These Are the Most Desirable Seats on an Airplane, According to a New Study

No passenger wants to get a dreaded middle seat on a plane, but turns out Americans covet views over arm room with window seats chosen as the most sought-after option.

The revelation comes from a new study from Upgraded Points, a company dedicated to breaking down travel credit cards, which looked at seat preferences and how much Americans are willing to pay for their choice. In all, 66.6 percent of passengers surveyed preferred a window seat, and the top choice was actually seat 1A (both a window and bulkhead seat for the most comfort).

“On an airplane, some seats are more desirable than others,” Upgraded Points wrote in the study. “But let’s face it, your ideal seat largely depends on what kind of flyer you are. Whether you’re an anxious traveler, a parent with small kids, someone who frequently needs the restroom, or a passenger with tight connections, your seat preferences can vary widely.”

The study, which surveyed 3,100 passengers in the United States, asked respondents to choose their ideal seat from a seat map of a Boeing 737-800 aircraft. In addition to window seats, travelers showed a clear preference for bulkhead and exit row seats.

Of course, those seats tend to cost more and the study found nearly 60 percent of passengers are willing to pay to select their seats in advance. In fact, U.S. travelers are willing to pay an average of $33.59 to select their seat — and even more in some states like Hawaii where they would pay an average of $52.10.

Safety factors into travelers’ choices as well: the study found 41 percent of passengers thought about the safest place on an aircraft when choosing their seats and 66 percent believe the middle of the plane is the least turbulent and safest in case something goes wrong. 

When it comes to the best seats in the sky, 33.6 percent of respondents picked Delta Air Lines for having the most comfortable option, while American Airlines and United Airlines tied for second place. On the other end of the spectrum were low-cost carriers Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines, which were rated the least desirable.