The Best and Worst Seats on the World’s Most Common Airplanes, According to Flight Attendants

Picture this: you are stuck in a metal tube at 30,000 feet, and the person behind you just put their bare feet on your armrest. Or maybe the passenger in front flipped their long hair over the seat, completely blocking your movie screen.

Flying is exciting, but the seating drama is real, especially when you have to battle your neighbors for just an inch of elbow room. The good news is that you don’t have to suffer through a bad flight if you know exactly where to sit before you even pack your bags.

Finding that perfect spot doesn’t need to be that hard. We went straight to the pros—real flight attendants who basically live on airplanes—to get the inside scoop.

They spilled all their secrets on which seats give you the most legroom, the best views, and which ones you should avoid at all costs. Whether you want to sleep peacefully or be the first one off the plane, this guide will help you hack your next trip like a total pro.

What Is The Best Seat On a Boeing 737-800?

If you find yourself on a Boeing 737-800, your best bet is usually the exit row. Flight attendants agree that these seats have the most legroom, which is a huge plus on any flight. You’ll have plenty of space to stretch out your legs and won’t feel so cramped.

Just remember, sitting here means you have to be willing and able to help during an emergency, so it comes with a bit of responsibility.

Another great choice is a window seat near the front, like in row 5. You get some extra room, a cool view of the wing, and you’re one of the first to get off the plane when it lands. Plus, you’re close to the front, so the flight attendants will likely serve you snacks and drinks sooner.

It’s a solid pick if you want a good view without the exit row duties.

What About the Worst Seat on the 737-800?

The absolute worst place to sit is usually in the very last row, often row 30 on this type of plane. These seats are a total nightmare because they almost never recline, forcing you to sit straight up for the whole flight.

To make matters worse, you are right next to the bathrooms, so you have to deal with noise, weird smells, and the constant sound of the toilet flushing.

Besides the lack of comfort, you also have zero privacy back there. Since it’s near the bathroom, there is almost always a line of people standing right next to you while they wait their turn.

It’s hard to relax or sleep when strangers are hovering over your shoulder or accidentally bumping into you. If you want a peaceful trip, stay far away from the back of the bus.

The Best Seat On a Boeing 737-Max 8 & 737-700

When flying on a Boeing 737-Max 8 or 737-700, there’s a special seat that frequent flyers love. It’s an exit row seat that has no other seat directly in front of it. Tall people especially seek this one out because of the massive amount of legroom it provides, letting you stretch out completely.

The 737-Max 8 model is even better because it offers two of these amazing rows instead of just one.

If you can’t get that specific seat, any other one in an exit row is still a fantastic second choice. You’ll get more space than in a standard seat, which makes a big difference for your comfort. Just keep in mind that sitting in an exit row means you have to be ready to assist in an emergency.

It’s a small trade-off for all that extra room.

What About the Worst Seat on the 737-Max 8 and 737-700?

Just like with other planes, the seats you want to avoid on the 737-Max 8 and 737-700 are the ones closest to the bathrooms. The constant foot traffic from people waiting in line, combined with the noise and potential smells, makes it really tough to get any peace.

It’s just an unpleasant area to be stuck in for a few hours.

The seats in the very back row are also a bad choice. They often can’t recline, so you’re stuck sitting upright the entire flight. This can be super uncomfortable, especially on a longer trip.

If you value your personal space and want a quiet journey, it’s best to choose a seat that is far from the back of the airplane.