STRATEGIES OF HOW TO SCORE THE BEST SEATS

Often the best strategy is as simple as being friendly to the agent making decisions who gets bumped up into first class. Other times, dressing well is all it takes to score the much sought after upgrade. A business suit trumps torn jeans.

There are great differences in coach as well. Check out a plane’s schematic, which are typically available online. Sitting too close to the bathroom guaranties a non-stop parade of traffic. Try reserving the seats in an exit row. Our research has shown that some exit rows offer as much as 6 inches more leg room than other coach aisles.

Another great tip is to familiarize yourself with the differences of plane body types. SeatExpert.com and SeatGuru.com offer useful information about seat types and floorplans that are helpful guides to your best choices.

Frequent Flier programs can give you the advantage to those who accumulate enough use in their programs, particularly when flying mostly within one airline. This is the quickest route to upgrades.