Long flights in economy can feel like a marathon, especially when the person in front reclines and your space shrinks for hours. A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant with five years of experience says there are a few simple ways to make the journey more comfortable, and it starts with choosing the right seat. She recently shared her go-to spots for a smoother ride, better rest, and faster service, along with the seats she’d skip if she had the choice. The advice is practical, and it’s the kind of thing you’ll wish you’d known before your last overnight trip.
For anyone who gets nervous when the plane starts to shake, she recommends sitting over the wings. That area is closest to the aircraft’s centre of gravity, which generally means less noticeable movement. In other words, turbulence can feel less dramatic there than it does in the very back. If you tend to grip the armrests during bumps, this seat location can make the whole experience feel more manageable.
Sleep is a different challenge altogether, and she points out that it’s not just about legroom or how far your seat reclines. Noise, foot traffic, and queues can ruin any chance of drifting off, so she suggests choosing a seat as far from the galley and toilets as possible. Speaking to Express, she explained that the quietest spot can change depending on who you’re seated near, but she finds the back of the plane can be louder than people expect. Toilet flushes can be surprisingly noisy, and the constant opening and closing of doors does not help either.
She also warns travellers not to assume the very last row is a safe bet, even if it seems convenient. On her aircraft, the seats at the back do recline, so that part is not the issue. The bigger problem is that the galley can stay active, especially on night flights, and light can leak through curtains while the crew works. Add in the general bustle, and the last row can feel like you’re trying to sleep in a hallway.
For people who simply want the best overall experience, she highlights two “sweet spot” areas in economy. One is around five rows from the front of the cabin, which can mean a better chance of getting your first meal choice and a quicker exit after landing. The other is around five rows from the back, since crews often serve from both ends at once, making drinks and meals arrive sooner. The only catch is that the rear of the aircraft is where turbulence may feel stronger, so it’s worth weighing what matters most to you.
Where do you always try to sit on a long flight, and what’s the one seat you avoid every time? Share your travel strategy in the comments.
