Window or aisle? Windows for

August 03, 2003

Window or aisle? Windows for the sleepers and those who need to be entertained by the tops of clouds and the action of a take-off or approach. Aisle seats for the seasoned veterans who need to: stretch, get to the bathroom without waking a neighbour, have easy access to their stuff in the overhead compartment. Older folks like the aisle. The middle seat? For the loser, the martyr and the late comer. What are its benefits? None. Never guaranteed any armrest for yourself. Blocked in on both sides, The most likely person top be forced into listening to the full life story of an unjaded window sitter. Who are the people who are uncomfortable with the responsibilities of an exit row? Maybe the infirm? That should be it. After the special instructions there are only upsides. More leg room. A guaranteed bee line to the outside world. Seat in the upright position. Tray table stowed and seat belt fastened. If the movie sucks this is the time to piss. Right after the movie comes the rush to the can. Put shoes back on before walking to the lavatory. The carpet is usually wet near the galley. Who knows what’s on the floor? The back rows are safer but noisy and smelly. Some seats don’t recline. Use the pillow for the small of your back. Those little things don’t make sense for your head unless you have a window seat. In that case take two pillows. This is not new information but it is what is on my mind lately. Sad really.