In the online world of today many people look to travel booking sites for their vacation needs. These sites generally offer two types of services: a package deal for a particular destination, including airline tickets, accommodations, and perhaps attraction passes. The second kind of service involves purchasing the components of travel separately, such as method of travel (plane, train, ship), accommodation, event passes and so on. While these sites are extremely beneficial when it comes to saving money, the user may not always know have a choice in airline.
On the other hand, consider the fact that travel booking sites want their users to be return customers. So, they work hard to promote and use highly rated airlines that have shown their commitment to safety and customer service. If the airline fails to perform well, they are eventually removed from the booking site. According to PhoCusWright, an international market research firm, over $250 billion was spent on travel booking sites in the US alone in 2010. Thus, it behooves airlines to service their customers very well.
Travelers may not have a lot of choice in choosing an airline on booking sites, but they sure do have a say when it comes to seating. Just like on the subway, everyone has their favorite place to sit on a plane; but before choosing your seat spend a moment to consider what you are looking for in a flying situation. Do you want quiet? Or leg-room? How high of a priority is it to be near a window or bathroom? In general, a wide-body airplane will have their economy class located in the middle of the plane. The front of economy is usually the most quiet as it is positioned ahead of the engines. Likewise, the noisiest and bumpiest part of the plane will be further back, behind the engines.
For tall travelers, leg-room is a real concern. No one wants to be seated with their knees around their chin for several hours at a time. That only leads to blood clots, muscle cramps and generally a bad experience! When it comes to economy class, the seats with the most leg-room are in the exit row and by the toilets. Obviously seating near toilets can be slightly stinky and perhaps feel intrusive with so many people coming and going. In addition, exit row seats are not outfitted the same way as regular row seating. The entertainment screen is affixed to the arm, instead of the seat in front. The same is true with the dining tray. Overhead storage compartments are often full early on, so passengers with seats in the exit row may find they do not have extra storage space for carry-ons.
Airline seating is a tricky business; every passenger, plane, airlines and flight is different. A flight to Cancun where reserved seats are in the exit row may be lovely and relaxing. The trip back may be exactly opposite, even if the same seats were booked. It is up to the traveler to make the best choices possible, and hope for the best.
On the other hand, consider the fact that travel booking sites want their users to be return customers. So, they work hard to promote and use highly rated airlines that have shown their commitment to safety and customer service. If the airline fails to perform well, they are eventually removed from the booking site. According to PhoCusWright, an international market research firm, over $250 billion was spent on travel booking sites in the US alone in 2010. Thus, it behooves airlines to service their customers very well.
Travelers may not have a lot of choice in choosing an airline on booking sites, but they sure do have a say when it comes to seating. Just like on the subway, everyone has their favorite place to sit on a plane; but before choosing your seat spend a moment to consider what you are looking for in a flying situation. Do you want quiet? Or leg-room? How high of a priority is it to be near a window or bathroom? In general, a wide-body airplane will have their economy class located in the middle of the plane. The front of economy is usually the most quiet as it is positioned ahead of the engines. Likewise, the noisiest and bumpiest part of the plane will be further back, behind the engines.
For tall travelers, leg-room is a real concern. No one wants to be seated with their knees around their chin for several hours at a time. That only leads to blood clots, muscle cramps and generally a bad experience! When it comes to economy class, the seats with the most leg-room are in the exit row and by the toilets. Obviously seating near toilets can be slightly stinky and perhaps feel intrusive with so many people coming and going. In addition, exit row seats are not outfitted the same way as regular row seating. The entertainment screen is affixed to the arm, instead of the seat in front. The same is true with the dining tray. Overhead storage compartments are often full early on, so passengers with seats in the exit row may find they do not have extra storage space for carry-ons.
Airline seating is a tricky business; every passenger, plane, airlines and flight is different. A flight to Cancun where reserved seats are in the exit row may be lovely and relaxing. The trip back may be exactly opposite, even if the same seats were booked. It is up to the traveler to make the best choices possible, and hope for the best.
About the Author:
BookIt.com is an online travel company determined and dedicated to becoming the leader in providing travelers with the most intuitive online booking experience full of relevant information, helpful guides and travel tips. Find great deals on cancun at BookIt.com!
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