Window or Aisle?

[Ben]

Do you like the window, or the aisle on a plane?

I think the story mostly has who's who pegged. I'm a window guy. They got the privacy right for sure. I'm not a "nester", I like the window because I think it actually gives me more room for sleeping without my head bumping into the person next to me, or lolling into the aisle. I also, even with (or because of) all the flying I did in work aircraft in my career, never get enough of looking out the window at stuff. I also hate having people climb over me to hit the head, and I never get up to do so myself, so I like claiming my spot and not moving. I guess the one disadvantage is having to crawl over one or more people in an emergency.

http://www.foxnews.com/travel/2014/12/17/aisle-or-window-what-your-airplane-seat-choice-says-about/?intcmp=obmod_ffo&intcmp=obnetwork

[MillCreek]

Aisle.

[230RN]

Depends on how much I had to drink before boarding.

But I haven't flown in a long time.  Church, movies, meetings, I prefer the "aisle," or most open seat.

But I haven't been to church, movies, or meetings in a long time, either.

[BobR]

I also, even with (or because of) all the flying I did in work aircraft in my career, never get enough of looking out the window at stuff.

I vote "because of".

Window for me.

bob

[charby]

Window, gives me something to look at instead of punching the person in front of me for reclining their seat.

[Hawkmoon]

Once we get past the fact that I make every effort never to enter a commercial airliner ... for short flights I prefer window, but for medical reasons I need to be able to get up and walk around as much as possible so, for long flights, I try for aisle so I don't disturb my row-mates by constantly crawling over them.

[Blakenzy]

I vote "not next to the big fat guy", and "next to the pretty petite, tastefully perfumed single woman". Better yet, the underbooked flight that leaves an empty seat or two.

I like looking out windows, but the way pilots are trained these days... flying waaaay up there, unwilling to keep the aircraft at tree level, there are no scared cows to watch run off into the horizon. Not much to entertain. Anywho, middle seat is the worst

 

Other seating issues on planes... sometimes, a person might ask to trade seats with them. I always wonder, if we crash, would identifying remains be hindered by this. Would I get buried under another name?
 

[charby]

Other seating issues on planes... sometimes, a person might ask to trade seats with them. I always wonder, if we crash, would identifying remains be hindered by this. Would I get buried under another name?
 

You're dead, who cares. Also don't you have some sort of ID in your billfold, so sans a fireball crash, your remains can be identified.

[Blakenzy]

Always assume fireball crash

[charby]

Always assume fireball crash

Well then your loved ones can get a molted hunk of aluminum with your carbon it for display on the mantel.

[Hutch]

Window.  Like Ben, I don't (usually) ever have to go pee, and I disliked having to accommodate others climbing out of their seats.  Back when I was flying a lot, I'd have an opportunity to get in and situated, and not be disturbed until time to disembark.  And when I was flying a lot, it was on the never-to-be-sufficiently damned commuter jets.  Aisles far too narrow + forward seating + early boarding = every other passenger on the plane is going to bump your shoulder attempting to get to their seat.   Nope.

[RoadKingLarry]

I haven't had any reason to fly anywhere since before 9/11, what flying I did immediately prior to that was on Southwest flying cattle cars between Tulsa and Dallas. Most of the flying I had experienced before that was long cross country and intercontinental flights. Those were also in the last days of when people "dressed" to fly. When did flying become the modern day equivalent of  riding the big grey dog?
 

[Perd Hapley]

It's not like either seat is particularly comfortable. I guess I lean slightly toward the window. But I haven't flown since 2000, so maybe I just don't remember what it's like.

I prefer driving - the ultimate window/aisle seat, and you have way more options for the in-flight meal.

[Jamisjockey]

window.  I can usually sleep there.

[BlueStarLizzard]

window. and I disagree with introvert being aisle.

the window allows for less interaction with other people, especially if you are traveling with someone you can bully into taking the aisle.

I should also note that my last flight was super awesome. There was almost no other passengers and the flight attendant just told us to pick out were ever we wanted. I snagged the window on one side, over the wing, which no one else seems to like, but I do. I find the engine noise comforting and I like seeing what the flaps are doing. Had pretty much three rows to myself.
OTOH, they did lose my luggage, so it wasn't all great.

[Blakenzy]

window. and I disagree with introvert being aisle.

the window allows for less interaction with other people, especially if you are traveling with someone you can bully into taking the aisle.

I should also note that my last flight was super awesome. There was almost no other passengers and the flight attendant just told us to pick out were ever we wanted. I snagged the window on one side, over the wing, which no one else seems to like, but I do. I find the engine noise comforting and I like seeing what the flaps are doing. Had pretty much three rows to myself.
OTOH, they did lose my luggage, so it wasn't all great.

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Underbooked flights, gotta love them 

Ever been on a 767 with an entire center row empty? That's a bed right there... just might arrive at your destination rested instead of all cramped up if the flight attendant doesn't badger you with seatbelt issues.

[Angel Eyes]

Window.  So I can watch for gremlins on the wing.

[BlueStarLizzard]

Yeah, that's what I'm talking about! Underbooked flights, gotta love them  

Ever been on a 767 with an entire center row empty? That's a bed right there... just might arrive at your destination rested instead of all cramped up if the flight attendant doesn't badger you with seatbelt issues.

Never been on a big plane.

Mostly just the smaller commuter type jets (I don't know what they are) that have first class/business class/the fancy seats section and the section in the back for the rabble.

but yeah, it certainly opened my eyes to the benefits of traveling off peak hours.

[French G.]

Window because I like to watch where I am going and watch the plane work. I like seats on top of the wing. I will try to get an overwing exit row seat. Yes I can work the door. If you say anything crazy and grab for the door in-flight i will punch and stomp you. Repeatedly. If I fly with person I feel responsibility for I take the aisle seat so as to insulate them from any potential problems. Trans-Atlantic flight I picked out the rear exit row, glorious legroom. On the C-40 the hot spot is whatever row has the electrical outlets, after that go for the wing exit row, only two seats and lots of legroom.

[K Frame]

Car.

I HATE to fly. Get very airsick.

[erictank]

I would *LIKE* to say window, for a lot of the same reasons already given. But I have to say Aisle, because it gives me enough room in coach to actually make the flight. By choice if I had an empty row to myself? Window, no question.

[KD5NRH]

Back of a PA-18.  Now that's a fun way to travel.

[MechAg94]

Always assume fireball crash

Then always arrange to send some post cards of where you are going to arrive after the flight so your family won't think you are actually dead.

I would Window....in the driver's seat of my truck.

[Angel Eyes]

Always assume fireball crash

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sUWC2jfjqI

[Unisaw]

I fly at least 40,000 miles per year (all domestic) and am a dedicated window person.  I can't stand when people going down the aisle bump my shoulder, I'm an introvert, and I like to spot landmarks.