How to choose an economy class seat on an airplane?

HI, hello everyone, I am a freelance photographer. I have been in the industry for more than ten years and have taken countless flights to travel and shoot. As a Libra, I am actually a little obsessive about many details during travel. There is no way around it, we are perfectionists. .

When traveling, I usually take the initiative to act as a planner in advance, which is very good at controlling many details of the trip in advance! Even when it comes to seat selection for this kind of flight, how to take pictures of such small details during the flight, I will use countless experiences to arrange all the details of the itinerary in advance~

This picture is from the Internet only. Reference

This picture is from the Internet for reference only

The types I analyze here are all for ordinary economy class that we, the vast number of budget travelers, choose. The following answers are only for ordinary economy class. Economy class.

1. Understand in advance the type of economy class seats on the flight + the riding experience

1. The prerequisite for choosing the right seat: first determine whether the cabin is single-aisle or dual-aisle

< p> Speaking of which, in fact, because many wide-body civil aviation aircraft have different cabin configurations, it is actually easy to understand. Just like when we buy a car, there are low, medium and top configurations, the seat part of each aircraft can also be considered as a kind of cost control in operation.

When we buy air tickets, we must first consider whether to choose a large aircraft or a small aircraft. The professional terms are large aircraft and heavy aircraft, narrow-body aircraft and wide-body aircraft, or single-aisle or dual-aisle aircraft.

To put it more simply, if you go up and take a look at an airplane, you will see that there is only one aisle with seats on both sides. It is a narrow-body airplane. If there are two aisles, it is a wide-body airplane. Generally, it is a narrow-body airplane. Flights with relatively long distances are all wide-body aircraft. From the perspective of overall comfort, it is obvious that wide-body aircraft have more space and are more spacious, making them the superior choice when traveling and flying.

Comparison of the appearance of wide-body aircraft and narrow-body aircraft

For example, if we want to fly from Beijing to Seoul, there are many models of corresponding airlines to choose from. Air China's aircraft are almost all narrow-body aircraft, while Korean or Asiana Airlines' aircraft are all wide-body aircraft. If cost factors such as fares are excluded, wide-body aircraft are definitely more comfortable.

2. Understand the seat differences and cockpit distribution differences between the two aircraft in advance

If you can only choose narrow-body aircraft for travel (Boeing 737 series, Airbus A320 series), There are only six seats to choose from in the regular economy class, with the aisle in the middle.

The cabin of a narrow-body aircraft, this is the Boeing 737MAX8

The cabin of a wide-body aircraft, this is the Airbus A330

If you can choose a wide-body aircraft for travel, The window seats on both sides (usually A or J) and the aisle seats in the aisles on both sides are the most comfortable.

Speaking of this, in fact, because many wide-body civil aviation aircraft have different cabin configurations, this is actually easy to understand. Just like when we buy a car, there are low, medium and top configurations, the seat part of each aircraft can also be considered as a kind of cost control in operation.

The cabin of the wide-body passenger aircraft, Boeing 777-300ER

Speaking of this, in fact, because many wide-body civil aviation aircraft have different cabin configurations, it is actually easy to understand . Just like when we buy a car, there are low, medium and top configurations, the seat part of each aircraft can also be considered as a kind of cost control in operation.

For example, it is also a Boeing 777-300ER passenger aircraft. The seat arrangements of relatively luxurious airlines (such as ANA, Korean Air, and American Airlines) are relatively loose, which means that the overall number of seats is relatively small. The space for the passengers in the unit is naturally larger, so they will be relatively comfortable. However, the fares of these airlines may be higher, so what you buy is never as good as what you sell. . . .

As for those relatively low-cost airlines, or the Boeing 777-300ER passenger planes specially configured for routes with dense passenger flow, their economy class is surprisingly dense (such as a few of this model on Air China, Air France Some of this model, some of Air Canada's aircraft) you will see it as soon as you get to the economy class. . My God, this is like a small auditorium in the sky. The density is extremely high. If you are traveling in economy class, long-distance flights will be very tiring. However, such flights generally have relatively low ticket prices and are the first choice for budget travelers.

