Airbus a321 which seats are better. Cabin layout and best seats on the Airbus A321 Turkish Airlines

The major Russian carrier Aeroflot operates 39 Airbus A321s (data for 2018). Unlike the previous Airbus A320 model, medium-range aircraft of this model have more advanced parameters. The body length reaches 44.5 m. The maximum flight altitude is 12.1 km, flight range is 3800 km. The airbus, powered by two turbojet engines, reaches a cruising speed of 830 km/h.

Aeroflot Airbus A321 operates regular and charter flights to domestic and international destinations. When planning a flight on an airliner of this model, we recommend that you familiarize yourself with the cabin layout in advance, which will allow you to choose the best seats for a comfortable air travel in the chosen direction.

In the article we will tell you about Aerobus 321 of Aeroflot airlines, where the plane flies, we will show the cabin layout and where it is better to sit in economy and business class.

Description of Aeroflot Airbus A321

Aeroflot operates two types of Airbus A321, distinguished by the number of rows in the cabin and seats for passengers.

Model 16C is designed to carry 185 people: 169 in economy class and 16 seats in business class.

Model 28C is equipped with 220 seats for transporting passengers, 28 of which are in the business class cabin.

Each Airbus A321 has three separated cabins: one business class and two economy.

Each cabin is equipped with comfortable seats with charging units for gadgets. Like other airlines, the Airbus A321 has some of the most comfortable and uncomfortable seats to fly. To choose the appropriate option, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the interior diagrams of the two A321 models.

Interior layout

The most comfortable seats on Airbus

The selection of the best seats on an airplane is determined by the following parameters: good view from the window, increased legroom, location farther from the toilet room, etc. It is impossible to collect all the best qualities in one row, so passengers have to decide on the one that is most important for them. itself as a selection criterion.

Undoubtedly, the most comfortable seats and conditions are created in business class. A cozy interior prevails here, with expanded space between the seats and rows. There are no queues for the restroom. Flight attendants offer an individual menu to choose from and other services provided for in the tariff plan.

Travelers planning a flight in the cabin can also choose a convenient seat for the duration of the flight. On Aerobus 321 from Aeroflot such seats are available when purchasing a ticket.

To choose the most comfortable seats on an airplane of this model, we suggest that you familiarize yourself with the advantages and disadvantages of passenger seats in the cabin of an Airbus with a capacity of 220 passengers.

Economy class

The first economy class cabin occupies rows 8-18. It is located in the central part of the liner. There is less motion sickness and less turbulence here. The main disadvantage of the location of the first economy cabin is the lack of a beautiful view from the windows, which is due to the location of the aircraft’s wings.

From rows 19 to 31 – the second economy class cabin. It is located at the rear of the plane, so the engine noise is heard more here. But from each porthole there are panoramic views of settlements and clouds.

The most comfortable and uncomfortable seats in economy class:

Row 8 – emergency exit seats with expanded legroom. From this part of the cabin, flight attendants begin serving drinks and dishes from the menu, so passengers occupying these seats always have a good choice. According to the carrier's rules, passengers with small children, minors, pregnant women, disabled people and the elderly cannot occupy seats at emergency exits. You can familiarize yourself with the rules for flying with a baby at Aeroflot.
Rows 9-17 are standard seats without any particular advantages or disadvantages, except for the lack of good visibility from the windows, hidden by the wings of the aircraft.
Row 18 – the last seats in the first economy class cabin. Immediately behind them there is a toilet room, which is not very convenient for a flight in calm conditions.
Row 19 is located near the emergency exit. There is extended legroom. Disadvantage: proximity to the toilet.
The 20th row, in particular the seats near the windows, is very convenient for the location. There are no other seats in front, so passengers can freely take a comfortable body position during the flight.
Row 31 is the last one in the cabin, a very inconvenient option. Disadvantages: close location to the bathroom and utility room, the reclining mechanism on the chairs is blocked.

In the second layout of the Airbus (a16), business class occupies the first four rows, and from 8 to 35 there are two economy class cabins.

Comfortable and inconvenient places in the economy cabin:

on the 8th row there is expanded legroom, there is a mechanism for fixing baby bassinets;
Rows 11 and 23 – comfortable seats at the emergency exit with expanded space for a convenient location;
Rows 22 and 35 – the seats do not have a mechanism for folding out; there is a toilet behind the seats.

