Which Seat Should You Choose on a Plane for the Best View?

The first thing to look at is the seat map, and that varies by aircraft type. The map should show where the wing is. If it does not show on the airline website when you open your booking, look up your flight on SeatGuru. The most important thing is, do not get a seat on the wing because your view will be obstructed. And keep in mind that even if you opt for the first seat in front of the wing, the engines will also obstruct the view. For the best views, it is best to opt for the 4th or 5th seat in front of the wing. If you’re flying Economy and the 4th or 5th seat ahead is a Premium Economy or Business Class seat, then opt for the 4th or 5th seat behind the wing. You will see the wing, but it will be a great view since the wing is not in front of you.

After you know what row to choose, the next question is which side you need to sit on. First, search what time the sun rises or sets, depending on the time of day that you are flying. Then, take a look at your itinerary and determine whether you will be flying during the day, at night, or during sunrise or sunset. For example, if you are flying from the Caribbean to Canada or USA in the winter and your flight departs at 18:00 or later, chances are it will already be dark outside. Or, you may be departing during the day, then a couple of hours into the flight, you will be able to enjoy the sunset.

• From North America to Europe: planes typically fly northeast towards Greenland or Iceland, then east, then slowly turn southeast towards their destination in Europe. 
• From North America to Asia: planes on those routes take what’s called “the Polar Route”. You will most likely be flying over the Arctic highlands, then over China and onwards to your destination. Alternatively, you may be flying northwest over Canada and Alaska, then the plane would turn southwest to head to its destination.

• Morning departure between 06:00-09:00: sit on the opposite side from where the sun would be rising. If you sit on the side that the sun will be on, the sun will be shining into your eyes. 
• Afternoon departure: any side will do. However, take a look at your arrival time. You may depart in the afternoon and arrive around sunset time or when it’s dark. In that case, you may want to sit on the side that the sun will set in, so that you can enjoy a “sunset flight”. If your flight is between 10:00-15:00, then any side will do. 
• Evening departure: if your flight departs an hour or 2 before sunset, you have 2 options: If you would like to see the sunset, sit on the side that the sun sets in, and you will enjoy a beautiful sunset followed by dusk and probably some views at night. If you want to see more views rather than sunsets, then sit on the opposite side from where the sun sets. However, keep in mind that it may be cloudy and there may not be a view. So the best experience would actually be to enjoy a “sunset flight”.