Ever had to wait until last for food on a plane and don’t know why? Well, where you’re sitting might have a part to play in this.
Although many assume sitting in the middle of the plane will mean a nicer journey – furthest away from toilet smells – it might actually mean you get fed last.
Now, flight attendants from major airlines including Virgin Atlantic, TUI, EasyJet and British Airwayshave shared their top travel tips and hacks – including how to ensure you don’t wait too long for your aeroplane tea or lunch.
The crew has revealed that row 11 should be avoided as it’s usually the middle row of the plane and attendants serve from back to front and meet in the middle.
Tara, a short-haul flight attendant for TUI, told Velloy: ‘If you are planning on getting any form of drink or snack from the bar on board a short-mid haul flight, then sitting towards the front or toward the back is 100% the way to go.’
Another crew member added that being in the middle also means you’re last off the plane as you disembark from the front and back.
‘11A and 11F specifically are no-gos, as they are most likely to be window-seated, meaning it will take longer for you to deboard once you arrive at your destination,’ Tara added.
Hate flying? You don’t want to book this seat
Even if you’re a frequent flyer, the thought of sitting on a plane for hours on end can be nerve-wracking.
A travel expert has revealed the worst seats on the plane to book if you’re scared of turbulence – and the results are somewhat surprising.
Firstly, you should avoid seats by the wings at all costs.
‘While a window seat over the wings provides a cool view, it also means you’ll experience more turbulence and rocking due to the air currents flowing over and under the wings,’ Michael Moore, founder of travel company Countdown to Magic, tells Metro.co.uk.
Additionally, the tail section is also a no-go.
And, surprisingly, the middle of the cabin is also likely to be a bumpy ride.
Michael explains: ‘Turbulence and rocking motions are amplified the farther you are from the stabilising effects of the wings on either side. Seats in the middle of the cabin will experience more side-to-side and up-and-down shaking.’
Kamila Jakubjakova, a flight attendant, told Metro.co.uk: ‘The food service usually starts from the front of the aeroplane, so you’ll get to dine first if you sit in the very first rows of an aircraft. Sitting in the front rows also means you’re more likely to get your preferred choice of meal if two options are available.’
However, this doesn’t mean you should sit right at the front or back because sitting closest to the toilet means dealing with inevitable toilet smells.
‘Go for a seat just forward of the wing for a comfier flight and don’t sit near the toilets or galleys – because it can be smelly and noisy,’ suggests Daisy White, a former flight attendant.
And if you’re after a cheeky upgrade and wondering if there’s a secret way to get in business class, it’s quite simple – be polite.
‘As far as travel tips are concerned, my number one tip for those looking to get upgraded (and treated like royalty) on a flight is to be lovely to the cabin crew,’ Hannah Murphey, former flight attendant and director of Globe Fit Ltd told Metro.co.uk.
Happy flying!
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