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The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Seats on Budget Airlines

Traveloka Team

08 Feb 2025 - 3 min read

The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Best Seats on Budget Airlines

Budget airlines have revolutionised travel. Whether you're jetting off for a weekend getaway or planning a dream trip, low-cost carriers have made flying more accessible. But with affordable fares come trade-offs, such as cramped legroom and additional fees for seat selection.

The good news is that you can make your flight more comfortable without breaking the bank by choosing your seats strategically. This guide provides top tips for securing the best seats, especially when booking through Traveloka, to ensure you get the most value (and comfort) from your flight. Let's get started!

Understanding the Seating Options

Before booking, it’s essential to understand the seating options offered by most budget airlines. While each airline has its quirks, budget airlines typically categorise seats as follows:

Standard Seats: These are the most economical, basic, no-frills seats. They are positioned towards the back or middle of the cabin.

Extra Legroom Seats: These seats near emergency exits or bulkhead rows offer additional space to stretch out.

Premium Seats: Often positioned towards the front of the aircraft, premium seats provide faster boarding and deplaning, making them ideal for travellers in a hurry.

Knowing these seat categories will help you decide which options suit your travel preferences.

Tips for Securing the Best Seat

Early Bird Booking

Budget airlines allocate seats on a first-come, first-served basis. Booking your flight as early as possible increases your odds of securing your desired seat, especially if you want extra legroom or a spot by the window. With tools like Traveloka, booking flights is quick and seamless, allowing you to see seat availability early.

Choosing the Right Seat

When selecting a seat, consider your travel priorities. Do you want more legroom, a quieter space, or a better view?

Window Seats: Perfect if you enjoy scenic views or need a headrest for sleeping.

Aisle Seats are ideal for those who like easy access to the restroom or prefer stretching out occasionally.

Exit Row Seats are great for extra legroom, but note the responsibility of sitting in an emergency exit row.

Utilising Seat Maps

Most airlines offer seat maps during the booking process. Use these maps to identify the best choices based on your preferences. For example, bulkhead seats (often marked on the map) generally provide more excellent legroom and no reclining seatbacks in front of you. When booking through Traveloka, you can view seat maps ahead of time to pick the best options.

Best Seats for Solo Travellers

Flying solo offers much more flexibility in seat selection. Here's how to make the most of it:

Window or Aisle Seats: Both are excellent choices for solo flyers, offering either privacy or accessibility.

Avoid Middle Seats: Nobody wants to be squished between two people, especially on a long flight. Selecting your seat ahead of time through Traveloka reduces this risk.

Consider the Front Row: If you’re a frequent budget traveller, seats closer to the front are usually quicker for boarding and exiting the plane.

Best Seats for Families and Groups

Travelling with loved ones and worried about being seated separately? Follow these tips for better planning:

Book Early: It’s worth reiterating—that early booking significantly increases your chances of sitting together.

Use Group Discounts: Many budget carriers allow you to select group seating at a discounted rate when booking multiple tickets.

Choose Rows with Split Armrests: Look for seats that allow kids to sprawl more without bothering others. Bulkhead rows are ideal for families with toddlers, as there's no one sitting in front.

Hidden Gems: Lesser-Known Seat Benefits

Hidden gem seats on budget airlines often sit under the radar but can dramatically increase comfort:

The Last Rows: Surprisingly, most travellers overlook the very last rows. They may provide extra space for reclining or even a free middle seat if the flight isn’t fully booked.

Seats by Wing Rows: Known for being stabilisers, these seats can reduce turbulence, especially on smaller aircraft.

Seats Near Crew Areas: These spots, typically towards the rear galley, give you quicker access to in-flight service.

Strategic Seat Selection = A Better Flight

Put simply, strategic seat selection can transform your entire flight experience. Whether you’re a solo traveller seeking a peaceful window seat or a family prioritising togetherness, choosing the right seat makes the difference.

When booking budget flights through Traveloka, use features like early seat selection and seat maps to select options that best suit your needs. This will save you money and ensure a smoother, more enjoyable trip.

Now that you know how to level up your flying experience, it’s time to plan your entire trip! Head to Traveloka today to book your flight tickets, find the perfect accommodation, and discover the best activities for your next adventure. Make every part of your journey unforgettable with Traveloka!

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