Traveling Extensively by Economy Class in Long-Haul Flights
Life's a Runway: Front or Back? A Personal Test flight experiment
Last summer, I, Monica Humphries, decided to put the age-old debate to the test - front or back seat on a long-haul flight. I booked myself tickets on a Lufthansa flight between Denver, USA, and Germany, comparatively evaluating the two sections of Economy Class.
The front-seaters usually have the luxury of choosing their meal and being among the first to leave the plane. However, the back-seaters, as counterintuitive as it may seem, have a better chance of scoring an empty seat next to them, a significant advantage in my book.
So, on the outward journey, I found myself settled in row 42, the third-to-last row in Economy. For the return flight, I'd snagged a seat in row 11, right up front.
Both spots had their perks, but as the journey unfolded, my preference for the back of the plane remained unshaken.
Mealtime Madness: The front rows take the cake
On the flight to Denver, a few hours into the air, crew members paraded down the aisles, pushing carts full of grub. Passengers were presented with simple options: chicken or pasta?
But in the back of the plane, it was a different story. When the crew inevitably reached our row in Economy, we were left with leftovers. Consequently, each passenger was served a tray with beef and mashed potatoes.
If I were a food snob, I'd choose a seat in the front rows for this reason alone. Instead, I usually pre-order a vegetarian meal for long-haul flights, so I know what to expect before boarding the plane.
Toilets: A magnitude of concerns
When confined in a small space, the last thing I want to deal with is a toilet stink that lingers for more than ten hours. Therefore, I prioritize sitting as far away from the toilets as possible. In many larger planes, the Economy toilets are located in the middle of the cabin.
On my ten-hour flight to Germany, I was cozily tucked away in the rear of Economy, where there was no toilet behind me. Instead, the galley was just a few meters away, ideal for a quick break.
On the return flight, I was seated at the front, meaning no nearby toilet convenience. If I opt for Premium Economy on a future flight, I'd double-check that there aren't any toilets nearby.
A few days before my flights, I investigated the seating plan and discovered that my theory held water. The majority of available seats were located in the rear of Economy Class.
Sadly, this was not the case when I boarded the aircraft. Both flights were completely booked, meaning a stranger would be sitting next to me regardless of where I was seated on the plane.
Speedy Departure: A mixed bag
One of the main arguments for sitting in the front of Economy Class is the speedy exit upon landing. While this was true for most of my long-haul flights, my experience at Munich Airport was a curveball. The flight attendants informed us passengers that we could use both the front and rear doors to disembark, allowing me to exit the aircraft efficiently, even from the rear.
However, if I had been seated in the rear on the return flight, I would have been among the last to leave. This would have resulted in a much longer wait at customs thanks to longer lines.
The perfect seat: A stretch of your imagination
A ten-hour flight isn't particularly enjoyable, regardless of the seat. But I've learned to be patient and appreciate the small victories, like securing a window seat or having an empty seat next to me.
Ultimately, everyone has their preferences. For me, it's the rear of the aircraft where I can stretch out and have a better shot at an empty seat next to me.
Now, I'm not suggesting that all long-haul flights are created equal, and it's important to keep in mind that different planes offer varying levels of comfort. But based on my experience, the back row of Economy Class is a little slice of heaven on a long journey.
The Final Takeoff: Front vs. Back
Although the search results do not detail a specific test conducted by Monica Humphries, they do provide general insights into the advantages and disadvantages of sitting at the front and rear of Economy Class during long-haul flights. Here's a summary:
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sitting in Front of Economy Class:
Advantages:- Early Meal Service: Passengers in the front rows typically receive meal options before supplies run low, allowing them to choose between more menu items.- Faster Disembarkation: Often, passengers at the front of the plane can disembark more quickly, although this can vary depending on the airport and specific flight instructions.
Disadvantages:- Proximity to Bathrooms: Seats near the front are often closer to bathrooms, which can be noisy and produce unpleasant odors.- Noise from Galley: The front section may experience more noise from the galley where meals are prepared.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Sitting in the Rear of Economy Class:
Advantages:- Less Bathroom Noise: The rear section typically avoids the noise and odors from nearby bathrooms, creating a more comfortable environment.- Potential for Empty Seats: There's a higher chance of having an empty adjacent seat, which can enhance comfort during long flights.- Galley for Stretch Breaks: The rear often has a galley nearby, allowing for easy stretch breaks without disturbing other passengers.
Disadvantages:- Later Meal Service: Meal options may be limited by the time service reaches the rear of the plane.- Variable Disembarkation Speed: While sometimes both front and rear exits are used, disembarkation from the rear can be slower if only one exit is available.
Monica Humphries was puzzled as she wondered: "What about my lifestyle preferences for home-and-garden and travel? How would they fit into my next adventure?"Considering her love for a peaceful, comfortable environment, Monica pondered whether she should opt for a house with a serene backyard for her home-and-garden endeavors, or undertake a travel itinerary that included exploring the scenic landscapes from the rear seats of a luxury train.
