Better to Sit on the Left or Right Side of the Plane: A Complete Guide
If you’re wondering whether to sit on the left or right side of the plane, you’re not alone! Many travelers want to know the best side for views, comfort, and convenience. Frequent fliers and aviation enthusiasts have their own preferences, but the answer depends on a few things. We’ll cover these factors in detail so you can make an informed decision on your next flight.
Here is a chart showing public survey preferences on whether the left or right side of the plane is better for various factors:
- Better Scenic Views: Slightly more people prefer the left side for scenery.
- Avoiding Sunlight: More travelers opt for the right side to avoid direct sunlight.
- Comfort in Turbulence: Preferences are close, with a small edge for the left side.
- Smoother Exit: The right side is favored for quicker disembarking in many layouts.
- Popular for Window Seats: Window seat lovers show a small preference for the left side.
These results highlight minor differences influenced by specific travel preferences.
Potential Views from the Left vs. Right Side
Is It Better to Sit on the Left or Right Side of the Plane?
If you’ve ever wondered which side of the plane offers the best view, you’re not alone! Choosing between the left or right side can depend on a few things. If you prefer a window seat like I do, it’s nice to pick the side with the best views. But as any seasoned traveler knows, sometimes things don’t go as planned!
I remember my first international flight nearly 20 years ago. I was flying into London Heathrow, and I sat on the right-hand side of the plane. As we circled over the city,
I got an amazing view of the Thames River and central London. That view was unforgettable! It really made my trip feel special. Richard Campbell, the founder of 10Adventures, also shares how he enjoys trying to predict the best side based on the flight path. But, like me, he knows it’s not always guaranteed. “Even though I try to get a window seat with a great view, it’s hard to predict if I’ll get lucky,” he says. Weather, flight changes, and the route can all affect what you see from the window.
Scenic Routes and Which Side to Choose
Let’s talk about scenic flights! Some routes are famous for having breathtaking views. For example, if you’re flying along the West Coast of the U.S., the left side of the plane often offers the best view of the coastline, especially if you’re heading north. However, if you’re flying south, the right side might be better for coastline views.
If you’re heading to Europe or Asia, flights over the Alps or Himalayas are popular. The side you choose can make a big difference in what you see. Researching your route in advance is a smart idea, especially if you’re hoping for a spectacular mountain view. If you’re flying from Kathmandu to Paro in Bhutan, for example, you’ll want to sit on the right side for the best view of Mount Everest, as travel expert Catherine Heald explains.
The Time of Day Matters
The time of day can also affect which side is best for a good view. Early morning flights heading east can give you a beautiful sunrise view from the left side of the plane. On the other hand, evening flights heading west often offer the best sunsets from the right side. So, if you’re a fan of sunrises or sunsets, the direction of your flight will help determine which side is best for you.
Things to Keep in Mind
Even with all this planning, there’s always a chance that your view might not be what you expected. Flight paths sometimes change last-minute, and weather conditions can block the perfect view. “What looks good on a map might not be as amazing when you’re 31,000 feet up,” Campbell points out. So, while it’s fun to plan your seat for the best view, it’s good to keep in mind that it’s not always guaranteed.
1. Sunlight and Comfort
- Sunlight Exposure: The amount of sunlight you experience depends on your flight’s direction and time of day. If you like to keep things bright, choose the side facing the sun. But if you prefer shade, consider sitting on the opposite side.
- Avoiding Sun Glare: On an eastbound morning flight, the right side is often sunnier, while westbound afternoon flights may have more sunlight on the left. This can help if you prefer to avoid direct sun, especially on long flights.
2. Boarding and Deplaning Efficiency
Quicker Exit: If you’re in a rush to leave the plane, you might find that sitting on the left side near the front can help. In many airports, jet bridges connect to the left-hand door, so choosing the left side could let you deplane faster.
3. Noise Levels
Engine Noise: The noise in the cabin is usually louder near the engines, which are located under the wings. Whether you’re on the left or right won’t make much difference. Instead, if you prefer a quieter experience, aim for seats in the front or closer to the tail, depending on the aircraft model.