Business Class

In the Airbus A321 “16c” the first four rows are the lounge. On an airliner with a “28 s” layout – rows 1-7 business class.

The chairs are arranged in two rows in pairs (2x2). All seats in this cabin are comfortable, have an extended seat and a large space between the seats in front.

The seats in the first row are a little uncomfortable, due to the close location to the toilet room. There are also disadvantages to the seats in the last row in business class, behind which there is a partition separating it from economy class, where a noisy atmosphere often prevails.

Do not ignore the recommendations of experienced travelers about the need to reserve the best seats on the Aeroflot Airbus A321 at the stage of purchasing tickets. The level of comfort during the flight will depend on the selected seat in the aircraft cabin, ensuring a good mood and good rest!

Passenger aircraft are increasingly ceasing to be a luxury and becoming a popular and affordable mode of transport. The speed, convenience and increasing safety of airliners open up broad prospects for regular air travel.

The growing flow of passengers also increases the demands on modern aircraft. The main focus is on the space, comfort and safety of the aircraft. Ideally, all these qualities should be combined with relative low cost of production and maintenance.

It was in this direction that the A320 model and its subsequent modification, the A321, were developed. Despite the long period that has passed since its development, the model still remains in demand for passenger transportation in many countries around the world.

History of the development of the Airbus A321 passenger aircraft

In 1988, the Airbus S.A.S consortium released a new model - the A320. The aircraft became the first mass-produced passenger airliner with a fly-by-wire control system. The new model continued the line of narrow-body aircraft begun by the A300.

The main emphasis of the development was on savings in assembly and variability of passenger seats. The goal was to gain superiority over the main competitor - Boeing 727 and 737. Compared to them, the new Airbus Industrie model would have an advantage in the use of digital technologies.

Despite the fact that the first aircraft was produced in 1988, the A320 program has been officially in operation since 1984. In addition to the fly-by-wire control system, there were other innovations:

for pilots, side control handles are provided instead of control columns;
the horizontal tail is made entirely of composites.

The Airbus A321 model was put into mass production in 1994 specifically to increase passenger capacity. The new airliner has become the largest in this line: when divided into two classes, it can accommodate 170 people, in one - 220. Also, compared to the A320, the flight range has been slightly increased.

The main production of aircraft of this line is concentrated in the European Union. Until 2008, assembly was carried out only in Toulouse, later Hamburg - Finkenwerder was connected. Production has also been established in China. Many parts and spare parts are produced in Russia at the Irkutsk Aviation Plant.

Airbus A321 aircraft remain in demand for many airlines around the world, despite being designed 25 years ago. However, it is expected that in the coming years these airliners will begin to be phased out due to outdated characteristics compared to modern aircraft.

Performance characteristics

Airbus Industrie A321 models remain in demand precisely because of their technical characteristics, which still compete with modern airliners.

In terms of size and weight, this model has the following indicators:

length - 44.5 m;
height - 11.8 m;
wingspan - 34.1 m;
wing area - 122.4 m;
permissible take-off weight - up to 93.5 tons;
acceptable landing weight - up to 77.8 tons;
empty weight of the aircraft - 48.1 tons;

The Airbus A321 has two options for seating passengers - one class or two. In the first case, economy class has a maximum capacity of 220 people. When divided into economy and business class, the aircraft's capacity is 170 seats.

Flight data

Flight characteristics of the Airbus A321:

flight range at maximum load - 5000-5500 km;
maximum speed - 890 km/h, cruising speed - 840;
permissible flight altitude - 11.9 km;
take-off length - 2180 m;
mileage - 1580 m;
engines used - CFMI CFM56-5A/5B, 2 x 13600-15000 kgf; IAE V2500-A5, 2 x 13600-15000 kgf.

Modern assemblies of the Airbus A321 use French EFIS avionics systems. They are responsible for controlling the engines and ensuring the normal operation of on-board electronics. This improves navigation and reduces the likelihood of veering off course, which is especially important during difficult flight conditions and emergency situations.

Interior layout and seating arrangement

In the Airbus A321, the cabin layout has two seat layout options - with and without business class. The first option is used more often, despite the aircraft's smaller capacity. For example, in Aeroflot A321 aircraft, the cabin layout is often considered using its example.

