Selecting the Best Airline Seats for Back Pain – Expert Advice
If you have chronic back pain and other issues, finding a comfortable airline seat can be a challenge, especially on longer flights. In order to get the best out of travel, those with chronic pain have to plan ahead and be realistic about what our bodies go through during travel. While most airlines offer premium seating options, these can be costly and do not guarantee complete relief from discomfort. However, by following these guidelines and selecting the right airline seat, you can make your next flight as comfortable and pain-free as possible.
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Finding the Best Airline Seats for People with Chronic Pain
Quick Tips
Do Your Research
Before booking your flight, research the airline’s seating configurations to determine which seats or class of service would work best for your specific chronic pain needs.
Look for Extra Legroom
Is it worth the $15-50? For us with back and leg issues, absolutely. Extra legroom seats make a significant difference. Look for seats with additional legroom such as exit rows or bulkhead seats when available.
Avoid the Middle Seat
Crowded middle seating is the least desirable position as it offers minimal space and no room to stretch out. Reserve an aisle seat or a window seat instead.
Check Seat Width
Seats with more width provide comfort and space. Research the width of the seats before booking. Airlines such as Delta provide seat width information readily on their website.
Consider Bulkhead Seats
Bulkhead seats located at the front of the cabin provide additional legroom, giving more movement while lounging. Remember to keep necessary items in the overhead compartment for easy access. There are downsides to choosing the bulkhead area- see below, but the leg room is undeniable.
Check Seat Recline
It is best to avoid seats that do not recline or have limited range of recline. Check airline’s site or independent review site for details on the specified recline range.
Bring Pillows and Cushions
Adding a cushion or a pillow for back support can aid with spinal alignment and alleviate pressure points.
Trick: Install Google’s fantastic LEG ROOM extension for Google Flights.
Choosing the Right Section
Front Section
- Sitting toward the front of the aircraft often makes for a smooth and quiet ride.
- The crew usually starts serving food and beverages there before working their way to the back, which makes you more likely to get your preferred meal choice in the front.
Middle Section
- This section is stationed directly over the wings, the most stable area of the plane and center of lift, so sitting here makes for the smoothest ride during turbulence.
- Because of the engines, this can be the noisiest.
Window Seats
- The window seat is my seat of choice. It provides beautiful, relaxing views — which are ideal distractions if you’re a nervous flier.
- The wall of the plane can act as additional support for getting comfortable.
- You won’t be disturbed by other passengers when they get up and use the restroom.
- You’re left alone to sleep and can lean your head on the window pane while you do it!
Behind the Bulkhead
Great for leg room and easy to stretch your body, can be a great options for mitigating your pain but keep these downsides in mind:
- If you want to try to avoid crying babies, don’t sit by the bassinets near the bulkhead. This is where they are told to go by the crew.
- If you’re seated behind the bulkhead, you usually have to put all of your belongings in the overhead compartment since there’s no seat in front of you.
- There’s no tray table to put down at your own convenience. Instead, you usually have the tables that fold into the arm rest which can cause extra strain on your neck while using your phone. Sometimes, you’ll even have to ask the crew for a table to slot into your seat.
- Again – It’s also the spot where bassinets are frequently placed, so if you don’t want to hear kids crying during your flight, think twice about selecting a seat behind the bulkhead.
- Another downside is that seats directly in front of a bulkhead don’t always recline.
Seats Near the Cabin Restroom
- You’ll also have other passengers hanging around you the entire flight as they wait for their turn to use the restroom.
- You won’t be able to escape the flushing noises, the bright lights, and of course, the smell of the restroom.
AVOID THE GALLEYS
Especially the back galleys. The back of the plane is definitely the worst place to sit for travelers who hate turbulence since it’s far from the plane’s center of lift and gravity.
This section can also be very loud since some planes have engines and auxiliary power units toward the back of the body that make a lot of noise.
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Delta
Delta is known for its extra-wide seats and ample legroom, making the flight more comfortable and less stressful for people with chronic pain.
JetBlue
JetBlue offers extra legroom economy seats for a reasonable cost. These seats have a pitch of 38 inches, which is much greater than the average of 31 inches on other airlines.
Emirates
Emirates offer extra-wide economy seats and passengers can take advantage of leg rests and adjustable footrests for improved comfort.
Air Canada
Air Canada offers more spacious seats and extra legroom compared to other North American airlines.
Korean Air
Our absolute favorite airline! Spacious and top tier service for all passengers. Economy seats are noted for being roomier and have a greater recline than other airlines.
By following these guidelines and selecting the right airline and seat, travelers with chronic pain can make their next flight more comfortable and stress-free. Remember to do your research, make travel plans well in advance, and focus on finding seats that offer extra legroom and support. With careful planning and selection, air travel can be more enjoyable and comfortable for individuals with chronic pain.
