio of 1 lav per 45 passengers versus 1 lav per 78 passengers on the A321. Therefore, the A321 will likely have longer bathroom lines and busier aisles around each lav.

To avoid the bathroom bonanza, use SeatGuru to locate lavatories then steer clear of all adjacent seats. Consulting seat maps reveal lav positions like front, back, and mid-cabin. Seek seats as far from lavs as possible. However, also avoid the very back rows which are also heavily trafficked. Optimal seats reside in the forward and mid zones of the cabin while avoiding rows immediately in front or behind lavatories.

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Find Seats Near the Front - Be First Off the Plane

As an anxious flyer, I always aim to board early and settle in before the hoards shuffle down the aisle. But as a coach passenger, actually securing a forward seat can be a challenge. Airline loyalty programs reserve these prime spots for elites flying first and business class. However, using SeatGuru has helped me unearth coach seats up front that provide prime real estate for budget-conscious travelers.

Scoring a seat in the first few rows comes with perks like quick bathroom access, swift drink and meal service, and beating your fellow passengers off the plane. According to SeatGuru power user Max T., "I like getting on the plane early and getting settled in my space before everyone comes trampling through." Early boarding means you can acclimate before the crowds arrive and have first dibs on coveted overhead bin space.

SeatGuru maps reveal where coach seating starts on various aircraft. For instance, on a United 737-800, Economy Plus and Economy Class don't begin until row 11. But on an American A321, regular coach seats start as early as row 4. This information helps temper expectations around just how close to the front you can realistically get.

According to SeatGuru reviews, the best options for forward-seated coach passengers are aisle seats in exit rows or bulkheads. For example, reviewer Simon raved about row 7 on Delta's 757, stating: "Bulkhead row, lots of leg room, close to front - first to get off." Others highlighted row 11 on United's 737 as a winner thanks to ample legroom and no seat in front due to the exit row.

Of course, airlines often charge extra for these premium seats or reserve them for elite flyers. However, SeatGuru users have discovered tactically-located seats without a big upcharge. Travel blogger Daria raved about row 13 on TAP Air Portugal's A320, noting: "Regular economy, but bulkhead row with extra legroom and close to the front." And road warrior Reece recommends American's 737-800 row 16 seats A, B, E, F for having "extra legroom without paying a premium."

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Identify the Quietest Seats - Avoid Noise and Distractions

Finding a peaceful, quiet seat on a plane can make all the difference between an enjoyable flight and one spent gritting your teeth. Screaming infants, boisterous teens, chatty seatmates, and noisy galleys all threaten your sanity and eardrums in-flight. SeatGuru provides the inside scoop on the choicest soundproof seats so you can tune out distractions and enjoy your journey.

According to road warrior Max T, quiet seats allow you to "relax, sleep or work without noise disruption." SeatGuru reviewers recommend steering clear of galleys and restrooms, which are clattering rumor mills. The crew area behind the last row is notoriously loud as flight attendants heat up food, prepare carts, and congregate. Lavatory rows also invite constant door slamming and flushing sounds.

Surprisingly, the back of the plane isn't always best. Although rear cabins keep you farthest from disruptive passengers boarding at the front, these zones still experience lavatory commotion. As veteran globetrotter Daria warns, "Don't pick the last row to avoid screaming babies! It's loud with bathroom traffic." Instead, consider a sweet spot somewhere between the halfway point and the wing.

Aisle seats also tend to be more exposed to foot traffic and nearby conversations. Window seats cocoon you on one side while minimizing aisle activity on the other. Travel blogger Leslie chooses windows in mid-cabin for "fewer disruptive passengers brushing by." If concerned about chatty seatmates, aim for comfort-plus rows where empty middles are more likely.

According to road warrior Simon, ideal quiet seats are "tucked away in a corner." For example, on United's 757 he recommends row 33ABC. "Behind-the-wing location, window seats, away from galleys/lavs." American's 737-800 also has a hushed hideaway according to corporate road warrior Ben: "I've never had noise problems in row 22."

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Use Seat Maps to Compare Airline Options

With airlines today engaged in a constant battle for your business, evaluating your options has become more critical than ever. SeatGuru empowers flyers to cut through the noise and make an informed choice by comparing key differences across airlines, aircraft, and cabins.

