Frequently Asked Questions
Insights from
Jennifer Coutts Clay
author of
JETLINER CABINS: Evolution & Innovation
E-BOOK
How can I determine the best seat on a flight?
Our interactive seat maps and detailed descriptions help you choose the best seat based on your preferences, such as extra legroom, proximity to exits, or window views.
What types of aircraft cabins can I expect on my flight, and do they really differ that much from one another?
Historically, airlines generally offered three classes of service: First, Business and Economy. Today, many airlines are trying to satisfy a growing appetite for a better Economy-class experience. This has resulted in airlines offering additional legroom on some Economy-class rows while retaining the same overall service. More recently, many airlines are starting to offer a full Premium Economy experience with separate cabins and enhanced inflight service. These offer more legroom, wider seats and often a better meal service. On our website, you will find details on every class on your flight.
Can I find information on flying with infants and children?
SeatMaps.com provides essential information for families flying with children and infants to ensure a comfortable and stress-free experience. The platform highlights child-friendly seat recommendations and offers guidance on making reservations for unaccompanied minors (UMs) and on obtaining advance approval from airlines for children travelling alone. It covers key details on airline policies for lap infants, bassinets, and family-friendly services such as increased baggage allowance and priority boarding. Direct links to the airlines' resources help parents plan better and ensure smoother travel with young passengers.
Can I find information for travelers flying with pets?
Yes, our platform provides guidance on airline-specific pet policies, including cabin or cargo travel options, size and weight limits, and pet carrier requirements. It highlights key seating recommendations for passengers flying with pets, such as seats near cabin storage areas or bulkhead seats for extra space. Additionally, SeatMaps.com offers advice on preparing pets for flights, including health certificates and vaccinations. For each airline, our platform provides links to pet policy information found on the airlines' webpages to help pet owners plan better and ensure a smooth journey for their pets, whether they are traveling inside the cabin or in the cargo hold.
Do you offer information on inflight entertainment systems?
Yes, we provide comprehensive details on the availability and type of in-flight entertainment systems offered by different airlines.
How accurate and up-to-date is the data here on SeatMaps?
We collect the data from a wide range of sources, including airlines, aircraft manufacturers, booking engines, photos, videos, reviews and other service providers. This data, together with our years of experience help us give you the most accurate airline seat maps possible. It is obviously easier to prepare seat maps for well-known popular airlines as more sources of information are available than for lesser-known operators. Our seat maps are continuously updated and published weekly to our website.
Can I see inside views of the cabin and seats?
SeatMaps.com offers photos and 3D views of the cabin and individual seats for many airlines. You can explore the seating arrangement, legroom, and amenities available on your specific flight. Simply enter your flight number or airline details in the search bar, and if a 3D view is available, a 360 icon will be displayed beside the aircraft model name.
Can I find information about the availability of WiFi on flights?
Yes, SeatMaps.com provides details about the availability of WiFi on flights. When searching for your flight, you can check the flight amenities section on the seat map or flight details page to see if WiFi is available.
What are the restrictions of exit row seats?
You must be at least 16 years old and be able to understand and follow cabin crew instructions: This means speaking the airline's local language or English. You must be willing to assist in the event of an evacuation order and you cannot be travelling with other passengers that are dependent on you
What are the drawbacks of "Extra Legroom Seats"?
Seats with extra legroom are usually situated at emergency exits or behind a bulkhead. Emergency exit seats come with restrictions (see: "What are the restrictions of exit row seats"). These seats usually have the tray table stowed in the armrest of the seat, making the seat a bit narrower. These tables are usually also smaller and less sturdy. The seats do not allow for any luggage storage other than in the overhead bins. Seats behind a bulkhead are often a lot roomier and might offer more knee space, however, fully stretching out your legs might not be possible. On many widebody aircraft, exit row seats are often close to a group of lavatories. This means you will have passengers standing around your seat while waiting to use the restrooms and unpleasant odours might also be present from time to time.
Why should you avoid the last row of Economy class on board an aircraft?
On many single aisle aircraft like the popular B737 series or the A320 series, the cabin gets narrower towards the end. This forces some airlines to install narrower seats in order to keep the aisle at the same width. Seat recline is also often restricted and a window missing. The overhead bins at the back of the cabin are also often used by the crew to store service items like pillows and blankets, so baggage space is reduced. Most aircraft are equipped with galleys and lavatories at the back of the cabin which translate into increased foot traffic, noise and odours.
What does "BYOD" mean?
It stands for "Bring Your Own Device". Many airlines are opting to install in their cabins entertainment systems that stream TV shows, movies and other media via WiFi to your own personal device. This can be your phone, tablet or laptop. Some airlines require you to download an app before boarding in order to access their media library so check with your airline before your flight
What is “pitch”, and how do airlines calculate it?
Seat pitch is the distance between a point on one seat and the same point on the seat in front of it. It is a measure of legroom and overall comfort in the seating area.
How much seat pitch do I need?
The vast majority of regular Economy class seats have a seat pitch of 28" to 32" (71 - 81cm). You will find that seat pitch on short-haul flights will often range from 28" to 30" while pitch on long haul flights will range from 31" to 32". This is because long-haul aircraft usually have thicker seats with better padding, so from a legroom perspective a long haul seat at 31" roughly feels like a short haul seat at 30". Sticking to the short-haul metrics, if you're 5' 7" (170cm) or less, you have nothing to worry about no matter the seat pitch. If you're around 5' 9" (175cm) , it is recommended to have at least a 29" of pitch and if you're 5' 11" (180cm) or more, at least 30", or your knees might be touching the seat back in front of you.
What are pre-reclined or fixed recline seats?
These are a new generation of slimline seats designed for short- to medium-haul aircraft in order to add more rows of seats while retaining sufficient knee clearance. The seat back is typically fixed at an angle of 15-20 degrees (12 degrees is considered upright on reclining seats), giving a fairly comfortable seating experience without invading the personal space of the passenger behind. It is a compromise and found on many low-cost airlines' aircraft. The simpler seats reduce weight and help save on fuel and emissions.