Flying is not just about reaching a destination.
Sometimes, it’s about where you sit while the world slides quietly beneath your wings.
Every frequent travelers has a ritual. Some always choose the aisle. Others will wait endlessly for a window seat. But there’s a quieter question many people forget to ask:
Is it better to sit on the left or right side of the plane?
According to Travel + Leisure (July 14, 2024), most travelers prioritize window or aisle seats. Yet seasoned flyers know something deeper—the side of the aircraft can subtly shape your entire flight experience.
Not because one side is safer than the other—it isn’t.
But because comfort, views, light, sleep, and productivity often depend on this small decision.
Let’s explore four practical, real-world considerations frequent travelers use—and how you can apply them the next time you book a flight using your favorite travel service.
First, Consider the View: When the Window Tells a Story
There is a certain romance in a window seat.
The quiet moment when the plane tilts, clouds part, and the city below reveals itself like a secret.
Richard Campbell, founder of 10Adventures, remembers his first international flight nearly 25 years ago—sitting on the right side of the plane as it circled London Heathrow, the River Thames unfolding beneath him.
That memory stayed.
And that’s the point.
If you love window seats, the side of the plane matters. Many travelers research flight paths in advance, guessing which side might offer the best view during approach or departure.
However, reality humbles even the best planners.
Flight paths change.
Weather redirects routes.
What looks perfect on a map may disappear behind clouds at 38,000 feet.
Still, choosing the right side increases your chances.
Pro tip for travelers:
Modern flight booking platforms and premium travel services often show approach routes, seat maps, and even sun direction previews. Using these tools doesn’t guarantee magic—but it brings you closer.
And sometimes, closer is enough.
Next, Think About the Sky: Light, Sun, and the Aurora Effect
After views, comes the sky itself.
Matthew Cappucci, an atmospheric scientist, makes a calculated choice when flying polar routes. As night falls, he sits on the north-facing side to catch a glimpse of the northern lights.
Not luck.
Preparation.
For daytime flights, however, the concern shifts: sun glare.
If you’ve ever battled a blinding sunbeam mid-flight—unable to watch a movie or sleep—you understand why experienced travelers choose the opposite side of the sun.
This is where professional travel booking services shine.
They factor in:
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Flight timing
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Direction of travel
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Sunrise and sunset angles
All before you even select a seat.
Instead of guessing, let data work for you.
Because a comfortable flight isn’t accidental—it’s planned.
Then, Reflect on Sleep: The Small Habits That Matter
Sleep on a plane is never perfect.
But it can be less terrible—if you choose wisely.
Dominika Dryjski, COO of TravMedia, prefers the right side window seat. Not for the view—but because she naturally leans right when sleeping on long-haul flights.
That tiny habit makes a difference.
Economy class travelers feel this most. The wrong side can mean neck strain, restless naps, and waking up more tired than before.
Meanwhile, in business class with lie-flat seats, the side matters less—but the logic still applies.
Here’s the quiet truth:
Frequent flyers know themselves. Their sleep patterns. Their posture. Their habits.
If you don’t, now is the time to learn.
Many premium travel services allow seat preference memory, ensuring future bookings align with how you rest best.
Because arriving well-rested is not a luxury—it’s a strategy.
Finally, Don’t Forget Productivity: Left-Handed or Right-Handed Comfort
This detail is often overlooked—but for business travelers, it matters.
John Lyotier, CEO of TravelAI, prefers the left side aisle seat. As a left-hander, it gives him better space to work comfortably on his laptop.
Small ergonomics. Big impact.
If you plan to work during your flight—answer emails, prepare presentations, or review documents—your dominant hand affects:
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Elbow space
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Tray table comfort
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Laptop positioning
And while this might seem minor, over hours in the air, it adds up.
That’s why frequent business travelers rely on smart booking platforms that filter seats based on work-friendly layouts, not just price.
Because time in the air is still time.
And productive time is valuable time.
So, Which Side of the Plane Is Best?
The honest answer?
It depends on you.
Views.
Light.
Sleep habits.
Work style.
What matters most is not choosing left or right blindly—but choosing intentionally.
Modern travel services exist for this exact reason. They transform flying from a gamble into a guided experience—one seat, one decision at a time.
So the next time you book a flight, don’t rush past the seat map.
Pause.
Think.
Choose.
Because sometimes, the journey begins not at the destination—but on the right side of the plane for you.