Experienced a long-haul journey in economy class, occupied seating both at the front and rear of the aircraft.
Flying High: Front versus Back in Economy Class, an Unconventional Comparison
Last summer, intrepid traveler Monica Humphries embarked on a thrilling experiment—testing the advantages of economy class seating in both the front and back sections of a long-haul flight.
Folks in the front row often relish the chance to pick their meal and be amongst the first to vacate the plane. Conversely, those in the back enjoy a greater likelihood of having an empty seat beside them, a boon for the adventurous traveler.
This may not be a consensus opinion, but I personally haven't changed my mind about my fondness for the back of the economy cabin, particularly on long-haul trips.
After multiple long-haul flights exceeding eight hours, all spent in the rear seats of economy, I sought to determine if my feelings had evolved. Thus, in the sweltering summer of 2024, I embarked on an intriguing investigation on a Lufthansa flight from Denver, USA to Germany, meticulously contrasting two zones of the economy section.
On the way to Denver, I claimed a seat in row 42, right near the last row in the economy section. For the return journey, I had a reservation in row 11, near the front of the economy cabin.
Both seats had their merits, but the rear section of the plane remains the clear victor in my book.
The front of the plane takes the lead in the culinary department
During the flight to Denver, the flight attendants rolled out carts laden with food several hours after takeoff. Each passenger was presented with a simple query: Chicken or pasta?
This was not the case when I was ensconced in the rear of the economy cabin.When the flight attendants arrived at my row in economy, there was only what remained. Thus, each passenger was given a tray of beef and mashed potatoes.
My experiences have led me to believe that it wasn't just bad luck that day; similar situations have arisen during flights to Tokyo and another expedition to Germany.
If I were overly particular about my diet, I would opt for a seat closer to the front solely due to the food selection. Instead, I usually arrange for a vegetarian meal ahead of time for long-haul flights, thus ensuring I know what to expect before boarding the plane.
The lavatories are a major concern, and the back of the plane offers a reprieve
Nothing irritates me more than the scent of a restroom in small quarters, especially one that lingers for more than ten hours.
So, my primary concern when selecting a long-haul seat is to distance myself from the toilets. In larger aircraft, the economy-class lavatories are often situated in the middle of the cabin.
During the ten-hour trek to Germany, I was seated in the rear of economy, well clear of any toilets. Instead, a galley was just a few meters away, perfect for making a quick escape.
On my return flight, I found myself in the front section, far away from any restrooms. If I were to book premium economy on a future trip, I would double-check the seating plan and aim for a spot far removed from the commodes.
A few days before my flights, I scrutinized the seating chart and discovered that most of the available seats were situated in the rear of the economy cabin. Unfortunately, this wasn't the case upon boarding the plane. Both flights were fully booked, so a fellow traveler would have been seated beside me regardless of where I sat on the aircraft.
Sitting in the rear allowed for a speedier departure on one flight
One prominent argument for selecting a seat up front in economy class is the potential for a swift exit.
While this was the norm for most of my long-haul journeys, I encountered something very different upon landing at Munich Airport. The flight attendants informed us that we could use both the front and rear doors to disembark, enabling me to vacate the plane swiftly even from the rear.
If I had been seated in the rear on the return flight, I would have been one of the last to leave, lengthening the customs clearance process due to longer lines.
No perfect economy seat on a long-haul flight exists, but the back row is preferred
A ten-hour flight is hardly a pleasure ride regardless of where you sit. I've learned to practice patience and savor the small wins, like securing a window seat or having an empty seat beside me.
Ultimately, everyone has their own preferences. For me, the rear section offers valuable space to stretch out and increased opportunities to have an empty seat beside me.
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Based on my personal experience, the back row in economy class offers a clear advantage for long-haul flights, mainly due to the increased space for stretching and the higher chance of having an empty seat beside me. Contrarily, the front seems to take the lead in the culinary department, with more diverse meal options and often earlier service. However, the lavatories can be a major concern in both sections, requiring careful planning to avoid them. Interestingly, on one occasion, sitting in the back allowed for a speedier departure as both front and rear doors were usable for disembarkation. Nonetheless, no perfect economy seat guarantees a pleasurable ten-hour flight, and individual preferences may vary.