Business class is located at the front of the aircraft and occupies 16-28 paired seats. The seats are more comfortable, the distance between the seats has been increased, which gives more room for the legs. Greater variety is also provided in the menu selection.

In economy class, the seats are arranged in a 3x3 pattern with two compartments. The seats are soft and comfortable, although not as comfortable. The distance between them is approximately 80 cm. However, depending on the location, there are also some nuances that you should be aware of when booking tickets.

Business Class

For business class, the first and seventh rows are considered a poor choice of seats (if there are 28 seats). In the first, the seats are located close to toilets and service areas. In addition to constant noise and movement, the lights are always on at night, making it difficult to sleep.

The last row of business class is separated from the rest of the plane by a thin partition. Therefore, all the noise from economy class will be heard, which will make your vacation incomplete.

Economy class

The most attractive seats in economy class are located in the row next to business class. Located immediately behind the partition, they provide more legroom. Seats with no seats in front have similar properties: in the first diagram these are 20A and 20F.

Seats in rows 18 and 19 are considered less attractive. The proximity to toilets does not allow for proper rest due to constant movement. The worst option in this regard is considered to be the last row, where there are also service rooms next to the toilet.

Advantages and disadvantages of the aircraft

The advantages of the Airbus A321 include:

high flight performance, despite the design 25 years ago;
high capacity and seating capacity among medium-haul aircraft;
the cabin is spacious, which ensures a more comfortable flight;
High sound insulation ensures passengers' rest during the flight.

The disadvantages of the A321 aircraft include its technical aging. Most solutions in design and digital support can no longer compete with modern airliners. In the coming years, a gradual winding down of production is expected in favor of the new Airbus A320neo series.

Aircraft safety

The Airbus A321 design contains 20% more composite materials. This solution increased the strength of the aircraft hull and, accordingly, its safety in case of adverse weather conditions.

Another aspect that increases the safety of the airliner is digital support. A computerized navigation and control system makes piloting easier in case of emergency. Similar questions are considered common to the entire A321 line.

However, during operation there were some incidents. Already in the early stages of using Airbus A321 aircraft, accidents were recorded. In 1988, there was a disaster that was attributed to pilot error. However, there is an opinion that it was caused by a computerized control system.

The first accidents significantly reduced the attractiveness of new Airbus aircraft. Since the beginning of 2000, the number of incidents has increased - from minor problems to major accidents. The worst disaster is considered to be the crash of A321 on October 31, 2015, when 224 people died.

Airbus A321 modifications

Airbus A321 airliners have two modifications - A321-100 and A321-200. The first actually marked the beginning of the production of these airliners. Its testing began back in 1993, and later mass production began. The design uses CFM56 and V2500 engines.

The modification of the A321-200 focuses on increasing the take-off weight and flight range. Development began in 1994 as a direct competitor to the Boeing 757-200. In 1996, mass production was launched. Both modifications are still in production.

Airlines flying the Airbus A321

Airbus A321 airliners are actively used by airlines around the world.

The full list is provided by the following operators:

Aegean Airlines;
Aer Lingus;
Air Alanna;
Air Arabia;
Air Astana;
Airbus;
Air Canada;
Air Canada Rouge;
Air China;
Air France;
Air India;
Air Macau;
Air Transat;
Airblue;
Airphil Express;
Alaska Airlines;
Alitalia;
All Nippon Airways;
AlMasria Universal Airlines;
American Airlines;
Anda Air;
Asian Airlines;
Atlasglobal;
Austrian Airlines;
Avianca;
Avianca El Salvador;
Avianca Peru;
Avion Express;
Batavia Air;
British Airways;
CAA Compagnie Africaine D'Aviation;
Cambodia Angkor Air;
Cathay Dragon;
China Eastern Airlines;
China Southern Airlines;
Condor Flugdienst;
Daallo Airlines;
Delta Air Lines;
Egyptair;
Eva Air;
Finnair;
Frontier Airlines;
Germania;
Gulf Air;
Hi Fly;
HK Express;
Iberia;
Iberia Express;
Inter Airlines;
Interjet;
Iran Air;
Iraqi Airways;
JetBlue Airways;
Jetstar Airways;
Joon;
Juneyao Airlines;
Kish Air;
LATAM Airlines;
LATAM Brasil;
Laudamotion;
Level;
Lufthansa;
Maldivian;
Mihin Lanka;
Monarch Airlines;
Nile Air;
Onur Air;
Philippine Airlines;
Qatar Airways;
R Airlines;
Royal Jordanian Airlines;
SAS - Scandinavian Airlines;
Saudia;
Skywings Asia Airlines;
Small Planet Airlines;
Smartlynx;
Spirit Airlines;
SriLankan Airlines;
SWISS International Air Lines;
TAP Portugal;
Thomas Cook Airlines;
Thomas Cook Airlines Scandinavia;
Titan Airways;
TransAsia Airways;
TUIfly;
Turkish Airlines;
UNI Air;
VietJet Air;
Vietnam Airlines;
Volaris;
Vueling Airlines;
White Airways;
Windrose;
Wizz Air;
WOW air;
YanAir;
Yunnan Hongtu Airlines;
Aeroflot - Russian Airlines;
Red Wings;
North wind;
Siberia;
Ural Airlines;
Yamal.

