Surely one of the most annoying, frustrating and exasperating elements of travel is the act of simply trying to find your seat on your plane. And then combine that with attempting to hustle your luggage into an overhead compartment even remotely close to your seat. What’s even more annoying is that this mazurka has been part and parcel of the flying experience for decades. What gives? Why is it so bad? And what can be done to fix it? Well, United Airlines’ latest bright idea for efficient boarding is a not the answer– radical thinking is required. Read more here, courtesy of TheGuardian.com
Want some top tips to improve your chances of getting a better seat? Well, read on here . . .
Book Early: One of the most effective ways to get a good seat is to book your flight well in advance. Airlines often release their seating inventory when they open flight bookings, so you’ll have a better chance of selecting your preferred seat if you book early.
Use Seat Selection Tools: When booking your flight, take advantage of the seat selection tools offered by the airline. These tools allow you to choose your seat at the time of booking. Some airlines may charge a fee for seat selection, while others offer it for free.
Check-In Early: If you can’t select a seat during the booking process, be sure to check in as early as possible. Some airlines assign seats at check-in, and the best seats may be available to those who check in early.
Set Seat Alerts: Some travel websites and apps allow you to set seat alerts. This feature notifies you if a better seat becomes available for your flight. This can be particularly useful if you initially booked a less desirable seat.
Ask at the Counter: If you couldn’t secure a good seat during booking or online check-in, it doesn’t hurt to politely ask the airline’s check-in counter agent if any better seats are available. They might be able to help you, especially if the flight isn’t full.
When in Europe (and beyond) be smart: take the train. The Trainline is your best bet. Click here to book.