Which side of the plane to sit on to avoid the sun?

Sun’s Out, Shade’s In: Choosing the Best Airplane Seat to Avoid the Glare

Choosing your airplane seat can feel like navigating a minefield of cramped legroom and noisy passengers. But for those sensitive to sunlight, or simply seeking a more comfortable journey, the position of the sun becomes a crucial consideration. While many factors influence cabin light levels – flight time, altitude, cloud cover – understanding the general direction of the sun’s path can significantly improve your chances of a sun-drenched-free flight.

The common wisdom, and the often-repeated advice, points to the starboard side (right-hand side facing forward) as the cooler option. However, this isn’t a universally guaranteed solution and requires a nuanced understanding of the situation. The effectiveness of choosing the starboard side depends heavily on the time of day and the direction of your flight.

During the day, particularly on flights with a predominantly easterly or westerly trajectory, the sun’s position relative to the aircraft will dramatically affect the amount of sunlight entering the cabin. A morning flight heading east will have the sun largely behind the plane, meaning both sides will receive roughly equal amounts of light. Conversely, an afternoon flight heading west will see the sun directly in front, potentially illuminating both sides more or less equally, depending on the plane’s design and window shading.

For flights heading north or south, the starboard side generally offers better protection during the day. The sun’s arc across the sky means the right side tends to be shielded more effectively than the port (left) side. This advantage is particularly noticeable on long-haul flights where the sun’s position changes significantly throughout the journey.

However, the narrative changes at night. While the sun itself isn’t a factor, the internal cabin lighting plays a significant role. The galley, typically located towards the rear of the plane, often shines brighter lights than the passenger cabin. This means that the port side, closer to the often-illuminated galley, might experience more indirect light pollution throughout the night.

It’s also crucial to consider the season. During summer months, higher solar angles mean more direct sunlight, regardless of the side. Similarly, cloud cover can significantly impact the amount of sunlight reaching the cabin. A completely overcast sky renders the choice of seat largely irrelevant in terms of direct sun exposure.

In conclusion, while choosing the starboard side generally offers better protection from direct sunlight, especially during daytime flights going north or south, it’s not a foolproof method. The optimal seat will vary considerably depending on the time of day, flight path, season, and weather conditions. To maximize your chances of a sun-free flight, consider checking the flight path and time of day before selecting your seat, and always have a good book – or noise-canceling headphones – ready just in case!