Serial production of the A321 continues, which means new aircraft are entering service. However, with the advent of new analogues, we can expect that production will gradually cease. This does not mean that the A321 aircraft will disappear immediately as soon as production ceases. However, their gradual decommissioning can be expected over the next couple of decades.

When purchasing a ticket, pay attention to which plane you are going to fly. If this is an Airbus A321, then check the cabin layout and choose the best seats. The photos and recommendations provided will help you with this.

Today, every company has a variety of airliners. Some fly short or medium distances, others are designed for longer trips. And since cabins often differ from each other in certain details, the location of convenient and advantageous seats must be clarified before checking in for boarding.

History and characteristics

The Airbus A321 appeared out of the need to compete with the Boeing 737-900ER, as well as to increase the main performance of the models in this line. Compared to previous versions, the developers have improved:

Engine power, due to which the plane began to fly further.
The wings were strengthened so that the air transport could withstand heavy loads.
The A321-200 modification also has larger fuel tanks, which helps refill gasoline for a longer flight time.

The first successful development occurred in 1994 and after a test flight, all aircraft became the property of Lufthansa and Alitalia. The second modification appeared two years later and is constantly receiving orders from a variety of carriers. Aeroflot has several such airliners operating short and medium-range flights.

The Airbus A321 is a twin-engine narrow-body aircraft designed to cover a distance of 4000-5000 km. Of all the models in this line, it is the largest, which makes it possible to carry more passengers on board. So, its standard capacity is designed for 200 people, but much depends on the specific modification and the airline that operates the flight.

If these are charter lines that do not have a division into business and economy class, then there are 220 passenger seats in the cabin, among which there are very few differences. When divided into two comfort levels, only 185 seats remain by freeing up space for an increased comfort zone.

Interior layout

You can see how the seats are arranged on board a specific aircraft on the official website of the selected carrier. It is worth looking for background information about the salon and finding a seating diagram. Then, when registering your itinerary receipt, you will know exactly which seats best suit your wishes and needs during the flight.

This can be done either when issuing a boarding pass online or at the counter with an airport employee. But remember that the best and most convenient seats are taken first, so for a better choice, it is advisable to start registering as early as possible.

Business class in this case is distinguished by the arrangement of seats in a 2X2 configuration. And in economy class, the seats are most often arranged in a 3x3 type. Thus, only 28 tickets are sold to the increased comfort zone. The differences apply to charter flights and other airlines where there is no distribution between classes of passenger convenience.

But pay attention to the fact that seats with increased legroom (Space+), for example, at emergency exits, are sometimes sold at an additional rate with a low markup, since they are the most desirable for most passengers.

Almost each place has its pros and cons. Let's look at some of the nuances using the example of the standard arrangement of seats in the cabin in a two-class configuration:

From the first to the seventh rows there are business class seats, where the seats are located at a sufficient distance from each other so that each passenger has room to recline the back completely and stretch his legs forward if desired.
But even in the increased comfort zone there are not very comfortable rows, these are the first and last, as they are closer to the toilet and economy class, which will interfere with a smooth flight.
In any line, seats A and F are considered the best for those who want to enjoy the view from the porthole and stay away from the aisle, however, then every time you try to get up you will have to disturb your neighbors.
If you choose seats near the edge, C and D, then it will be easier to get up, you won’t have to lift anyone, but people passing by and flight attendants may accidentally hit you while you are resting.
The 8th and 19th rows are located immediately behind the partition, which makes it possible to stretch your legs and also place a baby cradle on the wall; here no one will lower the chair in front of you, since these are the first rows in each separate zone.
Distribution of dishes at lunchtime begins from these same seats.
In the 18th and 31st rows, the seats are considered the most uncomfortable, since they are located directly next to the toilet, the backs of the seats do not lower down, and there is always a queue of people in the aisle.