3. Personal suggestions for seat selection, it is important to predict in advance.

For narrow-body aircraft, I generally only consider aisle and window seats. You must know that it will be very uncomfortable if you sit in the middle of the three seats. The position by the window is more convenient for taking pictures, and the position by the aisle is very convenient for going to the WC or doing temporary activities. And if I could only choose between these two positions, I would definitely consider the one by the window, because after all, the flight time of narrow-body aircraft is generally shorter, and the enjoyment of seeing the scenery is greater than the slight discomfort caused by the crowded position. feel. However, I am relatively heavy and have a bloated body. If it is a narrow-body machine, I will feel a little crowded no matter where I am. . . .

For wide-body machines, if possible, never choose the fifth or sixth position in the middle. If you are caught in the middle, it will collapse. Basically, you can only sleep and go out. The activities will also trouble your neighbors. However, the wide-body aircraft itself is relatively large, and structurally, there are new problems.

In fact, many wide-body aircraft have different numbers of seats in each row. The specific reason is the above paragraph. As explained, the cabin seating configuration is different. Don't talk about anything else, just consider the row next to the window! Some wide-body airliners have a 2-4-2 seat configuration (Boeing 767, a few old Boeing 777s, some Boeing 787s, and Airbus A330s). You can see from some of the pictures above that the window seat with two people in a row is special. It’s cool, especially suitable for couples flying together. If you are single, you may or may not have an affair in these two positions. . .

It’s good to check it in advance, but in case of temporary change of aircraft

There is currently a more flexible configuration that changes the seating order. The 3-3-3 configuration is The latest generation of wide-body passenger aircraft standard configuration options (Airbus A350, some new Boeing 777-300ER, some Boeing 787). In this case, the comfort level of the passenger in the middle will be improved, but the row by the window will be divided into three people. In this case, the factor of the person in the middle must be taken into consideration when choosing the position, so in this case, you can choose to sit by the window or the aisle. of.

The last thing I want to talk about is the high-density wide-body aircraft we mentioned before. Basically, the seating order of their economy class is 3-4-3 (Boeing 747-8 and some new Boeing 777-300ER ), that is to say, there are four people in this row in the middle of the two aisles. Needless to say, the comfort level of these positions will be relatively worse.

2. How to quickly lock the best window position in advance for taking pictures? !

1. Four ways to get a seat by the window

From my personal aesthetic point of view, I will not take pictures in the aisle seat, because I think this The location should be more suitable for activities or rest. I am afraid that the stewardess will also infringe on the portrait rights, which is not appropriate! So, how do I choose the remaining window seat? In fact, I really need to grab it! Because window seats are really limited on every plane, here are four common scenarios:

Use the airline’s APP to select your seat 24-48 hours in advance: This is the best option The ideal method is also the most trouble-free. Since the well-known Hanglv Zongheng APP has been blocked by the four major domestic airline companies, we can only use the airline’s own APP to select a location. For example, Air China’s APP has an advance check-in function. Be sure to remember that the check-in has just been opened. Make your choice in advance when you board the plane, and be sure to grab the seat by the window.

Go to the airport 2-3 hours in advance, wait for the check-in counter to open, and be the first in line to check in: This is the oldest and most primitive method. If you don't have a corresponding airline APP, or if the other party's check-in is not handled by our company (for example, China Eastern Airlines' check-in in Japan is handled by JAL staff), you can only rely on this method. You will see that in many overseas airports, many of our Chinese compatriots queue up in front of the check-in counter early. In fact, it is just to check in early and choose a good seat to be at ease. Directly tell the check-in staff that I need a window seat. If you arrive early enough, the general check-in staff will not embarrass you and their service attitude is very good.

After boarding the plane, a kind person may offer you a window seat. This is true, it does happen, I have encountered it at least 3 times! Usually this happens when parents with children change seats to be with their children better, or couples want to sit together. They will give up their own good seat by the window for you to sit. You must Thank them very much for giving you the opportunity to see the scenery.

