The Airbus A320 is a ubiquitous aircraft, serving as the backbone of short-to-medium-haul flights for countless airlines worldwide. Choosing the right seat can significantly impact your comfort and enjoyment during your journey. This comprehensive guide, leveraging Seat Guru insights and other expert advice, will help you navigate the seating options on the A320 and find your ideal spot. We'll cover everything from legroom and window views to proximity to lavatories and galleys.
What is Seat Guru and How Can it Help Me Choose My Airbus A320 Seat?
Seat Guru is a highly regarded website and app that provides detailed seat maps for various aircraft, including the Airbus A320. It uses user reviews and expert analysis to rate each seat based on several factors, including legroom, recline, proximity to other passengers, and proximity to amenities like lavatories and galleys. This information is invaluable in making an informed decision about your seat selection. While Seat Guru offers a valuable service, remember that the specific seat map and ratings can vary depending on the airline and aircraft configuration.
Which Seats Offer the Most Legroom on an Airbus A320?
Generally, the exit row seats offer the most legroom on the Airbus A320. However, there are important caveats. These seats often come with restrictions (like needing to assist in an emergency) and may not recline fully. Furthermore, the availability of extra legroom in exit rows can vary greatly depending on the specific airline and their aircraft configuration. Bulkhead seats (the seats in the front row of each cabin section) also usually provide more legroom than standard seats, but can sometimes have limited recline. Lastly, seats near the emergency exits (often the rows ahead of the exit row itself) can offer a noticeable amount of extra legroom. Always check the Seat Guru map for a specific flight to confirm legroom availability.
Are Window Seats on the Airbus A320 Better Than Aisle Seats?
The "best" seat—window or aisle—is largely a matter of personal preference.
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Window seats: Offer a view, a place to rest your head, and a sense of privacy (though you'll need to ask others to get up if you want to use the restroom). However, you might be less comfortable if you're claustrophobic or need to use the restroom frequently.
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Aisle seats: Offer easy access to the lavatory and allow you to stand and stretch without disturbing other passengers. However, they lack a view and may be less private.
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Middle seats: These are generally less preferred due to being sandwiched between two people, but they can be better than a window seat if you need frequent restroom access.
What are the Worst Seats on an Airbus A320?
Generally, the seats directly in front of the lavatories are considered among the least desirable on any aircraft, including the A320. These seats often experience more traffic and noise from passengers using the restroom. Similarly, seats near the galley can be noisy due to food preparation and passenger interaction with cabin crew. Specific seat numbers considered the "worst" are dependent on the specific aircraft configuration and airline, so always check Seat Guru for specific feedback.
How Can I Find the Best Seat on an Airbus A320 for a Family with Young Children?
For families with young children, seats near the lavatories and galleys are often preferred (in spite of the potential noise), allowing for easier access to these amenities. Bulkhead seats often offer the most legroom for strollers and car seats, although you need to check the airline's policy on installing child safety seats. Always book your seats together to stay near your children. Again, checking Seat Guru for seat reviews can be a valuable tool for assessing which seats near the lavatories are most favored by parents.
Do all Airbus A320 aircraft have the same seating configuration?
No, the seating configuration of an Airbus A320 can vary depending on the airline and the specific aircraft. Some airlines may opt for higher passenger density, while others prioritize more legroom. This is why using a resource like Seat Guru, which frequently updates their seat maps based on reported changes, is vital for making an informed choice. Always check the specific aircraft configuration for your flight number.
By using this guide and the invaluable information provided by Seat Guru, you can increase your chances of securing the perfect seat for your next Airbus A320 flight. Remember to always check the specific seat map and reviews for your flight before making a final decision. Happy travels!
