Key Highlights
Here’s a quick look at what you need to know about bulkhead seats:
- Bulkhead seats are the first row of seats in a cabin, located directly behind a physical wall.
- A major advantage is the extra legroom, as there’s no seat in front of you to recline into your space.
- These seats often provide early access to service and quicker deplaning since they are at the front of a section.
- Drawbacks include immovable armrests, which can reduce seat width, and no under-seat storage.
- You must store all personal items in the overhead bin space during takeoff and landing.
Introduction
Have you ever boarded a plane and noticed the first row of seats in a cabin, right up against a wall? Those are bulkhead seats. For some travelers, the bulkhead row is the best seat in the house, offering coveted extra legroom and a feeling of spaciousness. For others, it’s their least favorite seat due to a few surprising drawbacks. Understanding the pros and cons of bulkhead seating can help you decide if it’s the right choice for your next flight.
Understanding Bulkhead Seats on Airplanes
Choosing the right airline seat can make a huge difference in your travel experience. Bulkhead seats are a unique option that stand apart from regular seats. They are located in the bulkhead row, which is the first row directly behind a cabin divider, galley, or lavatory.
Depending on your travel style, these seats can be a blessing or a curse. Before you select one, it’s important to know exactly where they are and how they differ from other seats on the plane, whether you’re flying in economy or first class. Let’s explore what makes them different.
Definition and Location of Bulkhead Seats
So, what exactly is a bulkhead seat and where do you find it? A bulkhead is a physical divider or wall inside an aircraft. These bulkhead walls separate different cabin classes, such as business class from economy, or they section off areas like the galley or lavatories. The seats located directly behind these walls are known as bulkhead seats.
Typically, the very first row of seats on the plane is a bulkhead row. On larger aircraft with multiple cabins, you’ll find them at the front of each section. For instance, the first row of economy class right after the first class cabin is a bulkhead row.
This prime location means if you’re in a bulkhead aisle seat, you have a clear path to get up, and you’re often close to crew areas. The experience can vary greatly depending on whether you’re behind a full wall or just a partial divider.
Types of Bulkhead Seats Across Cabin Classes
Bulkhead seats aren’t one-size-fits-all; their features change depending on the different classes of service. In a first class cabin or business class, a bulkhead seat might offer an exceptional amount of personal space and privacy. However, in economy, the experience can be more of a mixed bag.
While you gain knee room, the wall in front prevents you from stretching your feet out underneath a seat like you can in regular seats. The armrests are also typically fixed and immovable because they often contain the tray table and inflight entertainment screen, which can slightly reduce the seat width.
Here’s a quick comparison to help you visualize the differences:
| Feature | Bulkhead Seats | Regular Seats |
|---|---|---|
| Legroom | More knee space, but cannot extend legs under a seat. | Less knee space, but can slide feet under the seat in front. |
| Storage | No under-seat storage; all items must go in overhead bins. | Under-seat storage available for personal items. |
| Armrests | Usually fixed and immovable, slightly reducing seat width. | Often movable, allowing for more space if the next seat is empty. |
| Tray Table | Stored in the armrest, can be restrictive when deployed. | Folds down from the seatback in front. |
Main Advantages of Bulkhead Seats
Despite a few quirks, many flyers actively seek out bulkhead seats for their distinct advantages. The most celebrated perk is the extra legroom and the feeling of having more personal space, since no one can recline into your lap from the bulkhead row.
Plus, being at the front of a cabin section comes with other benefits. From easy access to the aisle to getting served first, these seats offer a level of convenience that can make your flight much more pleasant. You might even find dedicated overhead bin space.
Extra Legroom and Spacious Feel
The biggest pro of bulkhead seats is the generous amount of extra legroom. Because there isn’t another row of seats directly in front of you, you get more open space for your knees. This prevents that cramped feeling you can get in a standard economy seat, especially on long flights. The open space in the first row can make the area feel less claustrophobic.
