Flying Can Be Challenging for Taller Travelers. Try These 7 Tips for a More Comfortable Experience

Anyone over six feet tall who has boarded a regional or commercial plane knows that air travel isn't exactly built for our height. At six-foot-five, I've often had to contort myself into uncomfortable positions on various aircraft. However, I've discovered numerous tips and tricks that can help make flying a bit easier. I hope these seven hacks provide some relief for my fellow tall travelers.

1. Get the Exit Row

Gone are the days when you could charm a ticket or gate agent into a complimentary upgrade to business or first class. (I've managed to do it successfully just once, back in 2007 on an American Airlines flight from New York to Buenos Aires.) However, there are still strategies that tall travelers can employ to secure the coveted exit row seat in economy class. Finding the right seat could be the solution to the eternal dilemma of 'how can I sleep comfortably on an airplane as a tall person?' Even a middle seat in the exit row offers more comfort than a standard seat. Airlines often reserve a number of exit-row seats until check-in closes, as the extra legroom is a potential source of additional revenue for them.

To land that coveted exit row, it’s all about making polite requests at three key moments during the check-in process.

First, when you check in, directly inquire with the ticket agent. Usually, they’ll inform you if there are any available seats, but they might also mention a fee (from my experience, you might receive a complimentary upgrade about 20 percent of the time). For now, avoid paying; your goal is to secure a free upgrade. Even if you don’t get the seat, you’ll gain insight into the flight’s fullness.

Your next opportunity is at the gate. Politely explain that 1) you are tall, and 2) if it’s convenient for the agent, you’d appreciate it if they could check for an exit-row seat. I often offer to leave my boarding pass with them as a gentle nudge. (It doesn’t really assist them, but it serves as a soft reminder.) Choose your agent and timing carefully. If the agent appears busy or is dealing with multiple dissatisfied passengers, wait for a more opportune moment. The ‘ask nicely’ strategy works for me roughly 40 percent of the time, resulting in a free upgrade to a better seat.

If neither of these strategies succeeds, you can hold out until the end of the boarding process, hoping that some unfortunate traveler misses their flight or someone assigned a boarding pass doesn’t show up. This approach works for me about 20 percent of the time—and even if I don’t secure an exit row, I might still get a more favorable seat, typically an aisle seat that allows me to get up and stretch during the journey.

2. The bulkhead isn't ideal for tall travelers

On planes, the bulkhead acts as a partition between classes. While it might seem like the best option for tall passengers, this isn’t necessarily true. The bulkhead wall restricts your ability to stretch your feet under the seat ahead, reducing those precious inches of legroom. Some tall travelers may appreciate the lack of reclining seats encroaching on their space, but I prefer to steer clear of bulkheads. Additionally, there’s often no place to stow your personal items or carry-on luggage, which can be problematic on packed flights when overhead storage is at a premium and bags are being gate-checked.

3. Familiarize yourself with the aircraft model

For those truly committed to enhancing their travel experience, check out SeatGuru. This site provides comprehensive seat maps for various aircraft, helping you uncover the advantages and disadvantages of nearly every seat across different airlines. For instance, on specific Airbus A321 configurations (such as those used by JetBlue and Delta), there’s a window seat in the exit row that has no seat in front of it, offering unparalleled legroom in economy. You might need to pay for this privilege, but it’s worth it.

4. Utilize the hidden button on the aisle armrest

Many aisle-seat armrests feature a concealed button located underneath. By pressing it, you can raise the armrest. Originally intended for passengers with accessibility needs, this button can also give tall travelers a bit more space to extend into the aisle or adjust their position during the flight. Keep in mind that each aircraft is unique, and not all have this feature, but it’s worth investigating. Getting some extra sleep can help fight jet lag as you navigate time zones, so it’s definitely worth trying out. Just add in some noise-canceling headphones, a comfortable travel pillow, an eye mask, and your coziest outfit to set yourself up for a restful long-haul journey. Just ensure that your body is positioned so that your seatbelt can still be secured comfortably.

5. Give this lumbar-support tip a shot

Having good lumbar support can significantly enhance your travel comfort. While neck pillows are quite popular among travelers, they aren't the only option available. You could purchase an inflatable lumbar-support pillow ahead of your trip. However, if you find yourself in need during a flight, simply request a large water bottle from a flight attendant. If it’s empty, fill it halfway for some added weight, then wrap the bottle in an airline blanket and place it horizontally against your lower back. Initially, it might feel awkward having a blanket-wrapped water bottle pressing against you, but on flights longer than three hours, it can be a lifesaver for your back. Maintaining good posture becomes crucial after a few hours when discomfort starts to set in. Plus, if the bottle is filled, it provides a great opportunity to stay hydrated—important when flying at high altitudes.

6. Investing in comfort and economy-plus seating is often justified

When considering longer flights—especially those over four hours—spending an additional $50 or more on a premium seat can be beneficial. Yet, if the flight appears to be underbooked, I prefer to wait until the day of departure, hoping that a generous gate agent might grant me a complimentary upgrade. My longest stint in economy lasted 14 hours, traveling from New York to Tokyo, but my wife and I managed to secure an exit row on a Boeing 787 (a testament to the power of polite persistence).

7. Leverage points for an upgrade to business or first class

It might seem straightforward, but mastering the art of earning and using airline points is essential for tall travelers seeking more comfortable journeys—and a chance at decent sleep. Reserve your points for business or first-class seats on long-haul flights. Educate yourself: numerous outstanding resources can guide you on how to optimize your points. Enjoying business or first-class travel isn’t just for the wealthy or Instagram influencers.

Additional general tips for flight comfort applicable to all passengers

Besides the advice tailored for taller travelers, there are many other strategies to enhance comfort that are relevant to passengers of all sizes. Prepare a set of in-flight toiletries containing essentials like a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, facial moisturizer, lip balm, and any other items to boost your comfort. Don’t hesitate to apply a facial sheet mask, even if it draws glances from your seatmate or fellow passengers; your skin will appreciate it once you land—especially on long international flights without layovers.

Moreover, think about wearing compression socks. They not only help reduce swelling but also lower your risk of deep vein thrombosis (DVT) or blood clots. A portable charger can provide some mental comfort, particularly in economy class where built-in outlets may be lacking. Being aware that your device is fully charged and ready for a quick Uber call or a message to a travel companion can significantly alleviate travel anxiety.

Ultimately, with the right travel tips, some practice, politeness, and a bit of luck, tall travelers can genuinely enjoy a comfortable flying experience.

This article was initially published online in 2018 and was last updated on January 9, 2024, to reflect the latest information.