Guide to Using SeatGuru for the Best Airplane Seats

Booking a flight is just the beginning of your travel experience. The real game-changer? Choosing the right seat! A great seat can mean extra legroom, a peaceful flight, and an overall more enjoyable journey. But picking the best airplane seat isn’t always straightforward. That’s where SeatGuru comes in.

SeatGuru provides detailed airline seat maps, helping you identify the best and worst seats before stepping on the plane. If you want to make every flight as comfortable as possible, this guide will show you how to use SeatGuru like a pro.

What is SeatGuru?

SeatGuru is an online platform that offers detailed seating charts for over 1,300 aircraft across 175+ airlines. Each map is color-coded to highlight the best (green), average (white), and worst (red) seats, helping travelers make an informed choice.

Beyond just seating, SeatGuru also provides:

• Legroom details – Know how much space you’ll have.
• Reclining ability – Avoid seats with limited recline.
• Power port availability – Keep your devices charged.
• Proximity to lavatories – Decide whether you want easy access or a quieter spot.

If you’ve found a great flight deal, SeatGuru helps ensure that your seat selection matches your comfort preferences.

Pros and Cons of Using SeatGuru

Pros:

✔ Free & Easy to Use – No registration is required. 
✔ Extensive Seat Database – Covers most major airlines and aircraft. 
✔ User-Friendly Maps – Simple color-coded seat ratings. 
✔ Search Function for Flights & Rentals – Convenient for planning your trip. 
✔ Traveler Reviews & Photos – Get real-world insights.

Cons:

✘ Limited Updates – Some seating maps might be outdated, especially for newer aircraft. 
✘ Missing Airlines – While extensive, a few smaller airlines may not be covered. 
✘ Preference-Based Ratings – What’s labeled as a bad seat (e.g., no window) might not matter to you.

How to Find the Best Seat on Your Flight

Step 1: Search for Your Flight

Head to SeatGuru.com and enter your airline, flight date, and flight number. If you don’t know your flight number, you can search by departure and arrival cities.

Step 2: View the Seat Map

Once you pull up your flight, you’ll see a detailed seat map with color-coded ratings:

• Green – Best seats with extra legroom, good recline, or other perks.
• Yellow – Seats with mixed reviews (e.g., near bathrooms, limited recline).
• Red – Seats to avoid (e.g., restricted legroom, close to galleys).
• White – Standard seats with no major pros or cons.

Step 3: Hover Over Seats for More Info

When you hover over a seat, a pop-up box will give you detailed information about why it’s rated a certain way. This might include notes on limited legroom, a misaligned window, or a missing under-seat storage area.

Step 4: Compare and Choose Wisely

Think about what matters most for your comfort. Do you prefer:

• More legroom? Look for exit row or bulkhead seats.
• A quiet flight? Avoid seats near galleys, restrooms, and bassinets.
• Easy boarding & exit? Choose seats near the front.
• A window view? Double-check that the seat has a window (some don’t!).

Step 5: Check User Reviews & Photos

SeatGuru includes traveler reviews and seat photos, offering real-world insights that might not be obvious on a map. This extra step can help you avoid surprises.

Pro Tips for Getting the Best Seat

🔹 Book early – The best seats go fast! Select your seat as soon as you book your flight. 
🔹 Sign up for Airline Alerts – Some airlines notify you when better seats become available. 
🔹 Use Frequent Flyer Perks – If you have elite status, you might get first dibs on premium seats. 
🔹 Consider Paid Upgrades – Sometimes, spending a little extra can make a big difference in comfort.

Final Thoughts: Is SeatGuru Still Worth Using?

Even though SeatGuru’s updates have slowed in recent years, it’s still a valuable tool for travelers. It offers one of the largest seat map databases and remains an excellent starting point for choosing a comfortable seat. However, for the most up-to-date airline seat information, you may also want to check AeroLOPA, SeatMaps, or airline-specific seat maps.

By using SeatGuru alongside other resources, you’ll maximize your chances of securing the best seat for your next flight—ensuring a more comfortable and enjoyable journey!