The Pros and Cons of Choosing the Back Row on Airplanes

There are numerous schools of thought when it comes to choosing your seat on an airplane. Some people always go for the front to have the best chance of being seated first, while others prefer the exit row because it comes with extra legroom. While there are pros and cons for each argument, perhaps no seat choice is as debatable as the last row. Check out these points to help you weigh your options when planning your next flight.

Pros
The back row has a lot to offer for those willing to brave it. If you can tolerate the non-stop bathroom noises, you can take advantage of the fact the facilities are so close to you and avoid waiting in line when you’ve got to go. You also don’t have to worry about waiting for the beverage cart to clear the aisle when nature calls.

With no additional seats behind you, you can rest easy. While you may not be able to recline your seat far, you won’t have to worry about another passenger kicking the back of your seat incessantly during the flight.

Cons
For many people the last row is a last resort. The back part of the plane is often the last section to board, which means precious overhead space may be full by the time you get to your seat.

Passengers seated in the back are prone to feeling more turbulence, so it is not an ideal place for someone prone to airsickness.

The back row is also located near the galley and bathrooms on many planes. That means it can get a little crowded during peak bathroom times, noisy during meal prep and, especially on long-haul flights, sometimes get a little stinky once the bathrooms have been ravaged.