4. Turbulence Experience
Turbulence Factors: Turbulence affects both sides of the plane equally. However, if you’re sensitive to turbulence, the middle section near the wings may offer a smoother experience.
5. Preferences of Frequent Fliers
Frequent fliers often choose the left side. They believe it offers quicker deplaning and sometimes better views of the gate area upon arrival. However, each frequent flier has their own habits based on their routes and preferences.
6. The Role of Aircraft Type and Layout
Narrow-body vs. Wide-body Aircraft: In larger aircraft with two aisles, your view may be limited depending on seat location. In narrow-body planes (single aisle), it’s easier to view from either window seat, so left or right matters more for scenic views.
Airline-Specific Factors: Some airlines have window seats that align better with windows on one side than the other. Checking seat maps on sites like SeatGuru can help you choose the side with a clear view.
7. Jet Lag Considerations
- Light Exposure: For those worried about jet lag, light exposure can impact how you feel upon landing. Managing light exposure can help you adjust to the new time zone faster.
- Choosing Your Side: If your destination requires adjusting to an earlier time zone, some travelers choose to avoid sunlight during certain hours. This helps reset their internal clock.
8. In-flight Entertainment and Wi-Fi
Wi-Fi Connections: Some planes have slightly better connectivity on one side due to the Wi-Fi system’s design. However, the difference is generally minor. Checking with the airline can help if Wi-Fi quality is a priority.
9. Sleeping Preference: Do You Lean Right or Left?
Have you ever noticed which way you lean when you fall asleep on a plane? It’s funny, but I always end up leaning to one side. My body just seems to know which way feels more comfortable. I’ve noticed this every time I board a flight.
I remember my first long flight. I had a window seat on the right side of the plane. As soon as the plane took off, I felt a sense of comfort. The hum of the engines and the slight shake of the plane made it easier to fall asleep. I didn’t even think about it, but I naturally leaned to the right. It felt cozy, and I was able to relax.
It turns out I’m not the only one! Dominika Dryjski, the COO of TravMedia, also likes sitting on the right side of the plane, especially in economy. She says, “I love looking out the window, but more importantly, I tend to lean to the right when I fall asleep, especially on long flights.” It’s funny how we all have our own little preferences when it comes to sleeping on a plane.
When flying business class, the situation changes. With a lie-flat seat, you can sleep in any position you want. You don’t need to worry about leaning to one side. The seat is so comfortable that it doesn’t matter which side you’re on. You can just stretch out and sleep peacefully.
But in economy, things are different. Finding a comfortable sleeping position can make a big difference. Whether it’s leaning to the left or right, or having the window beside you, these little details help you sleep better during a flight.
Next time you’re on a plane, pay attention to how you sleep. Do you lean to the left or right? It’s a small thing, but it can really change how comfortable you feel during the flight!
Conclusion
When deciding whether to sit on the left or right side of the plane, it depends on your preferences and the flight path. If you’re looking for scenic views, the left side often has great views of the U.S. West Coast coastline. But, if you’re flying south, the right side may offer better views. For flights over mountains like the Alps or Himalayas, researching your route can help you pick the best side for amazing views.
The time of day also matters. Morning flights might give you a beautiful sunrise on the left side, while evening flights can offer a perfect sunset on the right. In the end, both sides have their own special sights, so it’s all about what you like!
FAQs
Q1: Which side has better views?
- Eastbound Flights: Left side for sunrise.
- Westbound Flights: Right side for sunset.
Q2: Best side for popular destinations?
- Los Angeles: Right side for coastal views.
- New York: Left side for skyline views.
Q3: Which side stays cooler or warmer?
- Left Side: Cooler in the morning.
- Right Side: Warmer in the evening.
Q4: Is one side quieter?
- Not usually; noise depends more on your distance from the engines.
Q5: Best side for quicker exits?
- Planes usually deboard from the left, but row position matters more than the side.