Choosing Your Seat On The Plane

I always go for the 2 seat blocks over the 3-4-5 seat blocks, but I also like to sit as far forward as possible. The choices you have make these two mutually exclusive. So I would go for a seat as far forward as possible, to potentially save half an hour or more in the immigration line.

Quote from UK Man

I'd go for one of the aisle seats in the back rows with only 2 seats.

That's where my hubby goes! I was in the equivalent of 41G of @Bombonera 's picture on my last flight from EZE to MXP via MAD.

I flew Iberia Economy (not "Light") and I could check in well in advance, picking my seats on all 4 legs for a fee. The fee ranged from €12 to €60 on the EZE-MAD leg, and it was cheaper on the MAD-MXP leg (which is just under two hours).

I didn't care about the seat on the shortest leg (Madrid-Milan), so I was quite pissed to have to pay for 4 reserved seats when I just wanted 2 and didn't go on.

I chose to wait until until the common people check-in opened online 24 hours prior to departure. Much to my surprise, I was assigned an aisle seat in the middle part, which is what I wanted. Even more to my surprise, any other choice would have cost me a fee AGAIN. Even if I moved one row up or down, same seat "value" (during the advanced check-in slot). I felt very old, since I remembered that you could pick a seat for free in the 24 hrs prior to take off. It is no longer the case. Even this "privilege" has been stripped off.

However, I did invest €25 to have full Wi-Fi access during the longest leg. This price was for one device, only. I chose my phone (over my notebook) since I just wanted to keep myself busy scrolling stuff when I was unable to sleep.

There was also a free WiFi package with messages only (whatsapp messages, iMessage and emails didn't work) for IberiaPlus members (I am one) but it kept saying there was an issue with my password. The same password worked fine from my computer. I think their programming sucks and there was some sort of security feature on mobile browsers that didn't go well with their mobile website.

The same happened on the flight from MAD to MXP, when I discovered that the €25 I had paid for the WiFi was only valid on ONE FLIGHT and not ONE TRIP (like it was the case with BA last year). Anyway, I used the free message plan from my computer for that short flight. Also worth noting, Iberia didn't even serve drink or snack from Madrid to Milan. Everything was for sale. It felt very cheap, like Ryanair-cheap. Boooo!

For reference, during the 24 hrs prior to departure I was offered the option to upgrade to Premium Economy and to Business. However, these "offers" simply corresponded to the fare difference at the time of my booking, split in two. I didn't find it convenient. Even more, having walked past the Premium Economy seats, they are not that much. An XL Economy seat works the same.

The premium Economy seats have a modest leg rest which is the same rest that offers my backpack sitting below my calves.

I wasn't given the privilege to look at the Business class, since us 'the commoners' had to go through a separate entry.

33 or 34 H aisle

Seatguru.com

I tend to pick an aisle seat whwn I am travelling on my own.

As far forward as possible,

If you are unlucky to get turbulence , I think it affects the back of the plane more than the front

Quote from UK Man

I don't mind being at the back, In fact it can work in your favour most of the time. I don't sleep much on an plane even when in the big seats up front. So an aisle seat in economy suits me fine as it gives me more freedom to get out when I want.

I agree as well. I like to be farther back on the long overnight flight when not in premium economy. It is quieter, and possible that the others pick up front seats, leaving empty seat next to me. The only doubt with those 2 seat rows in the very back is that they might have some other strange missing feature. Also could be too close to the bathroom, so people leaning over you and touching your seat as the y queue up. I try to use seatguru or similar to scope out what other travelers have reported about each seat.

Quote from aficionado

The only doubt with those 2 seat rows in the very back is that they might have some other strange missing feature. Also could be too close to the bathroom, so people leaning over you and touching your seat as the y queue up. I try to use seatguru or similar to scope out what other travelers have reported about each seat.

I agree. There is too much movement at the back of the plane. I tend to sit as much as forward possible and get an aisle seat because I have to walk longer to go to the bathroom / have a drink. I feel kind of ridicule stretching and doing exercises in the aisle, so I'd rather take the longest possible walk.

Another anecdotal experience: last year with BA, they had a tray with half-full disposable glasses. It was not very eco-friendly if you were thirsty. The selection was quite limited. I was lucky to have a bottle of water on me.

With KLM during the pandemic, one could serve as much water/juice as they wanted, and there were food treats to snack on (both savory and sweet).

This year, with Iberia, you had to ask the flight assistant for a drink, even if you went to the back of the aircraft. I didn't feel at ease asking for three refills in a row -- I get thirsty on the plane!

This year I came prepared and I had two small bottles of water. I also drank plenty of water at the airport prior to boarding.

In ezeiza, they allowed up to 5 liters of liquids, up to 70°. Also, there are free water fountains where you can refill your bottles. This was very smart!

When I arrived in Madrid, we had to go through passenger security again, and my backpack was selected for a second screening because I had bottles. They simply put the bottles in a machine that confirmed the liquids were safe.

I was let go in 5', but I had a short connection. Also, no water fountains in Barajas.

serafina , you were allowed to take bottled water on the plane at EZE? I’ve bought bottled water in the airport and had it confiscated before boarding. Is that something that has changed? Or is it a regulation for specific airlines only, rather than an EZE rule?

window seat for me. Can lean up it with some clothing to make a pillow, decent view and dont get disturbed if folk need the toilet.

Quote from Rice

serafina , you were allowed to take bottled water on the plane at EZE? I’ve bought bottled water in the airport and had it confiscated before boarding. Is that something that has changed? Or is it a regulation for specific airlines only, rather than an EZE rule?

Rice , from EZE you can take water on board on any flight except when travelling to the USA.

Its a USA regulation. It was introduced shortly after 9/11

Not too sure why it is still enforced as there has not been one case where terrorists have taken explsives on board anyhere in the world in water bottles purchased after security.

Quote from Rice

serafina , you were allowed to take bottled water on the plane at EZE? I’ve bought bottled water in the airport and had it confiscated before boarding. Is that something that has changed? Or is it a regulation for specific airlines only, rather than an EZE rule?

Yes, I brought water from home, drank some before the security check, refilled it after the security check using the free water fountains, and boarded the plane with 2x half a liter bottles of water. I drank 1.5 onboard, had a half bottle checked in Madrid.

Quote from UK Man

Gosh....that's a lot of water. Does the fountain water taste okay?

Same as at home! I refill my bottles. You could bring bottled (new) water from home, for what matters.

Airport prices were even more insane than outside, just like in the first world. We had some time to kill prior to my departure, and the cheapest option was coffee at McDonald's.

I normally choose seats next to a window, but anything by Boeing these days, I don't want to scare you, I will change my seating arrangement if I could, and have my seat belt on all the time