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Business Insider
16-07-2025
- Business Insider
I booked basic economy flights with Delta and Alaska Airlines. One was clearly better for coach passengers.
Whether you end up in a middle seat at the back of a full flight or luck out with a row to yourself, your comfort may vary depending on the airline. This year, I've booked domestic basic economy flights with Delta and Alaska Airlines. Here's how my experiences compared, and which airline is better for budget travelers. Then, I took an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to NYC. In May 2025, I took a 5 -hour flight from Seattle to NYC with Alaska Airlines. For $240, I booked the saver fare — Alaska's basic economy ticket, which allows rewards members to earn miles, though fewer than in standard the Delta flight, my ticket included one carry-on bag and no seat assignment. But unlike the Delta flight I ended up on, this flight was full. And since I was in the last boarding group, all the overhead bin space was taken by the time I got to the front of the line, so I checked my carry-on luggage at the gate. The Delta flight was on an Airbus A321neo with several empty seats. The plane, which could seat 194 passengers, had many empty seats, and I was lucky enough to land a row to myself. The seats were larger on the Delta flight. My seat on the Delta flight was larger and a bit cushier than the seat on my Alaska flight. The Delta Airbus A321neo economy seats are 18 inches wide with a 31-inch seat according to Seat Guru, Alaska's economy seats are 17 inches wide and have a seat pitch between 31 and 32 similar Boeing 737-900 planes have 17.3-inch-wide seats and the same seat pitch as Alaska. Delta had a better entertainment system. Perhaps the biggest difference between my experiences on these two flights was the the Delta flight, I had a seat-back touchscreen housing hundreds of movies and TV shows. On the Alaska flight, I had access to over 800 shows and movies from my personal device, but there was no seat-back I fly, I prefer to have a seat-back entertainment system for viewing because it's much larger than my phone screen, and I don't have to hold it up in front of my flights had power outlets, and at least two of Delta's similar Boeing 737-900 models also have seat-back screens. Both flights had three bathrooms in the main cabin. I didn't notice any significant differences between the bathrooms. Both were decently clean and expectedly cramped. Ultimately, the Delta flight was a better ride. The Delta flight was obviously more enjoyable since the flight had many empty seats. But if the roles were reversed, and I had to sit in the back middle seat of the Delta flight as I did on the Alaska flight, I still think I would have preferred the same a larger, cozier seat and a 10-inch screen in front of me, I'd take any basic economy seat on a Delta for Delta and Alaska Airlines didn't respond to requests for comment.
Business Insider
16-07-2025
- Business
- Business Insider
I booked basic economy flights with Delta and Alaska Airlines. One was clearly better for coach passengers.
First, I flew with Delta from Salt Lake City to New York City. In January 2025, I took a 4 ½-hour Delta flight from Salt Lake City to NYC. My basic economy ticket cost $175, and it included one carry-on bag. The booking didn't accrue miles or include a seat reservation, so I got my seat assignment at the gate. It's worth noting that I switched flights just before boarding. The flight I'd booked was full, so the airline asked for volunteers at the gate to take an emptier flight that left 10 minutes later. Since that one was headed to an airport closer to my NYC apartment — John F. Kennedy International Airport — I was happy to change my reservation. Then, I took an Alaska Airlines flight from Seattle to NYC. In May 2025, I took a 5 ½-hour flight from Seattle to NYC with Alaska Airlines. For $240, I booked the saver fare — Alaska's basic economy ticket, which allows rewards members to earn miles, though fewer than in standard economy. Like the Delta flight, my ticket included one carry-on bag and no seat assignment. But unlike the Delta flight I ended up on, this flight was full. And since I was in the last boarding group, all the overhead bin space was taken by the time I got to the front of the line, so I checked my carry-on luggage at the gate. The Delta flight was on an Airbus A321neo with several empty seats. The Alaska flight was on a full Boeing 737-900. I made my way to the middle seat in the back row of Alaska's Boeing 737-900, which seats 178 travelers. While Alaska retired its Airbus fleet in 2023, Delta has three Boeing 737-900 models similar to the Alaska plane I took. These models seat between 173 and 180 passengers, according to the airline. The seats were larger on the Delta flight. My seat on the Delta flight was larger and a bit cushier than the seat on my Alaska flight. The Delta Airbus A321neo economy seats are 18 inches wide with a 31-inch seat pitch. Meanwhile, according to Seat Guru, Alaska's economy seats are 17 inches wide and have a seat pitch between 31 and 32 inches. Delta had a better entertainment system. Perhaps the biggest difference between my experiences on these two flights was the entertainment. On the Delta flight, I had a seat-back touchscreen housing hundreds of movies and TV shows. On the Alaska flight, I had access to over 800 shows and movies from my personal device, but there was no seat-back screen. When I fly, I prefer to have a seat-back entertainment system for viewing because it's much larger than my phone screen, and I don't have to hold it up in front of my face. Both flights had power outlets, and at least two of Delta's similar Boeing 737-900 models also have seat-back screens. Both flights had three bathrooms in the main cabin. Ultimately, the Delta flight was a better ride. The Delta flight was obviously more enjoyable since the flight had many empty seats. But if the roles were reversed, and I had to sit in the back middle seat of the Delta flight as I did on the Alaska flight, I still think I would have preferred the same airline. With a larger, cozier seat and a 10-inch screen in front of me, I'd take any basic economy seat on a Delta flight.
