A recent survey conducted by travel site Upgrade Points revealed the preferred airline seats among U.S. travelers. The survey, which polled 3,142 participants, showed that seat 1A, a first-class bulkhead window seat, was the top choice among respondents. This seat was favored for its ample legroom, easy restroom access, window view, and the perk of being one of the first on and off the plane. Trailing closely behind were seats 7A and 7F, which also offer plenty of legroom and are popular among parents with small children due to the extra space and easy access to overhead bins.
The survey also highlighted other top preferred seats, such as 1F, a first-class window seat, and 7C, an economy aisle seat. Seats in the exit row, such as 4F and 20A, also made the list due to added legroom and the fact that exit rows tend to have more empty seats, providing more space for passengers. In fact, 41% of respondents were willing to sit in an exit row for the extra legroom and peace of mind in case of an emergency.
Overall, the majority of respondents (66.6%) preferred window seats, while 31.7% preferred aisle seats, and only 1.7% chose the middle seat. Experts agree that the middle seat is the safest in the event of an emergency. The survey also ranked preferred seats by state, with New Yorkers favoring seat 4A, a window in the exit row. Additionally, 60% of people indicated they would pay extra to choose their seat in advance, with the average cost respondents were willing to pay being $33.59.
In terms of airlines, Delta received the highest ratings from respondents, with 33.6% declaring their seats as superior. American Airlines and United Airlines tied for second place, each with 15.9% of respondents preferring their accommodations. On the other hand, airlines such as Spirit Airlines and Sun Country Airlines received the lowest ratings, with only 0.3% of travelers stating a preference for their seats.
The survey also sheds light on the factors that influence passengers’ seating preferences, such as legroom, easy restroom access, and proximity to exit rows. Seats in bulkhead and exit rows were particularly popular among respondents. These seats provide additional space, peace of mind in emergencies, and less foot traffic, creating a calmer environment for passengers.
In conclusion, the survey conducted by Upgrade Points offers valuable insights into the seating preferences of U.S. travelers. From the top preferred seats to the factors influencing choices, the survey highlights the diversity of passenger preferences when it comes to airline seating. Whether it’s a window seat for the view or an aisle seat for easy access, passengers have varied reasons for their seat selection, and airlines can benefit from understanding these preferences to enhance the overall passenger experience.
