Get the Best Seat - How to secure the best seat on the plane

While there's no fail-safe way to guarantee that aisle seat in the exit row near the front of the plane with no one sitting next to you, we have some tactics that will help. Here are our tips for getting the best seat on the plane.

- Join a frequent flyer program. This is the single most reliable tactic you can use. Providing your frequent flyer number at the time of reservation often guarantees you a good seat, especially if you are a loyal and frequent traveler. If you don't already have your seat assignment when you arrive at the airport, present your number at check-in.

- Buy your tickets early. The number of seats available for pre-assignment dwindles as the travel date approaches. If you can't buy your tickets at least several weeks in advance, arrive at the airport early to secure the best possible seat.

- Ask the agent for good seats. Sometimes, all you have to do is ask.

- If you have a medical condition, let the agent know. Most will do their best to accommodate you.

- Get to the airport early, or call on the day of travel. Many airlines release seats the day of the flight. They are yours if you're around to claim them.

- Approach agents in a spirit of understanding. They hear complaints and demands all day. Treat them like human beings, and they may surprise you.

- Use a travel agent. They can often get seat assignments that the average traveler can't.

- Try online booking engines. Many of them allow you to select your seat from an interactive seating map. Of course, this works only for seats the airline has already released, but at least you get to choose.

What Makes a Great Seat?
Typically, exit rows, aisle or window seats, and seats nearer to the front of the plane are considered the best. Be careful: not all exit or "bulkhead" rows are created equal. On some planes, the first bulkhead row may be cramped and uncomfortable.

Some other things to consider: On a short business trip, you probably want an aisle seat near the front of the plane. On an overnight flight, you'll want a window seat so you can rest your head. Nervous fliers may want to sit over the wing, where there is less turbulence. Rows near flight attendant areas and restrooms may be noisier and experience more traffic, and seats very close to cabin movie screens can be uncomfortable, or bright if you are trying to sleep.

Aircraft seat maps vary by airline and type of plane. If you know exactly what seat you want, it can be easier for agents to get it for you. Instead of asking for an exit row, or "a good seat," if you can ask for "12A," you're more likely to get what you want. Many airlines have online seat maps.