What are the most common airline seat mistakes travelers regret?

I've visited 40 countries and taken over 200 flights, and here's my list of 10 seat mistakes:

1) Not using online check-in

It is a mistake to wait until the airport check-in counter - it leaves only inconvenient options (near the lavatory, in the last row, seats in the middle). I would advise checking in online as soon as it opens (usually 24-48 hours before departure). The earlier you check in, the more good seats you'll find.

2) Not checking seat selection policy of low-cost airlines, especially if you're traveling with someone

Low-cost airlines don't include seat selection, and sometimes even airport check-in, in the price of your ticket. If you're traveling with a family, you may be assigned seats in different sections of the plane. So you'll have to pay for check-in at the airport, as well as for sitting together. Even during online check-in, seat selection is an additional paid option on low-cost airlines.

3) Ignoring exit row seat restrictions

Do not reserve seats next to the emergency exit rows with an extra leg space if you didn't check the rules - carry-on baggage cannot be stowed under the legs; children, the elderly, or pregnant women can't seat there; the seats may not recline; and there is no refund if you have paid for it, but you are not allowed to seat there.

4) Failing to study the seat map in advance

Selecting a seat "by eye" without understanding the specific features of the aircraft. You could end up next to the lavatory, over the wing, or in a row with non-reclining seats. How to avoid this: Before booking, find the seating chart for your aircraft type online on the airline's website or through specialized services like SeatGuru, which show the best seats for each aircraft model.

5) Ignoring wing position when choosing a window seat

Use services like Flightradar24 to check your route and choose the side with the best view. Avoid overwing rows if a panoramic view is important for you.

6) Choosing seats next to the lavatory

Choosing seats next to the lavatory for the sake of "proximity to the exit." This can lead to noise, queues, unpleasant odors, and non-reclining seats. I would avoid rows located near the lavatory at all costs.

7) Choosing front-row seats without checking the conditions

Automatically selecting the front of the plane due to the fast exit could be a mistake. You may face a lack of underseat carry-on storage, armrests don't raise on some models, and proximity to the galley (noise, odors). Check the airline's website to see if there's underseat storage in the front rows. For long flights, it's better to choose seats in the middle of the airplane.

8) Not thinking about your personal needs for this flight

Do not ignore your personal needs (tallness, needing to stretch, sleeping on a long flight, or short transfer). Tall people are better off choosing exit row seats (if you meet the criteria) or aisle seats. For sleeping, choose window seats, or a window + middle seat if you are traveling with a partner. For stretching, choose an aisle seat. If you have a very short layover, choose front-row seats to get off the plane faster.

9) Not seeing if the check-in desk can share if you’re seated near travelers with kids

Sometimes, during offline check-in at the desk, you can ask an employee if there are travelers with kids near your seat. If you really need to sleep during the flight and you are a light sleeper, you may ask to change your seat.

10) Bonus tip - If you've already made all the previous 9 mistakes and actually got an uncomfortable seat

After the "Boarding Complete" command, check the cabin for some empty seats. If so, carefully move to another seat (in any case, no one will be allowed to board the plane after this, and no one will probably check your actual seat number).