The simple question was posed to me by a fellow passenger on a recent flight. It was clear that a group of travelers had booked two rows next to each other, save for my aisle seat between them.
The passenger framed the question as though they’d be doing me a favor.
There was a time when I would have jumped at the opportunity to swap for the window spot. And I know many others who go out of their way to ensure they only book these seats on planes.
In fact, according to Upgraded Points’ August survey, 66.6% of the 3,100 US air travelers who participated prefer window seats.
Although I disagree, I understand why passengers have this preference.
Since I was a kid, I’ve enjoyed watching the world from above as flights take off and land. And when I sit by the window, I can comfortably rest my head against it — a luxury missing in middle and aisle seats.
However, my preferences have changed after taking several flights a year for the past three years as a travel reporter at Business Insider.
Why the aisle seat is better than a window on a plane
Joey Hadden/Business Insider
Nowadays, I fly more than I ever have and prioritize comfort over views in the air. In-flight window views have lost their luster; I’d rather make sure I feel good while flying.
The more time I spend in the air as I grow older, the more I notice how challenging it is for me to sit still in a cramped space for long periods.
I prefer the freedom to get up and stretch my legs whenever I please without disrupting other passengers. On an average flight in an aisle seat, I typically get up once every hour or two and walk around the cabin.
After each cabin walk, I return to my seat feeling refreshed. I’ve found that having frequent breaks from sitting makes time go by faster in the air.
There are health benefits, too. BI previously reported that travelers should stretch their legs on long-haul flights to avoid deep-vein thrombosis, the development of blood clots that come from remaining seated for long stretches of time.
When I sat next to the window, I got up less, likely because I didn’t want to disturb the middle and aisle-seat passengers. I can recall flights where I held my bladder for far too long in the window seat out of fear of waking up neighboring passengers.
Of course, now I’m being asked to get up, but I don’t mind. My newfound seat preference works for me as a traveler who prioritizes movement over rest — and being disturbed over disturbing others.
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