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

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

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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I quit my job, divorced my husband, and moved to Italy to retire. I miss my kids, but I'm happier and healthier here.
I quit my job, divorced my husband, and moved to Italy to retire. I miss my kids, but I'm happier and healthier here.

Yahoo

time22 minutes ago

  • Yahoo

I quit my job, divorced my husband, and moved to Italy to retire. I miss my kids, but I'm happier and healthier here.

Cindy Sheahan quit her job, got divorced, and began traveling abroad for a bigger, fuller life. She's visited more than 50 countries, but one city stole her heart: Palermo, on the island of Sicily. Sheahan told Business Insider she's happier, healthier, and saving more money in Italy. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Cindy Sheahan, 64, who retired from real estate in 2017 and left Colorado to travel abroad. In 2025, Sheahan settled in Palermo, Italy. The conversation has been edited for length and clarity. In 2017, I was at a crossroads. A lot of people I knew were dying, and I started thinking: You really don't know how many days you get or what's promised to you. I figured I'd start traveling abroad. My company was kind enough to let me take a sabbatical while I sorted out my world. It turned out to be a mistake for them, because I decided I wasn't coming back. 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'If You Can't Pay For The Trip, You Shouldn't Take It': Expert Warns Against Buy Now, Pay Later Travel Trend
'If You Can't Pay For The Trip, You Shouldn't Take It': Expert Warns Against Buy Now, Pay Later Travel Trend

Yahoo

timean hour ago

  • Yahoo

'If You Can't Pay For The Trip, You Shouldn't Take It': Expert Warns Against Buy Now, Pay Later Travel Trend

This summer, millions of Americans are planning trips — and a growing number are using buy now, pay later services to help cover the cost. These short-term installment loans, offered by companies like Klarna and Affirm, are being used to pay for flights, hotels, cruises, and even event tickets. According to a NerdWallet survey, 18% of summer travelers planned to use BNPL this year. Klarna reported a 50% year-over-year jump in travel bookings, and Affirm (AFRM:NASDAQ) said its travel-related volume rose 38% in late 2024, topping $1 billion. While BNPL may seem appealing — especially when it comes with no upfront costs or interest — experts caution that it's not always a smart choice. Don't Miss: Be part of the breakthrough that could replace plastic as we know it— $100k+ in investable assets? – no cost, no obligation. It's Not Just Luxury Travel Anymore BNPL was once associated with high-end purchases, but that's changing. Andrew Lokenauth, founder of told CNBC that many of his clients now use BNPL to pay for basic travel, such as visiting family or attending weddings. "It's not just luxury vacations anymore," he said. "I've worked with over 100 clients drowning in BNPL travel debt, and it's not pretty." BNPL loans typically have zero flexibility — miss a payment, and you might face late fees or damage to your credit score. Even Affirm, which doesn't charge late fees, began reporting pay-over-time products to credit bureaus this year. Trending: This AI-Powered Trading Platform Has 5,000+ Users, 27 Pending Patents, and a $43.97M Valuation — The Debt Can Outlast the Trip The biggest risk with BNPL travel financing is that the fun may end, but the debt lingers. NerdWallet found that 30% of travelers who used credit cards for summer travel in 2024 still haven't paid off their balances. The average credit card interest rate, according to the Federal Reserve Bank of St. Louis, is over 22%. BNPL doesn't charge interest in many cases, but it can still lead to overextension. A recent Consumer Finance Protection Bureau report found that 63% of BNPL borrowers had more than one loan at a time — also known as "loan stacking" — at some point in 2021 and 2022. Disney vacation planner Jackie Steele said he's seen more clients use BNPL to pay for Disney trips, sometimes to make last-minute travel happen or to upgrade their experience. "I always caution people — especially younger adults or families on tight budgets — to look beyond the monthly breakdown," he told Caution and Have a Backup Plan Some travelers say BNPL made their trips possible. One traveler told CNBC she used it to book a last-minute trip to Miami, calling it a "lifesaver." But when she missed one payment reminder, she was hit with extra fees. Some experts say that BNPL can work if used wisely. Fiserv Head of Embedded Finance Sunil Sachdev told CNBC that the service has matured in recent years and, so far, hasn't resulted in widespread defaults. Still, Lokenauth doesn't sugarcoat it: "If you can't pay for a vacation outright, you probably shouldn't take it." Smart Alternatives for Summer Travel Before reaching for BNPL, consider alternatives. According to NerdWallet, 91% of travelers are already looking for ways to save — such as using credit card points or choosing budget hotels. "Travel rewards aren't fine wine — they don't get better with age," NerdWallet spokesperson Sally French says. "In fact, with airlines and hotels constantly tweaking their loyalty programs to a level that's usually not in your favor, your points could be worth less next summer than they are right now." No matter your destination this summer, planning ahead — and paying responsibly — can help you avoid turning your dream vacation into a long-term debt burden. Read Next: Warren Buffett once said, "If you don't find a way to make money while you sleep, you will work until you die." Image: Shutterstock Up Next: Transform your trading with Benzinga Edge's one-of-a-kind market trade ideas and tools. Click now to access unique insights that can set you ahead in today's competitive market. Get the latest stock analysis from Benzinga? APPLE (AAPL): Free Stock Analysis Report TESLA (TSLA): Free Stock Analysis Report This article 'If You Can't Pay For The Trip, You Shouldn't Take It': Expert Warns Against Buy Now, Pay Later Travel Trend originally appeared on © 2025 Benzinga does not provide investment advice. All rights reserved. Error in retrieving data Sign in to access your portfolio Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data Error in retrieving data

Experts reveal the 5 dirtiest spots in hotel rooms
Experts reveal the 5 dirtiest spots in hotel rooms

New York Post

timean hour ago

  • New York Post

Experts reveal the 5 dirtiest spots in hotel rooms

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