Flights are not just a means of transportation — they’re an integral part of the travel experience. But with rising prices and increasingly crowded planes, every small tip can make the difference between an exhausting journey and a comfortable flight at a smart price. Here’s everything you need to know — based on research, surveys, user experience, and expert recommendations — to save money when booking and secure the best seat on the plane.
Saving Money — Starts at the Booking Stage
If you can afford to be flexible with your destination or travel date — you’ll win big. Open-ended searches on platforms like Google Flights Explore or Skyscanner instantly show you the cheapest destinations within a given timeframe. Even a one- or two-day flexibility, especially if you fly on a Tuesday, Wednesday, or Saturday, can significantly reduce the price.
Additionally, price alerts are an essential tool. Instead of refreshing flight websites every hour, just activate a price alert on Skyscanner, Google Flights, Kayak, or Airfare Watchdog. As soon as the price drops — you’ll get a real-time notification and can book before the price jumps back up.
Wondering when’s the best time to book? There’s an answer to that too. According to thousands of users on Reddit forums and flight search engines, the ideal time to book is about 45 days before the flight. Tuesday to Thursday are generally much cheaper — while prices usually climb on weekends.
There are also smarter ways to structure your booking. For example, using an Open-Jaw ticket (a round-trip where the arrival and departure cities differ), or booking two one-way low-cost flights with different airlines, can dramatically cut costs. Another trick is to fly into a major nearby city at a low price and then take a cheap domestic flight to your final destination — a strategy especially popular for destinations like Greece or Spain.
If you’re willing to invest one more minute — here are a few advanced hacks:
Using a VPN or changing the currency on the search site may reveal cheaper prices depending on location or language.
Check whether extras like luggage or seat selection cost more than upgrading to Economy Plus.
Fly with carry-on only. A checked bag on a round trip with low-cost airlines often costs as much as an additional ticket.
And finally — don't forget loyalty clubs. Signing up for frequent flyer programs, using cashback credit cards, and collecting points — all of these could eventually earn you a free (or nearly free) flight.
Not All Seats Are Created Equal: How to Choose the Best Spot on the Plane
For many, a long flight is measured not just by hours in the air but by seat comfort. Sometimes, the difference between an exhausting trip and a bearable one lies in a small detail: Your location on the plane. According to recent surveys, some seats stand out — and for good reason:
6A was chosen as the best seat by Skyscanner users. It’s a window seat on the sixth row on the left — close to the front but not in the first row, so you can still store a personal item under the seat. It’s also away from the toilets and close to the door, allowing for quick disembarkation.
1A, a Bulkhead seat (next to the partition) at the front of the cabin, ranked highest in a 2024 Upgraded Points survey. It offers extra legroom, gets meal service early, and allows fast exit from the plane.
Flight attendants unanimously recommend 21A or 21F — window seats in the emergency exit row above the wing. Besides the extra legroom, this area is more aerodynamically stable (less turbulence) and often quieter. The wall by the window also provides a comfortable place to rest your head for sleep.
And on the other end of the scale?
31E — a middle seat in the last row, near the toilets and galley — is considered by many the “seat of horror.” It’s cramped, noisy, often has unpleasant odors, and sometimes doesn’t even allow personal item storage.
Important note: While seats like 6A, 1A, or 21A are highly rated due to their ideal locations — it’s crucial to understand: Seat numbers vary between aircraft, airlines, and even between different flights on the same airline.
For example, in wide-body aircraft used for long-haul flights (like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350), rows may go up to 50 or higher, with emergency exits around row 30. In contrast, in narrow-body aircraft often used by low-cost airlines (like Wizz Air or Ryanair), row 1A is usually in the front — but doesn’t always offer extra legroom or comfort.
The same goes for emergency exit rows — in some aircraft it’s row 12, in others 14 or 20, and in some it doesn’t exist in the more comfortable configuration. A seat considered Bulkhead on one plane might be numbered completely differently on another.
How to Make Sure Your Desired Seat Actually Exists on Your Flight
Before you choose, make sure the seat you're eyeing actually exists on your aircraft:
Check the aircraft type on your booking confirmation or through Google Flights.
Go to SeatGuru or AeroLOPA and enter the aircraft model.
These maps use color codes — green for recommended seats, red for ones to avoid.
If seat numbers vary across aircraft? Just look for the location, not the number. Emergency exit rows with a window or Bulkhead seats at the front of economy class are almost always present — even if under a different row number.
Match Your Seat to Your Needs: How to Know What’s Best for You
Not everyone looks for the same thing on a flight. Here’s how to match your seat to your traveler profile:
Need extra legroom? Go for an emergency exit row or Bulkhead — with 10–20 cm more space than regular rows.
Want to sleep comfortably? Choose a window seat, away from toilets and the galley, and preferably not in the last row (where the seat often doesn’t recline).
Afraid of flying or sensitive to turbulence? Sit above the wing — the plane’s center of gravity, where motion is felt least.
In a rush to get off the plane? Choose front rows, especially an aisle seat on the left side — most airport doors open on that side.
Flying with a baby? A Bulkhead row with a bassinet (booked in advance) offers space and comfort — for both the parent and the crew.