Is there really a comfortable airplane seat?

Well, is there? The answer is yes - if you are willing to spend up to 20 times the cheap fare for First or Business class.

Truth be told - there really are not any truly comfortable coach seats. Airlines have been continuously making the seat width smaller and decreasing the pitch (the amount of room between the back of one seat to another) over the past seven or so years. The goal of course is to squeeze another row of seats into ever skinnier planes. However, if you do your research you can find the most comfortable seat available to you.

Not all planes are created equal.
Older planes generally have more space - the Northwest Airlines Airbus 319 and 320 still have wider seats and aisles. The newer Continental Boeing 737-800's and 900's (listed as 738 and 739) have very small seats.

Identify the good seats.
In order to make sure I get the most comfortable seat I can, I rely on SeatGuru.com. I was turned on to this website by a co-worker who is over 6 feet tall. (He obviously is looking for the seat with the most legroom.) Seat Guru has maps of all major (and some smaller) airlines planes. For each plane they list the seat width, pitch for all classes. They also list anything to look out for such as no window in the row, close proximity to the lavatory or galley, or the fact that the seat doesn't recline, or a bonus such as extra legroom or power supplies.

Using the conveniently color coded guide for each plane, you can easily see the best seats on the plane. Getting them though may be another challenge.

The best seats on the plane are generally reserved for the airlines elite frequent flier members. For example, the only way to get pre-assigned an exit row on most airlines is to be an elite member. The first several rows of coach are also reserved for elite members. For the general public, some airlines have started reserving aisle and exit row seats and then offer them for additional cost at check in.

Tips for Getting a Good Seat

1. ALWAYS reserve a seat upon purchase or as soon as seat assignments are available. Any seat is better than no seat. Not having a pre-assigned seat could mean that you get left behind if the flight is oversold. Having a seat means you at least have a guaranteed space on board.
2. Check the seat assignments frequently. Seats open up all the time as people cancel or upgrade.
3. Know your airlines elite upgrade schedule. For example, Northwest and Continental provide complimentary first class upgrades to their elite members. The upgrades are automatically processed starting 5 days prior to the departure date. As elite members are moved to first class, their coach seats open up. You may be able to snag a good aisle or window seat this way.
4. Check in online as soon as it becomes available. For most airlines you can check in starting 24 hours prior to the departure time of your first flight segment. Many airlines only allow a percentage of the seats to be pre-reserved (perhaps 75%) and the rest become available for assignment at check-in. During the check-in process you will have the opportunity to change your seat. The earilier you check-in, the better pickin's you get.
5. Arrive at the gate early and check with the gate agent for better seats. The gate agent will be processing last minute upgrades and exit aisle seating prior to boarding. Wait patiently in line to speak with the agent and politely ask if there is a better seat - but be specific about what you consider better. They may think a center seat in the exit row is better than an aisle seat in the back. Be sure you ask specifically for what you want ("is there by chance an open window seat towards the front of the plane?")
6. Ask a flight attendant if there is an open seat you can move to. People miss flights - and when they do their premium seat remains open. Once boarding is completed, you can check with a flight attendant if you see an open seat you'd like to move to, or to ask him or her if there is one. You may have to wait until after takeoff to move. However, despite what some other travel sites and experts might suggest - do not just sit down in a seat that you are not assigned to assuming that the person will change seats with you. Chances are that if you have a seat you don't want, they probably don't want it either, and then you'll cause a holdup while you gather your things to move.

Here's wishing you a comfortable flight!