The Allure of Extra Room
A bulkhead seat is located in the first row of a cabin section, directly behind a physical divider like a wall, galley, or lavatory. The most celebrated advantage is the perceived extra legroom and the open space in front of you. With no seat to block
your view or recline into your personal space, it can feel more spacious and less claustrophobic, especially on a long-haul flight. This makes it easier to get up and move about without disturbing your seatmates. For many, this freedom from a reclining neighbour is reason enough to choose the bulkhead.
The No Under-Seat Storage Rule
Here's the most significant trade-off: bulkhead seats have no seat in front of them, which means there is no under-seat storage space. Federal aviation rules require that for takeoff and landing, all personal items must be stowed in the overhead bin. If you're someone who likes to keep a backpack, laptop bag, or purse handy with your book, headphones, and snacks, you will have to get up and retrieve it from the overhead compartment once the plane reaches cruising altitude. This can be a major inconvenience for those who prefer to have their essentials within easy reach throughout the flight.
Seat Design and Comfort
Another critical point to consider is the design of the seat itself. Because there's no seatback in front to house a tray table or entertainment screen, these features are typically stored within the armrests. This makes the armrests immovable and can slightly reduce the overall width of the seat. For some passengers, this can make the seat feel narrower than a standard economy seat. The tray table that folds out from the armrest may also feel less stable or sit at an awkward height for some people.
A Haven for Families with Infants
Bulkhead rows are often the only locations on an aircraft equipped with points to mount a baby bassinet or sky cot. For this reason, airlines frequently reserve these seats for passengers travelling with infants. If you book a bulkhead seat, be prepared for the possibility of sharing the area with a baby. While this is a huge plus for families, other passengers should be aware that it can be a noisier section of the cabin. Bassinets are typically requested in advance but are subject to availability.
The Legroom Debate: Space vs. Stretch
While bulkhead seats offer more open space for your knees, the legroom situation isn't always a clear win. Because you're facing a solid wall, you can't slide your feet under the seat in front of you for a full-leg stretch. Taller passengers sometimes find this restrictive compared to a standard seat where they can extend their legs into the space below the seat ahead. Ultimately, whether the legroom is 'better' depends on your height and personal preference for knee space versus foot space.
