A frequent flyer has explained why he always books what some people consider to be the worst seat on a plane. 

Travel writer John Burfitt was flying from  Sydney to Los Angeles, when he endured a nightmare flight that made him reconsider his seat-booking options.  His long-haul hell was down to the person sitting in the seat behind him.

Every few minutes, the fidgeting passenger would stretch, or wriggle, or cross her legs. And she’d nudge or kick John’s seat each time she did so.

John said he politely asked if she could refrain from kicking his seat  – but received a disinterested response. The flight attendants proved just as unhelpful. 

Consequently, he spent the entire fight being jolted about. Having endured a similar experience months earlier on a flight to Bangkok, John vowed there and then to find a solution.

He found it later on, during that very flight, as he edged his way down the aisle toward the toilet. The solution was the back row of seats in the cabin.

Writing for Escape, John said he saw a look of contentment on the faces of the passengers sitting in these seats – and realised why they appeared to be so relaxed. For the first time, he noticed these seats had a wall behind them – which meant no fidgeting passengers could kick the back of these seats! 

In this instant, John knew he’d found the answer to his seating dilemma.  And he vowed that, from now on. if he was travelling long-haul he would book these seats.

He tried these seats out on his next flight to  Europe – and was delighted to have a nudge-free flight. And he also discovered these seats have several other advantages. 

For starters, the seats are tucked away, which means you’ll never get bashed by a flight attendant pushing a trolley. You also won’t be bumped by passengers, or have them grab your seat, as they pass

Even better, if you want to sleep, there is a corner to snuggle up into and lean against.  However, many people think these are the worst seats on the plane.

That’s because they, often incorrectly, believe these seats don’t recline. They’re also put off by the proximity to the toilets, and being able to hear the toilet flush.

Some passengers also think these seats are wedged in and leave them feeling claustrophobic. However, John believes these perceived disadvantages are small prices to pay for what is now his favourite seat on a flight.