Airline Special Seating: The Bulkhead

Beyond the typical seats that you will find on most airlines, there are always a few special seats that are a little bit different than the standard seat. These seats are not a secret, you just have to know what to ask for to get them.

The Bulkhead is a seating row that is at the front of a section. Instead of another row of seats ahead of the bulkhead seats, there is typically a wall separating the passenger from the next section of seats, a galley, or the lavatory.

The Pros of bulkhead seats are:

• No one sits ahead of you, so you don't have to worry about someone leaning back into you.
• Typically the bulkhead has more legroom than a standard seat.
• Easier to move in and out of your seat
• Usually near the front of the plane to make for easier boarding and deplaning.

The Cons or bulkhead seats are:

• Limited or no under seat storage. You'll have to place all of your items above in the overhead bin.
• Tray table comes from your armrest instead of ahead of you, so it's a little more difficult to maneuver.
• You may be right near a lavatory or galley, meaning there will be more traffic around your seat throughout the flight, and you may have to deal with some unpleasant smells and noise.
• Some of the armrests may be locked in place on a bulkhead, meaning you will not be able to lift it and create more space.

For me, I am a general fan of bulkhead seats for the ease of moving around and the extra leg room. I like to put my feet up on the wall and stretch out. I am not a big sleeper on airplanes, so a little extra noise usually doesn't bother me. Some passengers just hate not having under seat storage and find the wall ahead of them disturbing so they really can't stand the bulkhead. It really comes down to passenger preference.

Whether you like the bulkhead or not, you can be proactive in getting the seat that you want when you travel. If you don't want a bulkhead seat then ask your gate agent if your seat is in the bulkhead, if it is then they can probably move you out of it. If you want to move to a bulkhead seat then ask the gate agent if they have one available. Gate agents like to accommodate passenger requests when they can!

Remember, you will rarely get what you want if you don't ask for what you're looking for. It never hurts to make your case for a seat change at the gate before you board. The worst thing that can happen is the agent says "no." You'd be surprised at what the agent can do for you in some situations!

What's your favorite seat when you fly? Leave your comments in the replies!