What is Bulkhead Seating on an Airplane & its Advantages?
A physical partition that separates a plane into various classes or sections is indicative of bulkhead seating on airplanes. With spacious legroom space and a calmer cabin, this option provides travelers with better flying experiences. These seats are located in front of the divider of the aircraft. Through these, fliers can receive several advantages. They can get priority boarding, easy deplaning, and more. However, along with the pros, certain cons should also be looked into. A flier can find this option to be located close to galleries or restrooms within the plane that can result in some inconvenience. Considering both, one can make an informed decision while selecting this option.
What is Bulkhead Seating on Planes?
A sitting area located directly behind the wall represents bulkhead seats on an airplane. It divides distinct sections or classes onboard. This wall can function in the form of a curtain or screen. Note that throughout the aircraft, there may be more than 1 space available.
- On short regional flights, there may be 1 seating available.
- Besides, larger aircraft may have extra options, i.e. 3 or 4.
Are Bulkhead Seats on Airplanes Good?
Bulkhead seats on aircraft are good for certain flyers, particularly for those who need larger legroom. Thus, it gives more space between the seat and the wall for a flyer to stretch out. Alongside this, other advantages can be availed to induce comfort while flying.
Priority Boarding
Those sitting in bulkhead seats on aircraft of some airlines often get the benefit of priority boarding. This is because of the arrangement of the plane. Hence, a traveler can board ahead of others.
Ease of Deplaning
When sitting in bulkhead spaces, travelers can get the chance to disembark the plane as soon as it lands. This enables them to go through the terminal prior and continue their journey ahead in less or minimal time.
Convenient for Sleeping
Bulkhead seats on aircraft are ideal for getting a good sleep. They are located away from the main lighting area which is otherwise distracting for some. Hence, travelers can sleep with ease during overnight or late-night travel.
Served Refreshments Sooner
As bulkhead seating on airplanes is usually located at the front part of the cabin, meals, beverages, and snacks services are served first. However, keep in mind that there can be several spaces dispersed across a big jet. Hence, there can be different levels of service.
No Front-Reclining Seat
One of the amazing advantages of being in the aircraft’s bulkhead seats is that passengers will not have to worry about recliners at the front. This feature will be helpful to those who prefer to use/work on their laptops.
Easy Access
A passenger near the bulkhead’s window and the middle space on the jet can receive a lot of mobility. He/she can easily stand up in the middle of the flight to go anywhere on the plane. Also, it will not be necessary for others to get up frequently while the passenger moves.
What are the Cons of Bulkhead Seats on Planes?
There are some limitations to selecting bulkhead seats on planes. While sitting on these, a flier must put his or her bag in the overhead bin. In relation to the same, one cannot quickly access one’s items without getting up since bags cannot be placed beneath.
It is crucial to be aware of the other cons as well prior to booking.
Paying a Higher Cost
Airplane bulkhead spaces can generally be more expensive to sit in, based on the air carrier one is traveling with. Depending on the length of the flight, these bulkhead seats may cost several hundred dollars on longer routes.
- These options are expensive for regular fliers
- A few airlines may give these to elite travelers as perks of their loyalty programs.
Fixed Tray Tables
Since tray tables on bulkhead seats on jets are kept under the armrest, the width is somewhat reduced. Some flyers, particularly those who occupy more space to sit, can find it unpleasant. Also, the armrests are fixed and solid rather than having an open area underneath.
Close to Bassinet Seats
The bassinet, or infant crib, is kept inside an aircraft’s bulkhead space on some airlines. Some fliers without infants may not be comfortable while sitting on these due to noise or other reasons.
Inconvenience in Accessing Entertainment Onboard
Generally, the screens equipped with in-flight entertainment on bulkhead seats on planes are hidden below the armrests. Also, these need to be locked in place during takeoff and landing. This can result in missing the movie time or having shows cut short.
Are Bulkhead Seats on Airplanes Expensive?
Bulkheads sitting on aircraft can be expensive. This is because they are regarded as the most comfortable options onboard. Certain carriers reserve these for some elite flyers for free.
- However, this sitting option can be charged based on the airline chosen.
- The length of the flight and other factors can influence the costs.
- To know the exact cost, one can connect with the particular air carrier.
How to Reserve a Bulkhead Seat on a Plane?
Passengers can reserve bulkhead seats on jets online via the specific airline’s website. Or, they can make bookings offline by dialing the contact number/visiting the particular airport. Over the phone or at the airport, the agents of the airline can reserve the same on their behalf.
Does Bulkhead Seating on Airplanes have TV Screens?
Indeed, bulkhead seating on airplanes has TV screens as a part of the entertainment system. They are located on the side of the seat’s underside. The TV can be turned on using the button available on the armest.
Does United Airlines have Bulkhead Seats on Airplanes?
United Airlines has bulkhead seats on some of its aircraft like Airbus A319 (319), A320 (320, and Boeing 737-700 (737). On these, travelers can book seats in Economy Plus and First Class. On others, these options are available in Polaris Business and Premium Class.
- Depending on the kind of jet and trip, seat arrangements may change.
- Therefore, it is suggested to check the map of the aircraft before booking the same.
- Or, one can connect with the United Airlines Office to know the sitting structure.
Are Bulkhead Seats Available on Air France Airplanes?
On Air France’s airplanes, including Airbus A318 (318), and A319 (319), a number of bulkhead spaces are observed. A traveler can receive comfortable space, entertainment systems, and other facilities while booking this option.
- To book this space, get in touch with the Air France Office.
- Or, use the air carrier’s official website to reserve it.
Can I Book Bulkhead Seats with Alaska Airlines?
A passenger can book partition/bulkhead seats on the aircraft used by Alaska Air. By connecting with the Alaska Airlines Office, it can be booked.
- Alaska Airlines has partition seats on its jet, such as:
- Boeing 737-700
- Embraer 175
- Boeing 737-800
- And, Boeing 737-900
- On these airplanes, one can reserve First and Premium Classes for bulkhead options.
In Short
Air carriers, including United and Alaska Airlines, have bulkhead seats on their jets. These come with advantages and limitations. Knowing both is important for a passenger before booking it online or offline. Prior to reservations, it is crucial to find out the cost as well since these are premium spaces.
Frequently Asked Questions
The airline seats that are situated right behind the inner dividing wall that separates the cabins are known as bulkhead spaces on jets.
Yes, these spaces on aircraft are suitable for infants or passengers carrying them on laps.
Yes, British Airways has bulkhead seats on certain airplanes.
Through the seat map of the particular airline, a flyer can check the availability of the bulkhead sitting on the aircraft.
Generally, bulkhead spaces on jets are not ideal for travelers with impairments. This is because of their limited accessibility.
Generally, bulkhead seats on aircraft are worth it since they have more legroom. Also, one can sleep overnight in low/dim lighting.
Since there is no space beneath the bulkhead spaces on aircraft, fliers cannot put their carry-on bags. Instead, they can keep their luggage in overhead bins.