How to choose a seat on the plane and what to eat during the flight: tips from flight attendants of leading British airlines

Choosing the best seats on an airplane can depend on several different factors. Some people prefer seats where they will experience less turbulence, while others opt for seats as far away from children as possible.

However, flight attendants from leading airlines like TUI, Virgin Atlantic, British Airways, and easyJet have shared their top tips and life hacks for travel with the Velloy platform. Among their insights are the worst rows and seats, especially on short flights, as reported by The Sun.

It turns out that the 11th row is the least desirable place to sit on an airplane, typically being the middle row. Most flight attendants advise against booking seats in this row, as passengers are often the last to disembark the plane. Additionally, those seated there may find themselves with limited food options.

Tara, a crew member at TUI, mentioned, "If you're on a short-haul flight, chances are you'll miss out on food options if you're seated in the middle of the plane. Opting for seats towards the front or rear of the plane is definitely the way to go if you plan on purchasing any drinks or snacks from the onboard bar during a short- to medium-haul flight."

For those concerned about missing out on onboard meals or not getting their preferred food options, bringing a cup of instant noodles is advised. Flight attendants are usually happy to provide hot water, ensuring passengers have something to eat even if onboard snacks run out. This is not only a convenient option but also cost-effective, especially considering the inflated prices at airport shops and restaurants.

A Virgin Atlantic flight attendant added, "I always suggest bringing a sealed instant meal in your carry-on, like a cup noodle or pasta with sauce that just requires water. Not only is it a budget-friendly option, but it'll cost you much less than the snacks available at the terminal."

There are certain foods that flight attendants recommend passengers avoid consuming onboard:

Alcohol

Most flight attendants advise against consuming alcohol onboard due to its effects on the body during flights, particularly at high altitudes. Alcohol can exacerbate dehydration, and carbonated beverages like prosecco or mixed drinks can cause bloating.

Salty foods

Similar to alcohol, salt can contribute to dehydration during flights. Consuming excessive salt may lead to headaches, fatigue, and worsened jet lag.

Airlines with the best in-flight meals:

Korean Air

Winner of the Best Cuisine award at the 2023 Global Traveler's Awards, Korean Air offers popular dishes like bibimbap and sambap onboard.

Japan Airlines

Japan Airlines, which topped the readers' choice rankings, collaborates with six three-Michelin-starred chefs, offering passengers options like bento boxes and miso soups.

Singapore Airlines

Renowned as one of the world's best airlines, Singapore Airlines is praised for its gourmet meals, which rival those of ground-based restaurants. Menu highlights include chowder, rice porridge, and Singaporean rice and curry.

Earlier, Travel Wise wrote about fares, fees, baggage and additional services on EasyJet flights.