Virgin Atlantic Crew Reveals Two Worst Seats for Long-Haul Comfort

January 2, 2026 at 01:59 PM•2 min read

Virgin Atlantic cabin crew shared which economy seats to avoid. The advice focuses on noise and foot traffic on long-haul flights.

Key Points

1Virgin Atlantic crew member advises against the first row by the wings due to noise from lavatories and bulkhead bassinets.
2The rear of the plane is considered a poor choice due to loud toilet flushing and galley activity/light during night flights.
3Emergency exit rows, while offering legroom, can be cold on older aircraft, a key warning for comfort.
4Expert tips include bringing a hot water bottle and extra flight socks for maximum long-haul economy comfort.

A seasoned Virgin Atlantic flight attendant offered key advice. They shared their personal preferences for long-haul economy comfort. This expert guidance helps travelers choose better seats. It focuses on avoiding common noise and disruption sources.

The Worst Airplane Seats

The cabin crew member avoids two main seating areas. They dislike the first row by the wings. This area often has high passenger traffic. People tend to congregate near the lavatories there. It can also be noisy due to bulkhead baby cradles. This disrupts rest on a long flight.

They also advise against sitting at the rear of the plane. The aft section is often quite loud. Toilet flushes are a significant noise source. Crew working in the galley also create noise. Light from the galley curtains can disturb sleep at night. This makes the rear of the plane noise a major factor.

Seating Trade-offs and Comfort

Many passengers seek extra legroom. Emergency exit rows are a popular choice for this. However, the flight attendant offers a warning. These seats can be quite chilly on older aircraft. Travelers sensitive to cold should avoid them. This is an important consideration for long-haul economy comfort.

Choosing the right seat is vital for passenger satisfaction. The International Air Transport Association (IATA) notes this trend. Travelers increasingly value the overall flight experience. Comfort is a key factor in booking decisions. The design of modern jets, like those from Airbus, constantly evolves. Yet, internal cabin factors remain important.

Expert Cabin Crew Travel Tips

The Virgin Atlantic flight attendant also shared simple comfort tips. They suggest bringing extra home comforts. Passengers should pack additional flight socks. A hot water bottle is also a good idea. Crew members are happy to fill it up for you. This helps maximize coziness during the journey. These economy class seating tips enhance the travel experience. For more commercial aviation news and analysis, visit flying.flights.

Strategic seat selection minimizes disruptions. Avoiding high-traffic zones is the main goal. This helps ensure a more restful journey. The worst airplane seats are often those near service areas. Listen to the cabin crew travel tips for better rest.