The Ultimate No-Go: A Frequent Flyer's Vow to Avoid This Dreaded Plane Seat

For those of us who spend a significant portion of our lives soaring through the skies, the quest for the perfect plane seat is a never-ending saga. Every seasoned traveler has their preferred spot, a sanctuary amidst the airborne chaos. But what about the seats we meticulously avoid? Nicky Kelvin, a prominent voice from The Points Guy and a true frequent flyer, has revealed his ultimate no-go zone, a specific seat he actively steers clear of on every single flight.

And once you hear his reasons, you might just reconsider your next booking.

So, which seat strikes such fear into the heart of a globetrotter? It’s the window seat at the very back of the plane. While a window seat typically offers scenic views and a wall to lean against, the extreme rear position transforms it from a coveted spot into a veritable nightmare, according to Kelvin.

He meticulously outlines a litany of inconveniences that make this seemingly innocuous seat a traveler’s bane.

Firstly, and perhaps most frustratingly, is the issue of restricted recline. Imagine settling in for a long-haul flight, dreaming of a gentle recline to catch some much-needed rest, only to find your seatback rigidly fixed.

“I will always avoid the last row on a plane, particularly the window seat, as there’s often a wall or a lavatory behind you, meaning your recline is significantly limited or non-existent,” Kelvin explains. This seemingly minor detail can turn hours in the air into an exercise in uncomfortable upright endurance, leaving you stiff and unrested upon arrival.

Next up is the disconcerting reality of increased turbulence.

While no part of a plane is entirely immune to the bumps and jostles of air travel, the rear of the aircraft often experiences these disturbances more acutely. Think of it like a seesaw: the further you are from the pivot point (the wings, where the lift is generated), the greater the amplitude of movement.

This can lead to a choppier, less stable ride, potentially exacerbating motion sickness or simply making for a less relaxing journey.

Then there's the unavoidable proximity to the lavatories. This isn't just about the occasional unpleasant odor; it's a multi-sensory assault. The constant flushing, the clatter of the doors, the queue of passengers stretching into your personal space, and the persistent hum of conversation from those waiting can transform your flight into an unwelcome auditory and olfactory experience.

For a frequent flyer seeking even a modicum of peace, this constant disruption is a deal-breaker.

Another often-overlooked design flaw in these rear window seats is their reduced width or peculiar curvature. As the fuselage tapers towards the tail, the cabin walls can curve more dramatically, sometimes subtly encroaching on seat space or creating an awkward angle that makes settling in comfortably a challenge.

It’s a minor detail, but every inch counts when you’re confined for hours.

And let's not forget the strategic disadvantage upon landing: being the last to exit. After a long flight, the desire to disembark swiftly is universal. However, those in the rear rows face a long, often frustrating wait as passengers trickle out from front to back.

This adds unnecessary time to your journey, especially if you have a tight connection or simply crave the freedom of terra firma.

Finally, Kelvin notes a more subtle discomfort: temperature. "The back of the plane can also often be the coldest," he mentions. While cabin temperatures are generally regulated, the extremities of the aircraft can sometimes experience more pronounced fluctuations, making an already less-than-ideal seat even chillier.

So, where does a seasoned traveler prefer to sit? For Kelvin, if a window seat is a must, he opts for one further forward in the cabin, away from the lavatories and the tail-end turbulence, offering better views and a more stable ride.

If the view isn't paramount, an aisle seat provides the freedom to stretch and easy access to the lavatory without disturbing fellow passengers. And as for the much-maligned middle seat? Kelvin confirms what many already suspect: it remains the undisputed king of discomfort, making even the rear window seat seem marginally better in comparison.

Next time you're booking your flight, take a leaf out of this frequent flyer's book.

A little strategic thinking about your seat choice can dramatically improve your travel experience, transforming a potentially dreadful journey into a genuinely pleasant one. Avoid the rear window seat, and your future self will thank you.