This extra knee room is a huge plus, but it comes with a trade-off. While passengers in regular seats can slide their feet under the seat in front of them, your feet will meet the bulkhead wall. For some taller passengers, this might prevent them from fully stretching out their legs, even with the added legroom.
Another key benefit is that you’ll never have a seatback reclining into your personal space. This means your laptop screen is safe, and you won’t have your drink spilled by a sudden recline.
Convenient Access and Early Service
Location is everything, and bulkhead seating at the front of the plane or cabin section offers unmatched convenience. Being closer to the front means you are among the first passengers to deplane after landing, helping you get to the terminal and on your way faster.
Because there is often more space between the seat and the wall, getting in and out of your seat is much easier, especially if you’re not in an aisle seat. Frequent flyers often prefer this easy access, particularly in business class where they can move around without disturbing a neighbor. Flight attendants also appreciate the clearer path.
Other perks of this forward positioning include:
- Early Service: You’re typically one of the first to be served snacks and drinks.
- Quick Assistance: Proximity to the galley makes it easier to flag down flight attendants if you need anything.
- Faster Boarding: Some airlines offer priority boarding for these seats, allowing you to settle in before the rush.
Child-Friendly Features and Bassinet Options
For anyone traveling with a baby, the bulkhead row can be a true lifesaver. These seats are often the most child-friendly option on the plane, especially on long-haul international flights. The primary reason is that the bulkhead walls are typically equipped with points to mount a bassinet.
This allows your lap infant to have a safe and comfortable place to sleep during the flight without you having to hold them the entire time. If your family plans to use a bassinet, it’s crucial to contact the airline in advance to reserve one, as they are limited.
Beyond the bassinet, the extra floor space is also a major plus for parents. It provides:
- Room for a Diaper Bag: You can keep essential items like bottles and toys within reach.
- Space to Move: It’s easier to pass a baby between caregivers or simply have a bit more room to manage things.
Potential Drawbacks of Bulkhead Seats
While bulkhead seats have their fans, they also come with some significant cons that might make them the wrong choice for you. The lack of under-seat storage is a major inconvenience for travelers who like to keep their personal items handy throughout the flight.
Additionally, the design of the armrest and tray table can feel restrictive. The proximity to high-traffic areas like galleys and lavatories can also lead to more noise and disruptions. We’ll examine these drawbacks more closely.
Limited Under-Seat Storage and Armrest Constraints
One of the most frequently cited drawbacks of sitting in a bulkhead seat is the complete lack of under-seat storage. Because there’s a solid wall in front of you, you must place all your personal items, including your backpack and purse, into the overhead bins during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
This can be a major hassle if you like to access your belongings, such as a book, headphones, or snacks, during the flight. While some seats have a small literature pocket on the wall, it won’t hold much. If you choose a bulkhead seat, it’s wise to take out essential items you’ll need before stowing your bag.
Furthermore, the armrests in bulkhead rows are almost always fixed and immovable. They house the tray table and, often, the inflight entertainment screen. This solid design can make the seat feel narrower and more restrictive, especially for larger passengers or those who enjoy lifting the armrest for extra room.
Proximity to High-Traffic Areas
While being close to the galley and lavatory can be convenient, it also has its downsides, especially on a long-haul flight. The proximity to these high-traffic crew areas means bulkhead passengers often experience more noise and foot traffic than those seated further back.
You may find people gathering near your seat while waiting for the lavatory, or you might hear the constant chatter and activity of flight attendants in the galley. This can be particularly disruptive if you’re trying to sleep or work during your flight.
On a long flight, these disturbances can become very noticeable. Consider these potential issues:
- Noise: Clatter from the galley and conversations from crew or other passengers can be constant.
- Light: Light spilling from the galley or lavatory can be bothersome when the main cabin lights are dimmed.
- Traffic: A steady stream of people walking past your seat can reduce your sense of privacy.
Recline Limitations and Tray Table Differences
The comfort of bulkhead seats can be impacted by a few design quirks. While you won’t have anyone reclining into you, some bulkhead seats have limited recline themselves. If the seat is backed by a fixed wall, such as at the very rear of a plane or in front of a lavatory, its ability to tilt back may be restricted.
