How to read a seat map
Every colour, symbol, and term on a SeatInfo seat map, explained. Use it as a reference while you compare seats.
Seat ratings
Each seat is marked with a rating so you can spot the good and the bad rows at a glance.
Recommended
A strong seat for its cabin: good legroom or width, a clear window, or away from the galley and lavatory noise.
Caution
A workable seat with a trade-off worth knowing: tighter legroom, a misaligned window, or nearby traffic.
Avoid
A seat to skip if you can: cramped, close to the noise, non-reclining, or missing a window.
Standard
An unremarkable seat with no notable upside or downside. Fine for most flights.
Windows
Not every window seat has a good window. We mark how well each seat lines up with the fuselage windows.
Great window
A full, well-aligned window at eye level. The best pick for the view or a wall to lean on.
Average window
A usable window that sits a little high or low, or is partly shared with the row in front or behind.
Misaligned window
The window lines up with the wall between two windows, so the view is blocked or offset. Common on certain rows.
Windowless
A seat at the window position with no window at all. A frequent surprise on some aircraft rows.
Seat classes
Seat maps colour each cabin so you can see where one class ends and the next begins.
First
The most private and spacious cabin, usually with suites or fully flat beds and direct aisle access.
Business
Lie-flat or angled seats with wide pitch, more privacy, and premium dining and service.
Premium economy
A separate cabin with more pitch and width than economy, extra recline, and its own service.
Economy
The main cabin. Comfort here comes down to the row: legroom, window alignment, and distance from the galley.
Seat and cabin terms
- Seat pitch
- The distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in front. A proxy for legroom.
- Seat width
- The space between the armrests. Along with your shoulder width, it decides how roomy a seat feels.
- Recline
- How far the seatback tilts. Some rows, like exit rows and the last row, recline little or not at all.
- Wi-Fi
- Onboard internet. Quality ranges from free high-speed streaming to a slow paid connection, or none at all.
- In-flight entertainment (IFE)
- Movies, TV, and music, either on a seatback screen or streamed to your own device.
- Power and USB
- A mains outlet or USB port at the seat to keep devices charged in the air.
- Bulkhead
- A wall at the front of a cabin section. Bulkhead rows have no seat in front, but bags must go overhead for takeoff and landing.
- Exit row
- A row by an emergency exit with extra legroom. Some exit seats do not recline, and under-seat storage may be limited.
- Galley
- The onboard kitchen. Seats beside it get crew traffic, light, and noise, especially at meal times.
- Lavatory
- The onboard toilet. Rows right beside it see queues, door noise, and smells; a row or two away is the sweet spot.
Seat specifications: pitch, width and recline
What every symbol, measurement, and color on the map means, so you can compare seats, cabins, and aircraft with confidence.
Seat measurements
Row pitch
Distance from a point on one seat to the same point on the seat in the row ahead. A useful proxy for legroom.
Seat width
Measured across the seat cushion between the inner edges of the armrests.
Seat recline
How far the seat tilts back from upright, measured as the travel at the headrest.
In-seat amenities
Adjustable armrest
Adjustable headrest
Air vent- Seatback screen
Streaming to device- Wi-Fi
- Power outlet
USB port
Wireless charging
Bluetooth audio
Privacy door
Cabin features
- Galley
- Lavatory
Accessible lavatory
Washlet lavatory
Bar or lounge
Bassinet position
Prayer area
Snack station
Service animal seating
Peanut-allergy seating
Wi-Fi quality
Good
Steady enough for messaging and email.
Better
Comfortable browsing and light streaming.
Best
Fast enough for video calls and streaming.
Seat ratings
Recommended
Above average. A strong pick on this aircraft.
Caution
Some trade-offs worth weighing before you book.
Avoid
Below average, with known drawbacks to avoid.
More ways to browse seat maps
Glossary FAQ
Reading seat maps
Common questions about the symbols and terms on a seat map.