11 Flight Seat Selection Tips for Comfort and Space

5. Reserve Bulkhead Seats for Families and Accessibility Needs

Bulkhead seats—those at the front of each cabin section—offer distinct advantages for families and travelers with special needs. Airlines often fit bulkheads with bassinet attachments, which is a big help on long flights with infants. These seats also provide unobstructed legroom since there’s no seat directly in front of you. For wheelchair users or passengers requiring extra space for transfers, bulkheads are frequently prioritized by airlines. Keep in mind some bulkhead seats have non-adjustable armrests or narrower seat widths because the tray table is stowed in the armrest. That trade-off means checking the exact seat notes matters. Also, bulkheads may be closer to lavatories or crew areas on some planes, which could mean light or noise; pick a bulkhead farther from service zones when possible. When traveling with a baby, call the airline to request bassinet-equipped seats early; those spots go fast.