Window
Choose the window when you want to sleep against a wall and you will not need to get up often. On a short hop, take it and end the discussion.
All comparisons
Everyday
Window or aisle
On a short flight it barely matters. On a long one it is the difference between a nap and asking strangers to move.
A window gives you a place to lean and a view, and it traps you when you need to stand. An aisle lets you get up without asking, and it costs you the elbow and the cart. If you are choosing for a group, let the person who wants the window have it and rotate next time.
Families often want the aisle for the adult who will do the walking, and a window for the child who will look out. Say that out loud. It is an assignment, not a prize.
Aisle
Choose the aisle when you get up often, you are the adult on duty, or you dislike asking people to move. The cart will find your elbow. That is the price.
What actually differs
| Difference | Window | Aisle |
|---|---|---|
| Getting up | You climb over people | You stand up |
| Sleeping | A wall to lean on | Carts and neighbours |
| View | Yes | No |
| With kids | Good for the one who stares | Good for the one who walks |
| Short hop | Take either and stop talking | Take either and stop talking |
Questions about this choice
What about the middle seat?
Avoid it when you can. If you have three seats, the person who minds it least takes the middle, or you rotate. Do not assign it to the quietest person by default.
Does this apply to trains?
The same tradeoff. Some trains give the aisle more legroom, and some routes are worth the window. Pick for the length of this ride.