Remember that food starts from the first rows and always ends last. Therefore, if you want to have lunch earlier and not wait for others to be fed, then you should not sit in rows 29-31.

All places from 9th to 17th and from 20th to 30th do not stand out in anything special. Here you just need to choose according to your own preferences, sit at the edge or at the window, closer to the beginning, middle or end of the cabin. For example, if there are passengers with children on the first lines, then the children's crying may disturb people sitting close to them. It is believed that in the middle of the cabin there is much less shaking and motion sickness, so seats in rows 9-17 are more preferable for those who find it difficult to bear the flight.

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And if you want to sleep or work while traveling, it is better to give preference to window seats, but further from toilets and passengers with children. Remember that if you decide to choose a seat with extra legroom, for example, at an emergency exit, you will have to carry out all the instructions of the flight attendants in case of unforeseen circumstances. Therefore, such places are inaccessible to people with disabilities and children.

Video: Airbus A321 – interior.

Of course, which seat will be the most comfortable for you depends on personal preferences, flight range, plans at that moment and other requirements. So, for those who want to periodically get up and walk around the cabin, it is advisable to sit on the edge. Parents with small children prefer to choose seats near the partition, as there are fastenings for a cradle and necessary things during the flight.

Sitting inside between other passengers (seats B and E) is not always comfortable, since there are not enough armrests for everyone and you are heavily dependent on the surrounding neighbors. But in almost any case, the last rows (30-31) are among the worst. After all, it is impossible to rest here, lie down, lower your back, or work. Only those who absolutely need to fly in the chosen direction and have no other options are willing to agree to such minimal amenities.

Ural Airlines now occupies an honorable fourth place in terms of the volume of passenger traffic served. Every year the air carrier expands its flight program, thereby attracting a large number of new customers and partners.

Ural Airlines has extensive experience in the domestic air transportation market: the company's history dates back to 1943.

The airline's fleet, which consists exclusively of modern, comfortable air transport, certainly deserves special attention. These are mainly models of the European concern Airbus, belonging to the A320 series. The air carrier pays great attention to re-equipping its existing fleet, purchasing new aircraft every year under operating lease.

Now the airline has 27 aircraft in its arsenal, of which 19 are A320 aircraft, 11 are A321 and another 7 are A319.

This is what an Airbus A321 looks like

As mentioned above, the transport fleet of Ural Airlines contains 11 aircraft Model A321. All of them were released between 1998 and 2006. A fairly large number of passengers fly on this type of transport. Of course, for these people it is important what kind of cabin layout the Airbus industrie A321 Ural Airlines has. You need to know this at least in order to prepare for the flight in advance or choose the best seats when booking.

All 11 aircraft have the same configuration. The Ural Airlines A321 cabin layout has 220 economy class seats. Nordwind Airlines aircraft have a similar configuration.

Schematic representation of the A321 cabin with emergency exits

Best places

In order to make your flight as comfortable as possible, you need to take care of choosing your seats in advance. To do this, it is necessary to have an accurate description of the proposed conditions.

In aircraft like the Airbus A321, Ural Airlines offers the best seats, as is usually the case, in the forefront. The following amenities are available to passengers:

more knee room (compared to standard rows);
lack of seats in front (no one can recline their seat back);
relatively good air conditioning.

Of course, these places have certain disadvantages. These include the proximity of toilets and kitchens. For those who do not tolerate unnecessary fuss, noise and various smells, the impression of the flight can be spoiled by these factors. In addition, the close location to the partition creates a feeling of enclosed space. Some passengers really don't like sitting against the wall all the time.

Places located on the 11th row, are also considered one of the best in this aircraft model. They are located in front of the emergency exit, so passengers in the 11th row have a little more space in front of them. You can calmly get up from your seat without disturbing anyone. In addition, the front row seats are locked, and no one can recline the seat back on you.

