In part 1 of this article we mentioned the following points on getting the best seats on your flight:

*picking your airline

*choosing your aircraft type

*studying seat maps to find the optimal seats

*advance seat assignments (paid vs free vs elite status)

*using Online Check-In (OLCI)

In this part we continue our seating discussion…

Another factor to consider is whether the seat(s) next to you will be taken – this could make your journey a lot more comfortable, especially when flying in economy class. The extra space an empty seat can provide could make a big difference on a long-haul flight.

This is somewhat out of your control, especially if the flight has a full load. However if the flight is less than full it is possible to select certain seats to reduce the possibility of someone being next to you. (Again, this is purely a personal preference – some people may like to have a seat mate to talk to).

Note, top-tier elite status passengers in some programs (eg Lufthansa) are able to request an empty adjacent seat, subject to availability.

This strategy comes down to seating psychology and the fact that people don’t really like to choose the middle seat if the aisle and window are occupied.

If you are travelling in a couple you can always pull the old trick by selecting a window and aisle seat on a 3 seat window row. If someone does turn up with the middle seat they are usually more than happy to swap so that you can sit together.

If travelling alone, by choosing a 3 seat row with 1 window or aisle seat already occupied, you will leave the middle seat which is less likely to be taken if the flight is not full.

So in the following seat configuration example, most single passengers would tend to choose a window or aisle seat in the empty row 19. However, choosing seat 20D will mean middle seat 20E is less likely to be taken. If you chose 19F then the chance is there that a couple will take 19D and 19E. (Although if you wanted a window seat then you would have to take 19F!)

If as a couple you want to be guaranteed aisle access on a widebody aircraft and don’t want to have anyone else climbing over you then choose 2 seats together in the middle row. Or choose the 2 seater rows as discussed in part 1.

Don’t forget that with the exit/bulkhead rows being popular it is less likely that you will have an empty seat next to you – but at least you will have extra legroom.

And on flights with light loads it can be worthwhile grabbing an empty row in economy class which can be turned into a “bed”.

Final thoughts:

At the end of the day as long as the airline gets you to your destination safely that is all that really matters. If you can find and secure a seat in your class that will give you a little more comfort then of course that is a good thing.

But if you want to guarantee extra comforts on your journey then book a first class or business class ticket on a top airline.

The swine flu outbreak has made big news headlines this year and has had a serious impact on many people’s travel plans. We’ve heard of some contacts who have had to cancel holiday flights to the US on orders of their employers (big corporations). Let’s discuss some ways of trying to remain healthy if you do have to take that flight.

Obviously sitting in a confined metal tube with hundreds of other passengers means there is always a risk of catching something. Generally, economy passengers in close proximity to each other carry a slightly higher risk than those travelling in the more spaced out business and first class. That said, if the passenger next to you in any class has the flu your risk factor is magnified.

If you are a corporate flyer and/or have the means, consider using private jets to minimise contact with other passengers on board and at airports. For most this won’t be a possiblilty – so when flying on commercial airlines there are a few prevention measures we can take:

-Hydration – Drink plenty of natural mineral water and avoid dehydrating liquids such as alcohol, coffee, tea and carbonated soft drinks. Once past security you can buy water at the airport.

-Eat only lightly on board as digestion is slowed and takes up a lot of energy. It is better to eat on the ground before and after your flight – if you have access to a quality lounge then exercise your pre-flight dining option; alternatively find a good restaurant at the airport or bring your own food.

-Remember to wash your hands regularly and avoid hand contact with your mouth. Be aware of what you are touching – lavatory door handles, in-flight entertainment players, tray tables, laptop keyboard, your mobile phone – any of these could be contaminated with bacteria.

-If you are really paranoid you could wear a face mask during your travels – this could be uncomfortable on a long flight though and you will probably feel a bit strange if no-one else is wearing them! Standard 3M masks (N95 and N100) are classed as dust respirators – they will reduce but not eliminate the risk.

-In the week before you fly try to eat a healthy, balanced diet – include plenty of garlic, onions and use herbs like oregano – all exhibit “antibacterial properties”. Eat citrus fruits (oranges, grapefruits, lemons) for a shot of vitamin C. You should also stay well rested.

-Make sure you get some exercise during the flight and go for a walk outside when you arrive at your destination.

-Keep your immune system in the best possible shape before you travel with a regular supplement program. Probably the best daily natural supplement for air travellers (or any traveller for that matter) is Total Balance (*) from New Zealand. We have used this product for 4 years in combination with their Omega 3 DHA Fish Oil (*) and give them our highest recommendation. Their customer service is friendly and top notch.

For further protection against any flu they also produce a natural supplement called Viral Protec (*) – this is optimal when used in combination with Total Balance.

Note: Article is for information purposes only and does not constitute medical advice or instruction. Always consult your doctor or a qualified health professional on any health matters.

(*) Affiliate product link – this site receives a small commission from referring any sales.