Daily Record
23-06-2025
- Daily Record
The safest seat on a plane to reserve without paying extra
If you get anxious about flying then you might want to pay attention as a travel expert has revealed the safest seat to reserve on a plane without paying extra for it For many holidaymakers, flying can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly when turbulence strikes or when one's mind is filled with thoughts of what could potentially go wrong at 30,000 feet. While some passengers opt to splash out on business class for a bit of tranquillity, others simply hold onto their armrests and hope for the best. However, travel expert Bryson Robert from Safari Soles Tours, a safari operator that specialises in African adventures, suggests there's a more intelligent approach that won't leave you skint. "Most people don't realise there's actually a specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value," explained Mr Robert. "While seat 11A might seem like any other window seat, it's actually positioned in what many aviation experts consider the safest part of the aircraft, and you can often snag it without paying those ridiculous upgrade fees." Mr Robert, whose extensive travel experience guiding clients to remote locations across Tanzania has provided him with insights into aviation safety and booking tactics, has explained why this particular seat should be seriously considered by safety-conscious travellers. Why Seat 11A is the ideal spot for safety The secret to the appeal of seat 11A lies in its strategic location over the aircraft's wings. This position offers several safety benefits that most passengers never contemplate when booking their flights. "When you're sitting over the wing, you're positioned at the plane's centre of gravity," Mr Robert explained. "This means you'll experience less turbulence compared to seats at the front or back of the aircraft. The wing area also has the most reinforced structure in the entire plane." The robust wing structure not only ensures a smoother ride but is also crucial for the aircraft's structural integrity. The wings of an aeroplane are engineered to endure tremendous stress, which makes the space just above them one of the safest during any sort of emergency. Being close to emergency exits is another significant benefit. Occupying seat 11A usually means passengers are within easy reach of several exits, as opposed to those seated at the very front or back where exit routes can be fewer. Check seat maps for your aircraft Mr Robert suggests checking seat maps for your specific aircraft model before making a booking. "You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits," he recommended. "Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s are typically your best bet for this configuration." He emphasised the importance of using airline seat map services or applications like SeatGuru to confirm that seat 11A on your particular flight provides these advantages. Some planes might have alternate numbering systems or layouts that don't position row 11 over the wing optimally. Mr Robert has shared some savvy tips to land the desired seat on a plane without incurring extra costs, particularly avoiding where row 11 is in premium economy due to mandatory upgrade fees. Secure 11A without additional charges He recommends booking your flight, then delaying the seat selection for about 24 hours. "Book your flight first, then wait about 24 hours before selecting your seat," he advised. "Many airlines release their best available seats during this window, and 11A often becomes available for standard selection. "If you're flexible with your departure times, Tuesday and Wednesday flights often have more seat availability," Mr Robert added. "Airlines are less likely to charge premium fees for seats that aren't filling up quickly." Returning to check your booking regularly before flying is another tactic as airlines may make previously restricted seats available without charge closer to the departure date when it's clear they won't sell as upgrades. Mr Robert concluded: "After years of coordinating travel for safari clients flying into remote African destinations, I've learned that smart seat selection can make or break a long-haul flight experience. Seat 11A represents the perfect sweet spot that most travellers completely overlook. You're getting the structural advantages of being positioned over the wing – which means better stability during turbulence and proximity to the aircraft's strongest point – without paying the premium that business class demands. "The beauty of this seat is that it addresses the two biggest concerns I hear from nervous flyers: safety and cost. You don't need to spend an extra £200-500 on an upgrade to feel more secure during your flight. Understanding aircraft design and booking timing can get you into one of the safest positions on the plane for the price of a standard economy ticket. It's particularly valuable for travellers heading to destinations like ours in Tanzania, where you're looking at 15-20 hour journey times. Every advantage in comfort and peace of mind counts when you're covering that kind of distance."
Observer
21-06-2025
- General
- Observer
Is there a safest seat in a plane crash?
