Friday, February 20, 2026

Flight attendant reveals the perfect seat for a long-haul flight

As a seasoned flight attendant with five years of experience at Virgin Atlantic, I have had the opportunity to travel to various destinations and interact with countless passengers. One of the most common questions I receive from economy travelers is, “Which are the best and worst seats on the plane?” Well, after years of observation and feedback from passengers, I am here to reveal the answer.

First and foremost, let me assure you that all seats on Virgin Atlantic flights are comfortable and spacious, ensuring a pleasant journey for all passengers. However, some seats do offer a better experience than others, and it all depends on personal preferences.

Starting with the best seats, I highly recommend the seats in the front row of the economy class. These seats not only offer extra legroom but also come with a footrest, making it ideal for long-haul flights. Additionally, these seats are located near the lavatories, which can be convenient for passengers who need to use the facilities frequently. However, do keep in mind that these seats are in high demand and are usually reserved for passengers with elite status or those who pay extra for them.

Another great option for economy travelers is the emergency exit row. These seats offer ample legroom, and the seats do not recline, ensuring that the passenger in front of you won’t disturb your space. However, do note that these seats come with certain responsibilities, such as being physically able to assist in case of an emergency. So, if you are willing and able, these seats are definitely worth considering.

For passengers who prefer a window seat, I recommend choosing a seat towards the back of the plane. These seats offer a great view, and you won’t have to worry about the constant traffic from other passengers in the aisle. Additionally, these seats are usually quieter, making it easier to sleep or relax during the flight.

Now, let’s talk about the worst seats in economy class. In my experience, the middle seats are the least preferred by passengers. Not only do these seats offer limited legroom, but they also come with the inconvenience of having to climb over other passengers to use the lavatory. If you are traveling with a companion, I suggest booking the aisle and window seats, leaving the middle seat empty. However, if you are traveling alone, I recommend choosing an aisle seat, as it offers more flexibility and easy access to the aisle.

Another seat to avoid is the last row of the plane. These seats are often near the lavatories, which can lead to unpleasant odors and noise from other passengers using the facilities. Additionally, these seats do not recline, making it uncomfortable for long flights.

Now, as much as I love my job and the airline I work for, I must admit that not all seats on our planes are created equal. There are a few seats that I would not recommend to anyone, and those are the seats near the galley or the toilets. These seats are often noisy and can be bothersome, especially during meal service or when other passengers are queuing for the lavatories.

In conclusion, the best and worst seats for economy travel on Virgin Atlantic flights are subjective and depend on personal preferences. However, based on my experience and feedback from passengers, the front row, emergency exit row, and window seats towards the back of the plane are the best options. On the other hand, the middle seats, last row, and seats near the galley or toilets should be avoided if possible. But no matter which seat you end up with, rest assured that our team of dedicated flight attendants will do their best to make your journey as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. Happy travels!

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