I'm a Frequent Flier, and This Is Secretly the Best Place to Sit on the Plane—and It's Not First Class

Travel + Leisure

16-07-2025

I know it's a controversial take among frequent flyers, but I genuinely love sitting in the bulkhead row (it's been called everything from the "least favorite seat" and the row you should "never sit in" down to one of the "worst seats in Economy"). Sure, it comes with a few trade-offs—mainly no underseat storage—but the benefits far outweigh the drawbacks for me. The extra legroom is a game-changer, especially on long-haul flights, and with no seat directly in front, it feels less claustrophobic and more open.
That said, flying bulkhead requires a bit of strategy. You must be deliberate about what you'll want within easy reach and come prepared to build your comfort zone, especially since you often won't have a seatback screen or a handy spot to stash your belongings. Over time, I've perfected my go-to setup, from the lightweight wearable bag I keep my essentials in to the sleep mask and noise-canceling earbuds that help me truly relax into that coveted legroom. Here's exactly what I pack (and how I use it) to make the bulkhead seat feel like the best seat on the plane.
If I'm flying in a bulkhead seat, I plan ahead to take advantage of the extra legroom—the main perk of this seating, which often means trying to snag as much quality sleep as possible. The Manta Pro is the sleep mask I use at home and on every trip, and Travel + Leisure editors voted it their No. 1 favorite sleep mask roundup. It offers a full blackout experience with zero pressure on your eyes and even comes with its own zippered carrying case and matching earplugs to boot.
I love how it fits snugly without being too tight (thanks to a fully adjustable velcro strap and eye cups), and the breathable design keeps me from overheating in stuffy cabins. It's a splurge compared to alternatives, but easily the best eye mask I've ever used. If you are looking for budget-friendly options, more than 65,000 Amazon shoppers have given the Mzoo Eye Mask, $29, a five-star rating.
One major drawback of the bulkhead row is the lack of underseat storage, meaning carry-ons must go in the overhead bin for takeoff and landing. That's why having a smart way to keep essentials close is key—enter the fanny pack or crossbody. I rely on this small-but-mighty Dagne Dover Micah Crossbody, which I either keep on my lap or by my side during the flight.
It fits all my must-haves—phone, earbuds, lip balm, hand sanitizer, and passport—while the sleek neoprene material feels durable and chic. The adjustable strap easily switches between fanny-pack and shoulder bag styles. I've taken it everywhere, and it's held up beautifully every time. Fortunately for travelers, plenty of equally functional and spacious bags exist: Athleta's Diem Crossbody Bag, on sale for $42, Amazon's top-rated Maxtop Crossbody Belt Bag, $15, and even Quince's Italian Leather Handwoven Mini Satchel.
With all that glorious bulkhead legroom, I like to get creative, starting with a DIY footrest. While you can buy inflatable options, I prefer a lightweight, packable duffel for its versatility. This one from Eddie Bauer folds flat in your suitcase, then can be easily filled with soft items like sweaters or travel blankets to create a comfy perch for your feet on long flights. It's roomy enough to double as a carry-on or an extra bag for souvenirs, and the water-repellent fabric plus separate compartment make it ideal for stashing dirty laundry or wet swimsuits once you land.
Flying in the bulkhead row means you'll need to be extra intentional about what stays within arm's reach. Enter this overachieving set of mesh zipper pouches. It includes 24 bags in eight sizes, so you can organize your in-flight essentials by category—tech, skincare, snacks, and medications—before you even board. I stash the must-haves in my crossbody or seatback pocket and leave the rest in the overhead bin. They also double as packing cubes and are surprisingly clutch for everyday use (think cords, kids' stuff, or on-the-go organizing).
Whether it's crying babies or galley clatter, bulkhead seats are prime real estate for mid-flight noise, which is why I never fly without some kind of audio buffer. These sleepbuds, which are on sale thanks to a nifty on-site coupon, are my gold standard. They block noise like over-ear headphones, but in a way that's actually comfortable to sleep in. No slipping out mid-nap, no digging through the dark to find a missing pod.
I use them solo with their built-in soundscapes or pair them with the Calm app for sleep stories. They're tiny, powerful, and have completely changed how I rest in the air. If you're on the lookout for sleep-friendly earbuds that do double duty, travelers also love the Soundcore by Anker A20i True Wireless Earbuds, $30, for their comfy fit, nine-hour battery life, and impressive noise cancellation.
One downside of the bulkhead row? No seatback screen. The fix: a compact tablet like the iPad Mini, preloaded with movies, books, shows, and games. It's light enough to hold for hours but big enough to actually enjoy your screen time (pair it with this portable tablet stand and you won't even notice you're missing a TV). I also download the airline's app ahead of time to access its in-flight entertainment—many carriers let you stream straight to your own device with onboard Wi-Fi. It's the ultimate boredom blocker that barely takes up space in your carry-on.
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