By Gabe Castro-Root Suddenly, airline passengers around the world are wondering if there is something special about Seat 11A. That's where Viswash Kumar Ramesh, 38, the sole survivor of the Air India Boeing 787-8 that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, last week, was sitting. Did the location of his seat help spare his life? Probably not, aviation experts said. There's nothing that makes that or any other seat safer than anywhere else on a plane and they added, it's usually not worth trying to game out safety when selecting where to sit for a flight. 'If you're in a crash, all bets are off,' said Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. 'So pick whatever seat you want to make you feel comfortable.' While conventional wisdom holds that the rear of an aircraft may be safer, that theory falsely assumes that the front of a plane will always make impact first in the event of a crash, Guzzetti said. 'You just can't predict crash dynamics.' Airlines use different configurations for different aircraft. On that Air India flight, Seat 11A was in an exit row on the left side, according to a seat map on SeatGuru. Sitting near an exit may allow passengers to escape more quickly in some circumstances, but Ramesh told India's state broadcaster that the right side of the aircraft was 'crushed against a wall,' preventing anyone else who may have survived the initial impact from escaping through the exit on that side. In an emergency like a fire, when 'you're still sitting on your landing gear and the airplane is pretty much upright and intact,' an exit row may offer the quickest path to safety, Guzzetti said. 'But with regard to the crash dynamics of an accident like Air India, I think it's just a matter of chance.' Shawn Pruchnicki, a former accident investigator at the Air Line Pilots Association and an assistant professor of aviation safety at Ohio State University, chalked up Ramesh's survival to 'purely luck.' 'In these types of accidents people just don't survive this close to the front, this close to fuel,' Pruchnicki said, referring to the fact that the fuel tanks on a Boeing 787 are mainly on the wings and in the fuselage between them. The crash last week was the latest in a string of recent aviation disasters around the globe, including a midair collision in Washington in January; and crashes in South Korea and Kazakhstan in December, that have raised fears among some travellers about the safety of flying. Aviation experts say flying remains safe and that crashes, though high-profile, remain very rare. — The New York Times BLURB Seat 11A is where Viswash Kumar Ramesh, 38, the sole survivor of the Air India Boeing 787-8 that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, last week, was sitting. Did the location of his seat help spare his life? Probably not, aviation experts said.
New York Times
13-06-2025
- General
- New York Times
Is There a Safest Seat in a Plane Crash? We Asked Experts.
Suddenly, airline passengers around the world are wondering if there is something special about Seat 11A. That's where Viswash Kumar Ramesh, 38, the sole survivor of the Air India Boeing 787-8 that crashed after takeoff in Ahmedabad, India, on Thursday was sitting. Did the location of his seat help spare his life? Probably not, aviation experts said. There's nothing that makes that or any other seat safer than anywhere else on a plane, and they added, it's usually not worth trying to game out safety when selecting where to sit for a flight. 'If you're in a crash, all bets are off,' said Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator for the Federal Aviation Administration and National Transportation Safety Board. 'So pick whatever seat you want to make you feel comfortable.' While conventional wisdom holds that the rear of an aircraft may be safer, that theory falsely assumes that the front of a plane will always make impact first in the event of a crash, Mr. Guzzetti said. 'You just can't predict crash dynamics.' Airlines use different configurations for different aircraft. On that Air India flight, Seat 11A was in an exit row on the left side, according to a seat map on SeatGuru. Sitting near an exit may allow passengers to escape more quickly in some circumstances, but Mr. Ramesh told India's state broadcaster that the right side of the aircraft was 'crushed against a wall,' preventing anyone else who may have survived the initial impact from escaping through the exit on that side. In an emergency like a fire, when 'you're still sitting on your landing gear and the airplane is pretty much upright and intact,' an exit row may offer the quickest path to safety, Mr. Guzzetti said. 'But with regard to the crash dynamics of an accident like Air India, I think it's just a matter of chance.' Shawn Pruchnicki, a former accident investigator at the Air Line Pilots Association and an assistant professor of aviation safety at Ohio State University, chalked up Mr. Ramesh's survival to 'purely luck.' 'In these types of accidents people just don't survive this close to the front, this close to fuel,' Dr. Pruchnicki said, referring to the fact that the fuel tanks on a Boeing 787 are mainly on the wings and in the fuselage between them. The crash on Thursday was the latest in a string of recent aviation disasters around the globe, including a midair collision in Washington in January, and crashes in South Korea and Kazakhstan in December, that have raised fears among some travelers about the safety of flying. Aviation experts say flying remains safe and that crashes, though high-profile, remain very rare. Christine Chung contributed reporting. Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2025.
