Hawaiian Airlines offers an online seat selection service for its passengers.

If you’re planning to fly in business or first class on your next trip with Hawaiian Airlines, this article will guide you.

Firstly, it’s important to note that Hawaiian Airlines provides seating in two classes: Economy and Business, offering various seat categories including Preferred, Premium, Main Cabin Basic, and Extra Comfort.

Before enduring long queues to check your luggage (hoping it’s under the weight limit), enduring another line for security (silently cursing the person ahead who takes ages to remove their shoes), and then lining up again to board, there’s the crucial decision of seat selection to ensure a comfortable journey. If you’re a frequent flyer, you might set an alarm on your phone to choose your seat between 24 to 30 hours before departure.

The question is: which seat to choose? Emergency exit seats are an option, but it’s becoming increasingly rare to select them without an additional fee. So, what should you do? Here’s advice from a flight attendant.

When selecting your seat on the plane, always opt for the second row in your section of the cabin. This is the best choice, even compared to the front-row seats. Although the front-row offers more legroom, you cannot keep a bag at your feet during takeoff and landing, and the TV screens are usually smaller and must be stowed 30 minutes before arrival.

How should you choose your seat on a Hawaiian Airlines flight?

A window seat allows you to enjoy the view and rest your head for sleep, but there might be a draft of cold air along the window, and it’s more challenging to leave your seat to use the restroom or stretch your legs.

An aisle seat provides the freedom to move, but you won’t be able to rest your head, and you’re likely to be bumped by passing people (or even the drink and food carts). You will also need to stand up to let your seatmates pass.

The front of the plane is often quieter and has less vibration. Conversely, the back rows often do not recline as much (and the spacing with the front rows is sometimes reduced). Unless you are very familiar with the person next to you, allowing you to lean on them for a quick nap, the middle seat is generally the least desirable.

For detailed seat selection, check the airline’s website at www.hawaiianairlines.com. Depending on your flight (and therefore the specific model of the plane), you can identify the most desirable seats and those to avoid.

For instance, you might select a window seat only to find that the window is slightly offset at that location, diminishing the appeal of the seat. SeatGuru can even highlight seemingly ordinary aisle seats where flight attendants tend to gather for various reasons.