The Back Row: A Hidden Gem in Airplane Seating?

While many travelers consider the back row of a plane the least desirable spot, seasoned traveler John Burfitt begs to differ. His epiphany stemmed from a particularly frustrating long-haul flight where he was constantly kicked by the restless passenger behind him. Despite pleas and requests for assistance from flight attendants, the harassment continued. As he made his way to the restroom, he noticed something intriguing: the back row passengers seemed remarkably relaxed. He quickly realized why: they had the wall behind them, making them immune to the dreaded kick-back syndrome!

The Advantages of the Back Row

Since then, John has made a habit of booking the back row for long flights, discovering a surprising list of advantages:

Enhanced Privacy: The back row offers a secluded sanctuary, tucked away from the constant flow of flight attendants pushing carts and passengers walking by.

More Comfortable Sleep: The angle of the rear seats provides a natural nook for curling up and snoozing, perfect for those seeking a restful flight.

Potentially Lower Prices: Due to the common misconception that back rows are undesirable, they often come at a lower price.

Better for Families: The back row can be ideal for families, as children can have more space to move around and less disruption from other passengers.

Drawbacks to Consider

However, there are some drawbacks to consider:

Reclining Limitations: Not all back row seats recline, but newer planes often offer this feature.

Proximity to Lavatories: The inevitable consequence of a back row seat is its proximity to the restrooms. While some may find this disruptive due to noise and lineups, others might appreciate the quick and easy access.

Limited Legroom: Some individuals may find the legroom in the back row restrictive.

Why does John Burfitt prefer the back row of a plane?

John Burfitt prefers the back row of a plane because it offers a more peaceful and comfortable experience compared to other seats. He discovered this after a frustrating long-haul flight where he was constantly kicked by the restless passenger behind him. He realized that the back row passengers were more relaxed because they had the wall behind them, eliminating the "kick-back syndrome."

What are the benefits of sitting in the back row of a plane?

The back row offers several advantages, including enhanced privacy due to its secluded location, a more comfortable sleeping position thanks to the angle of the rear seats, and potentially lower prices because they are often considered undesirable. Additionally, the back row can be ideal for families as it offers more space for children to move around.

What are some potential downsides to sitting in the back row of a plane?

While the back row offers advantages, there are some drawbacks to consider. Not all back row seats recline, though newer planes often offer this feature. The proximity to the lavatories can be disruptive due to noise and lineups, but others might appreciate the quick and easy access. Finally, some may find the legroom in the back row restrictive.

Who might benefit most from sitting in the back row of a plane?

The back row might be especially beneficial for those seeking a peaceful and comfortable flight, as it offers a secluded sanctuary and a more comfortable sleeping position. It can also be ideal for families, as children have more space to move around and less disruption from other passengers. Additionally, budget travelers might appreciate the potential for lower prices on back row seats.

A Final Thought

Ultimately, John Burfitt emphasizes that the comfort and tranquility of the back row outweigh the drawbacks. If you value a peaceful flight and want to potentially save some money, the back row might just be your hidden gem.