While scratching below the surface of glossy ads and promotions, what truly differentiates carriers comes down to hard product details like seat size, legroom, and amenities. SeatGuru serves up these raw stats so you can directly compare apples to apples when choosing flights.

For instance, let's evaluate Delta and American's offerings on the coveted New York to London route. Both fly direct out of JFK using Boeing 767-300s. But according to SeatGuru's measurements, Delta's 31" of pitch and 18" seat width in coach outclasses American's paltry 30" pitch and 17" width. For a long-haul journey, that extra inch can prevent serious discomfort.

Expanding the comparison to United and British Airways is telling. United packs its 767s with a tight 30" pitch in economy. However, British Airways takes the crown with a generous 31-32" of stretch-out space in the cheap seats. Knowing BA offers more room for the same fare helps secure the best experience.

Besides quantitative stats, SeatGuru also reveals qualitative insights from fellow travelers that favor certain carriers. Users praise BA's 767 economy cabin for having just 6 seats per row versus 8 on American and Delta. This 2-4-2 layout allows aisle access for all without middle seats - a huge plus for families.

The depth of detail on SeatGuru even distinguishes configurations on the same aircraft within an airline. For example, United's 777-200s have two versions - one with 3-3-3 seating in coach while the other has a more generous 3-4-3. Avoiding the crammed 3-3-3 narrows options.

Drilling down further, SeatGuru maps and reviews uncover specific winners amongst the masses. BA's 777 3-3-3 at seats H, J, K in row 30 stand out for ample room with no seat in front. And Delta's 3-3-3 777 lavatory row 49 seats D, G get kudos for legroom without bathroom smells thanks to a partition wall.

Of course SeatGuru isn't a crystal ball, as maps reflect advertised configurations that could change last-minute. But having a standard reference to compare design elements empowers travelers to ask the right questions about aircraft when booking.

It also arms you with insider intel to request optimal seats once onboard. For example, knowing which seats have extra padding, movable armrests, or swivel abilities from SeatGuru reviews lets you snag the best spots.

While amenities like IFE screens or WiFi availability shouldn't dictate your entire decision, it certainly sweetens the pot when choosing between airlines. Just don't let flashy bells and whistles distract from hard comfort factors like legroom and seat width that make the biggest impact.

Pick the Perfect Spot: How to Use SeatGuru to Find the Best Seat on Your Next Flight - Look Out for Red Flags - Steer Clear of Bad Seats

While aiming for the best airplane seats, it's equally important to avoid the worst ones. SeatGuru's color-coded maps make spotting red-flagged seats a cinch so you can steer clear of poor picks that could ruin your flight.

According to SeatGuru power user Daria, "I always check for red negative reviews on seats to know what to avoid when selecting my spot." These red flags alert travelers to major drawbacks reported by previous passengers. For example, red indicates severely limited recline due to an immovable seat, wall, or exit door. This takes away a critical comfort factor on long flights. Red also marks seats sans windows, a sanity-saver for anxious flyers.

Limited padded cushioning is another red flag signaling misery for your backside on lengthy journeys. Road warrior Leslie warns, "Some seats have little to no padding, so check reviews before picking rock-hard chairs." Tray tables that fail to stow due to misalignment rank as a nuisance red flag as well. Being unable to eat or work on a laptop makes for an irritating ordeal.

According to corporate traveler Ben, "Misaligned seats where trays won't lower or TVs don't align should be avoided." Seats noted as "missing" in the recline or swivel department also disappoint. And the dreaded rear-facing seats serve up red alerts for claustrophobic cabins with no views.

Highly coveted seats aren't immune from red flags either. For instance, SeatGuru reviewers point out the last exit row on United's 737-900 lacks underseat room for bags due to equipment underfoot. And bulkhead spots on American's 737-800 get dinged for close proximity to noisy galleys.

Bassinet spots designated for babies also warrant red flags. While these indicate extra legroom, travelers without infants will suffer endless kicking from fussy little feet. And the dead-last row isn't always a win as rear galleys generate noise pollution.

Red flags also illuminate shortcomings of airline seat designs in general. For example, Airbus A320 economy center seats earn red ratings thanks to cramped confines and collisions with elbows from neighbors. And Boeing 777 three-seat middle rows rate as universally unpopular thanks to limited hip space.