Another key difference from regular seats is the tray table. Instead of folding down from the seat in front, the tray table in a bulkhead seat is stowed inside the armrest. These tables are often smaller and can feel less stable than their seatback counterparts.
When the tray table is fully extended, it can also make you feel more confined in your seat, making it difficult to get up until it’s stowed away again. This design, along with the fixed armrests, contributes to a different sense of comfort and space compared to standard seating.
Key Considerations Before Booking a Bulkhead Seat
Before you finalize your booking, it’s worth weighing whether bulkhead seats truly fit your travel style. These seats often come with different reservation rules and may even cost more, so you’ll want to be sure it’s the right choice for your needs.
For some, like families with infants or travelers who value knee room above all else, they are ideal. For others, particularly those who want easy access to their baggage or maximum quiet, a different row might be better. Let’s look at what to consider before making that seat reservation.
Reservation Policies and How to Secure
Securing a bulkhead seat often requires more than a simple click during booking. Many airlines treat these as “preferred” seats, which can mean they come with an extra fee. On carriers like Delta, they may be part of the Delta Comfort+ section, while on American Airlines, they are often designated as Main Cabin Extra, starting at an additional cost.
Airlines also frequently reserve these seats for their elite members or for passengers with specific needs, such as those traveling with infants. This means they may not be available to the general public until check-in.
To improve your chances of getting a bulkhead seat, you can:
- Check with the Airline: Call the airline after booking to inquire about availability and reservation policies, especially if you’re traveling with an infant.
- Use SeatGuru: Websites like SeatGuru provide detailed seat maps for most aircraft. You can identify the bulkhead rows and read reviews from other travelers about specific seats.
- Leverage Elite Status: If you have loyalty status with an airline, you may be able to select these seats for free in advance.
Comfort, Privacy, and Accessibility Needs
Your personal needs for comfort, privacy, and accessibility should be the deciding factor when choosing a bulkhead seat. If you prioritize knee space and dislike having the seat in front of you recline, the bulkhead is a great option. However, if you value the ability to stretch your legs fully under a seat, a standard row might offer better comfort.
In terms of privacy, it’s a mixed result. The bulkhead wall provides a buffer from the row in front, but the proximity to busy galleys and lavatories can make you feel more exposed to foot traffic and noise.
For passengers with accessibility needs, bulkhead seats can be beneficial due to the extra room for getting in and out of the seat. However, the requirement to store all baggage and personal items in the overhead compartment can be a significant challenge. It’s best to assess what’s most important for your comfort and convenience during the flight.
Conclusion
In summary, bulkhead seats offer a unique airplane experience with their notable advantages such as extra legroom, convenient access, and family-friendly features. However, it’s essential to weigh these benefits against potential drawbacks like limited storage and proximity to high-traffic areas. Understanding the specific nuances of bulkhead seating can help you make informed choices when booking your flight. Whether you’re prioritizing comfort, convenience, or accessibility, being knowledgeable about your options will enhance your travel experience. Ready to book your next flight? Explore bulkhead seating options and enjoy a journey tailored to your needs!
Frequently Asked Questions
Are bulkhead seats suitable for families traveling with infants?
Yes, bulkhead seats are often the best choice for families. The first row is typically where airlines can mount a bassinet, giving your lap infant a place to sleep. The extra floor space is also a child-friendly perk for storing a diaper bag and giving you a bit more room to maneuver.
Do bulkhead seats provide more privacy than standard seats?
It depends. The bulkhead wall in front of you creates a sense of separation from other rows. However, these seats are often near high-traffic areas like galleys and lavatories, which can reduce your overall feeling of privacy. A bulkhead window seat will generally feel more private than an aisle seat.
Can passengers with accessibility needs benefit from bulkhead seating?
They can, but with some caveats. The extra space at the front of the plane makes it easier to get in and out of the seat. However, the lack of under-seat storage for personal items and medical equipment can be a significant drawback. It’s best to weigh the pros and cons individually.