However, these places also have minor drawbacks. Among them it is worth noting:

on the 11th row it is sometimes a little colder;
hand luggage of passengers in this row should not be placed on the floor or in the aisle;
travelers with small children and animals, elderly citizens, disabled people and pregnant women cannot fly here;
folding tables are built into the armrests and therefore do not move in any way;
There is no porthole in this row.

The interior layout of the Airbus 321 Ural Airlines also offers another good option for accommodation - this is row 26. Here the seats have the same advantages as those located in the 11th row. Among the shortcomings, one can note only a larger number of seats. Also, seats A and F may not have armrests. The porthole in this row is either completely absent or not located very conveniently.

Sometimes seats A and F, located in row 12, do not have seats in front. This is very convenient, as there is additional legroom, and no one in front will recline the seat back. This configuration is available on most A321 models. However, it is worth checking with airline staff for information about these places.

The interior of the A321 aircraft with basic designations

Places with obvious disadvantages

The claims that will be described below are made by the majority of passengers. But this does not mean that all travelers are equally uncomfortable flying in such conditions. For some, such comments turn out to be absolutely insignificant.

Places located on the 10th row limited in reclining due to its close location to the emergency exit. Many travelers note that they are uncomfortable flying in one position. Of course, this is quite relevant for long-distance flights. Has the same disadvantages 25th row.

The Airbus A321 is the next generation of the Airbus A320, it has a longer version. The A321 model is the largest of the entire A320 family. The Airbus A321 can carry 16 passengers in first class and 169 in economy class. The total number of passenger seats is 185.

Airbus A321 photo

Budget operators and charter flights fly only in economy classes, then the number of passenger seats increases to 220 seats. If you want your flight to be comfortable, it is better to familiarize yourself with the aircraft layout in advance. The layout of the Airbus 321 aircraft is presented on the Aeroflot website, which makes it easier to find the best seats before your trip.

Now it’s worth taking a closer look at the configuration of this Airbus from Aeroflot. The most popular air carrier has 30 A321 aircraft and operates regular domestic, international, and charter flights. The figure below shows a diagram of the Airbus A321 cabin to make it easier for passengers to navigate. There are business class and economy class seats.

The best seats on the A321 plane

So, we go to the website of the most popular air carrier, find the “Reference Information” section, then “On Board”, then “Seat Layout”, and then select the Airbus A321 (cabin layout) - the best Aeroflot seats can be clearly seen here. It’s worth taking a closer look at the best and worst seats on the plane, and we’ll explain why it’s better to take a particular seat or not.

As can be seen from the figure, the best seats are considered to be the eighth row and seats A and F in “line” 20. Rows 1-7 are provided for business class passengers, here the distance between the seats is wider and there is more aisle. However, it is better not to choose the first and seventh rows, because the first row is located close to the toilet, and the seventh is close to economy class, and there, as a rule, it is noisier than in business class.

Good, standard, bad seats on the Airbus A321

Looking at the A321 aircraft (diagram), the best seats seem to be in eighth row. The fact is that there is an emergency exit there, so there is plenty of legroom. And when you get up from these places, you will not disturb any of your neighbors. Also, these seats are located at the front of the plane, which means that food will begin to be served from your seats. The eighth row is rightfully considered a place of increased comfort.

From 9 to 17 rows there are standard places, but now row 18 differs in that there is a toilet nearby and this is not very comfortable for passengers; near you there will almost always be:

queue to the toilet room;
people walk often;
may get caught if you are sitting in the outer row.

Airbus A321 interior

Passengers 19 rows there will be enough free space to put your feet, only there is a toilet nearby, which can spoil the impression during the trip. But the seats in the 20th row are distinguished by the presence of free legroom and the presence of a porthole through which you can admire the beauty of passing countries, seas, and oceans.

From 21 to 30 rows Once again, standard places follow, not particularly distinguished by anything, either on the good or the bad side. But seats C and D of the 30th row and the whole 31st are considered bad. “Line” 31 is again located near the toilet, and the backs of the seats in the last row do not recline. Food and drinks will be brought to you last; there is no way to speed up the process; you will have to wait until the flight attendants serve all the passengers sitting in front of you. Take these places only as a last resort, if you need to fly and have no other options.