After the plane takes off, if there are many empty seats in the back row, or even a quarter of the cabin is empty, don’t worry, maybe you can find an opportunity to change it. However, do not move in a hurry during the take-off and subsequent climb-out stages, and follow the flight attendant's instructions, because if you change positions, it will cause related stowage problems, and in serious cases, it will affect the safety of the flight. When the plane reaches the cruising altitude and stabilizes, you may have the opportunity to change. The window seat is still yours, so don't worry.

2. Regarding how to choose the front and rear viewing angles after locking the window seat:

The window seats on the plane are also divided into left and right. You have to consider the direction of the plane after takeoff and choose the right left and right. Being by the window is directly related to the scenery that will be recorded. This question may be a bit abstract for those who don’t have a good sense of direction. It is also the most complicated stage in my opinion. Basically, it requires some thinking before you can figure it out. There are too many factors involved here, such as the direction of flight, altitude, and especially changes in light. This must be remembered!

For example, what we thought about before shooting back then: When we flew back from Hangzhou Xiaoshan Airport to Beijing Capital Airport, the general direction of the plane would be from south to north, so if you want to shoot the sunset, You must lock the window on the left side, because the sun sets from the west. If you choose the window on the right side, you will not be able to see it at all. You can only see a little silhouette at most.

No matter how the plane circles and rises, the overall direction will never be wrong. Just remember this!

To give another example, when I was flying to Tokyo, I fantasized about whether it was possible to see Mount Fuji, the symbol of Japan, from the air. Later, I checked the relevant flight information and found that someone had indeed taken it. So I rehearsed it very carefully: If you plan to see Mount Fuji from the air, and the airport you land at is Tokyo Haneda or Haneda Airport, then the plane will make a 90-degree turn south of Mount Fuji. At this time, you will sit on the left 80% of the time, you can see the towering Mount Fuji if you sit by the side window. If you choose to sit on the right side, you may also see it, but the time for the two to meet is much less than if you sit on the left side. This is a small opportunity. A little gamble. . . Facts have proved that no matter how the plane circles and descends, the overall direction is absolutely correct.

From my shooting perspective, whether it is a narrow-body aircraft or a wide-body aircraft, the rule for choosing the best seat for shooting is: I usually choose the seats 3-4 rows in front of the economy class. , or the location within five rows of the economy class cabin at the rear of the aircraft. These two spots are particularly golden. They are well located and can choose the best viewing angle. Let’s give an example below:

First of all, the economy class cabin Within the first 5 rows, you can take diagonal views of the wings and the ground from behind. The wings happen to be at a 45-degree angle, so the composition is very comfortable. After all, there is a diagonal line to explain the flight status and the iconic scenery flying over. This is a relatively common shooting method. (This picture was taken before landing at Fukuoka Airport. It was taken with a mobile phone. The quality is a bit poor. Sorry for the poor quality.)

Secondly, the economy class seats within five rows at the rear of the plane have more room to play. Because this is the best viewing angle in the cabin except the cockpit. It is very wide and has almost no obstructions. Because there is almost no obstruction in front of your lens except the tip of the wing, you can express it from many angles. If the composition is a medium focal length, it basically includes the entire wing. If you shoot from a telephoto lens at this time, you can almost scan the scenery in many directions outside the window. Relatively speaking, shooting from this position is much easier than 3-4 rows in front of the economy class. Many of my records are in What has been completed in this position, let’s start to review it seriously!

3. Share the scenery outside the cabin that I have taken

A few words first: Compared with many friends, the number of times I travel may be relatively small, but I I really like to record the beautiful scenery from the perspective of the airplane window. Whether the shooting can be successful is actually a matter of technology + luck. Speaking of luck, it most likely depends on the cleanness of the glass of the aircraft you are flying on. Generally speaking, the glass of relatively new aircraft is generally very clean and has no scratches. There is also the weather. The quality of the shooting scenery is closely related to the weather. If the weather is not transparent enough when shooting, it will be difficult to take beautiful photos.

