No, it’s not a sluggish information day, I’m simply genuinely curious the place different aviation geeks stand on this, as a result of I believe I had an epiphany…
I like window seats close to the wing
I virtually at all times choose window seats when flying, for quite a lot of causes. Chief amongst them is that I’ll by no means stop to be amazed by the miracle of flight, and I spend a big portion of flights simply looking the window, particularly throughout takeoff and touchdown.
Whereas everybody ought to do what they need, I’ll by no means have the ability to perceive individuals who simply preserve their window shades closed throughout takeoff and touchdown.
Anyway, whereas I at all times take pleasure in a view out the window, I believe sitting close to the wing (although ideally not instantly over the wing) actually enhances the view even additional. There’s simply one thing about seeing these huge engines and the flex of the wings that energy flight.
The flexibility to look out the window is among the causes that I usually favor to sit down towards the again of premium cabins, because you usually don’t even see the wing in the event you’re seated on the very entrance of the aircraft.
Are views higher in entrance of or behind the wing?
I’ve gotta be sincere, I don’t usually sit behind the wing. That’s not meant to be a “humble brag,” or something. I continuously fly in financial system, however after I do, I sometimes nonetheless sit towards the entrance of the cabin or on the wing, since I’ve entry to exit row or additional legroom financial system seating because of my frequent flyer standing.
Anyway, I’ve now had two consecutive flights behind the wing, which have been my first such flights in fairly a while. It made me notice that I’ve been lacking out all alongside. Certain, views from in entrance of the wing are nice, however wanting on the engine is fairly constant, and also you even have to show your head (properly, except you’re in a rear dealing with enterprise class seat… I like these!).
Trying behind the wing is sort of a completely totally different expertise. You possibly can see the flex and bounce of the wing and winglet extra simply, you see every little thing that’s occurring with the flaps, and so on. There are such a lot of extra transferring components, and that’s enjoyable. Actually, I’m form of in love with these views.
Additionally, you undoubtedly really feel all plane actions a bit extra from the again of the aircraft, from takeoff, to touchdown, to turbulence. I notice that’s most likely objectively a nasty factor, nevertheless it’s one thing I do take pleasure in.
I’m now pondering that for conditions the place I’m in financial system on a aircraft that has exit rows towards the again of the aircraft, I would simply sit there for the views any further. Certain, it takes a couple of additional minutes to deplane, however that’s not an enormous deal, within the scheme of issues.
It’s additionally attainable that there’s only a novelty to the view from behind the wing. Regardless, mixing it up a bit extra appears so as.
Oh, and bonus factors to anybody who can guess the 2 particular plane and airways the place I sat behind the wing (pictured above and under — I don’t assume it ought to be too laborious).
Backside line
I like gazing out the window when flying, because the miracle of flight by no means will get outdated to me. Maybe I’m an excessive case, however I usually contemplate proximity to the wing when selecting seats.
After a few consecutive flights behind the wing, I’m realizing what an gratifying and totally different expertise it’s to look at flight from a unique angle. When in financial system (or on airways with outrageously giant premium cabins), you’ll be discovering me behind the wing extra usually any further.
I’m simply not a fan of being over the wing, as a result of then you definitely get the worst of each worlds…
What’s your take — all else being equal (which means seating high quality isn’t an element), do you like the view from in entrance of the wing, behind the wing, or is it the identical to you?
