For anyone who has suffered through a long-haul flight, the struggle for comfort and a moment's peace is all too real. One of the most common irritations is the passenger behind who can't seem to stop kicking your seat, especially when you're trying to sleep.
The Unconventional Seat Choice That Changed Everything
One experienced globetrotter, John Burfitt, has shared a clever and somewhat controversial tip that promises to transform your in-flight experience. Writing for escape.com.au, Burfitt disclosed that he now deliberately books what many consider the 'worst' seat on the aircraft: the window position in the very last row, right next to the toilets.
While most travellers actively avoid this spot due to fears of noise and unpleasant odours from the lavatories, Burfitt insists it is actually the most peaceful place to be. His revelation came after a particularly frustrating flight where he endured constant seat-kicking from the passenger seated behind him.
The 'No-Kick' Zone and Other Hidden Perks
Near the end of that turbulent journey, Burfitt had a moment of clarity while walking to the back of the plane. He realised that behind the final row of seats was just a solid wall. This meant that if he sat there, nobody could ever kick his seat again.
"In that instant, I decided the back row would be the only place I would sit on a long flight from now on," he wrote. On his next trip, he booked the back row window seat and declared he had "discovered what true airline love is about."
The advantages, according to Burfitt, are numerous:
- Complete immunity from seat-kicking from behind.
- Fewer collisions with the service trolley.
- Less disturbance from passengers moving in the aisle.
- The luxury of leaning against the corner wall for proper sleep.
Expert Backing for the Back Row
This unconventional strategy finds support from travel experts. Specialists at pipeaway.com suggest that opting for rear seats increases your chances of getting an entire row to yourself, as many flyers avoid the back of the plane. This presents a golden opportunity to stretch out across multiple seats.
They also highlight that the last row is ideal for passengers seeking distance from young children, as families with infants are typically allocated the more spacious bulkhead seating at the front of the cabin.
So, the next time you're booking a long flight, you might want to reconsider the standard wisdom. That maligned back-row window seat, dismissed by most, could be your ticket to the most serene and comfortable journey possible.