Generally speaking, shooting sunrise and sunset from the cabin perspective may be the most moving, and it is also what many friends are shooting. Because the sky at sunrise and sunset has relatively complete conditions for color temperature changes, the color expression will be richer and more artistic. It's like I'm flying in the sun, full of power. Friends who have witnessed the sunrise on the plane must have a lot of experience. When the world in front of you breaks out of the clouds and you see the first ray of sunshine in the sky, the excitement is difficult to describe in words. Let us Let’s take a closer look:

Photography location: On the way back to Beijing from Bangkok, in the fifth row from the back of the Economy Class cabin on an Airbus AB6 aircraft, by the window

Photography situation: Early morning shooting day in winter

Photography skills: Not only did the shape of the clouds match well at that time, but the sun broke out of the clouds and rose to just the right height, right on the golden section of the picture. The entire line goes from cold to warm, and the entire picture is full of color, highlighting the atmosphere and artistic conception of the time. People can tell at a glance that this is a beautiful sunrise.

Photography location: Airbus A330 model on the way from Beijing to Kuala Lumpur? The middle seat of the economy class cabin is by the window

Photography situation: Shooting the sunrise in the early morning of winter

Photography skills: The sunrise captured from this perspective may not be as spectacular as before, but because the light just hits the outline of the wing, it also has a sunrise atmosphere. In addition, this kind of photo must be taken in RAW format to facilitate the adjustment of details later.

Photography location: Just after takeoff from Dalian to Beijing, the rear seat of the economy class cabin near the window of a Boeing 737 aircraft

Photography situation: Returning at dusk in autumn to shoot the sunset

Photography tips: If you plan ahead, sit by the window on the left and you can see the city of Dalian and the entire sunset process at dusk. Whether it’s an aircraft wing filled with sunlight and full of texture, or an almost full-view overlooking the entire city of Dalian at sunset, the effect is satisfying. It's just that the glass of the plane at that time was not very clean, so it still affected the shooting effect to a certain extent.

Photography location: Airbus A319 aircraft that has just taken off from Hangzhou to Beijing, at the back of the economy class cabin, near the window

Photography situation: Returning to shoot the sunset in autumn

Photography skills: The plane takes off at sunset. When it climbs to the cruising altitude and stabilizes, the sunset happens to be photographed from the right-facing west position that was chosen before taking off. At this time, the sky has a gradient color, and there are also scratches composed of a few scattered clouds. It must also be recorded in RAW format and adjusted later to enrich the overall tone.

When the plane takes off or descends over the city, it is a very good time to take pictures. Because the altitude is rising or falling, you can take pictures of many elements including the city scenery, which is very good. When taking photos, you should take off the shooting equipment from the take-off stage (descent stage). If the camera is too conspicuous, you can use your mobile phone (now you can use your mobile phone during the flight, but it is best to be more cautious during the take-off and landing stage) ).

Photography location: The rear seat of the Economy Class cabin of an Airbus AB6 aircraft that has just taken off from Chiang Mai to Bangkok, next to the window

Photography situation: Trying to shoot a dynamic city night

Photography skills: The whole picture is very atmospheric. Although the picture may be a little blurry due to the trembling of the plane as it takes off, it just highlights the true meaning of travel, which is to explore without hesitation. Also, the "starburst effect" on the wings of this image really stands out, and that's due to choosing the right aperture value.

Photography location: Flying from Weihai to Beijing, the rear seat of the economy class cabin near the window of a Boeing 737 aircraft about to land

Photography situation: The sky is clear in early summer

Photography skills: The visibility was extremely good in the afternoon of that day. I sat on the right side of the cabin and leaned against the window. With the help of the transparent glass, I took photos of many famous places in Tongzhou District, Beijing, under the landing glide path. In the picture Tongzhou Canal Park is extremely clear and has a unique perspective. In addition, this picture is very clear, and the lighting environment at the time also has a lot to do with it.

Photography location: The rear seat of the Economy Class cabin of an Airbus A330 aircraft flying from Shanghai to Beijing, near the window after landing

Photography situation: The sky is clear in early autumn

< p>Photography skills: At that time, I saw the rice fields on the ground were neatly arranged in rows. I felt that the composition was very comfortable, so I took some pictures, mainly to highlight the lines. In addition, because the plane was turning at the time, the overall tone may have been a little dark due to lighting problems, which is a pity, but I am still very satisfied with it.

