From Business Insider · Kelly Magyarics · Nov 5, 2026 · 1m 50s

The economy seats I book on every flight

A frequent flyer shares which rows to choose and which to avoid for comfort in economy class.

In brief

A frequent flyer shares which rows to choose and which to avoid for comfort in economy class. Kelly Magyarics, who flies almost weekly, reveals her strategic seat choices in economy, from exit rows to bulkhead seats, and which areas to avoid. Originally reported by Business Insider.

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A frequent flyer's seat strategy

Author Kelly Magyarics smiling in Emirates Business Class

Kelly Magyarics flies almost every week. Her favorite seat is an aisle in business or first class, but her Premier one K status on United doesn't always get her upgraded.

Exit row seats offer extra room

When she can't get an upgrade, Magyarics books an aisle seat in the exit row. On Boeing seven thirty-seven Max aircraft, she chooses the exit row closer to the back of the cabin.

Why the back exit row works best

Because of safety regulations, the exit row in front cannot recline into her exit row, which prevents inconsiderate passengers from leaning back into her personal space.

Bulkhead seats have a trade-off

Magyarics also selects bulkhead seats directly behind a wall, curtain, or screen for extra legroom and no passenger reclining into her lap. The drawback: no seats in front to store her bag under.

Front aisle seats for tight connections

When Magyarics has a connecting flight with only an hour or so to catch it, she books an aisle seat as close to the front of the cabin as possible. Those extra minutes matter.

Traveling with a companion

When flying with another person, Magyarics books two aisle seats directly across from one another in a three-seat row. This keeps them close while avoiding the dreaded middle seat.

Avoid bathrooms and galleys

Magyarics avoids seats near bathrooms because passengers line up throughout the flight, the toilet flushes frequently, and bad aromas waft out. She also avoids galleys where flight attendants prep food and beverages.

The essence

Kelly Magyarics, who flies almost weekly, reveals her strategic seat choices in economy, from exit rows to bulkhead seats, and which areas to avoid.

Read the original on Business Insider

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