If the plane you are taking off is cloudy and the clouds are very low, the effect may be surprisingly good. Because the levels of the sky and the ground will be more colorful, but it will be a challenge for the photographer's basic exposure skills. My suggestion is that if you are not completely sure, you can try the HDR mode, take a few more pictures, and finally synthesize them through the computer. ?

Photography location: Just after takeoff from Dali to Kunming, the back of the economy class cabin of a Boeing 737 aircraft is by the window

Photography situation: The sky is clear in early autumn

< p>Photography skills: This picture not only shows the layering of clouds, but also gives a clear view of the entire Dali New Town. Why can you take such a picture? ! I had already observed the direction of the plane after takeoff in advance. If it stayed to the left, I could only see mountains and nothing else. If you choose to sit back and by the window on the right side of the azimuth, before the plane takes off and turns, you can see the entire Dali New City in the air, including Erhai Lake. ?

Photography location: An Airbus A330 aircraft that has just taken off from Beijing to Shanghai, at the rear of the economy class cabin, by the window

Photography situation: It is about to rain in the middle of summer

Photography skills: The clouds were very low at that time. In order to highlight the layering of the clouds, I pressed the shutter directly after leaving the ground and took as many pictures as possible with different exposure values. This was also predicted in advance, because if you stay on the right side, you will see Shunyi under a dark cloud, and the scenery and field of view will definitely not be as wide as the left side.

Photography location: The rear of the economy class cabin of an Airbus A330 aircraft, by the window during the cruise from Beijing to Shanghai

Photography situation: It is raining in the middle of summer

Photography skills: Generally, during the flight of a passenger aircraft, our altitude should be around 10,000 meters! Have you ever heard that song by Dick Cowboy? ! Far from the ground, at a distance of nearly 30,000 feet! That’s what it means! At this time, your shooting height is already higher than ordinary clouds. And if it is daytime and it is summer, and it is raining on the ground, if you look carefully, you will see spectacular cumulonimbus clouds. This picture was taken above a large area of ??cumulonimbus clouds. The shape of the clouds is very special, and there are many pieces, showing the sky. Changeable side.

If the aircraft is at cruising altitude, at the same altitude, and the visibility on the ground is very good, you can actually take a lot of beautiful pictures with a telephoto lens. This is very serious during the flight. Ignored. This kind of composition must be a telephoto lens, anything larger than 70-200MM is acceptable.

Photography location: The rear of the economy class cabin of a Boeing 787 aircraft, by the window during the cruise from Beijing to Tokyo

Photography situation: Extremely high visibility in severe winter

Photography skills: These were taken along the trajectory of the plane at that time. The first two should be somewhere in South Korea. The latter picture is suspected to be of Japan's Shikoku Island. With the help of the brand-new glass and excellent visibility of the aircraft at that time, the RAW format picture was taken and the tone was adjusted, and the curves were stretched to improve the details.

Photography location: The rear of the economy class cabin of a Boeing 787 aircraft near the window when it is about to land from Beijing to Tokyo

Photography situation: Visibility is extremely high in severe winter

< p>Photography skills: The last picture was taken while flying over Mount Fuji. I did my homework in advance and chose the left position to record it. The visibility that day was really good, so good that you could take pictures with either a wide-angle lens or a telephoto lens. This perspective is not comparable to shooting Mount Fuji from a flat surface. The metering mode can consider spot metering to ensure more accuracy under large light ratio conditions.

In fact, there are many friends who must have a lot of good photos, especially those who can take starry sky photography through the windows of airplanes. I sincerely admire them. I have not yet reached that skill, and I still need to work hard.

Perhaps in the eyes of many people, flying by plane is a very common thing when traveling, it is just a tool. . But they ignore the beautiful scenery seen during the travel and flight. These moments should really be recorded as the highlights of our travel. The process of travel is always worth recalling, but the result may not be that important.

My job is not a professional flight attendant, nor am I a professional airline industry insider. After all, my understanding of civil aviation flights is very limited. What I said may not be accurate in some places. Professionals are particularly welcome to give their advice. Correction.

The infinite beauty is just 10,000 meters above the ground, just waiting for you to continue exploring!