And because fighting for an upgrade can be tedious at the best of times, we've found the best and safest spots for you to down that wine and read those in-flight mags whilst flying high in the sky.
According to Chris Lopinto, president and co-founder of ExpertFlyer.com, there are a bunch of uber-comfy seats we're all missing out on. "If you're lucky, you might get an economy seat that allows for slight recline features or a few inches or legroom in bulkhead seat or emergency exit row.
"It's a different story in first and business class where some airlines have ventured beyond the traditional wider and softer seat options: lie-flat seats allow passengers to recline the seat down to 180-degrees for comfortable sleeping, whilst some reclining seats in upgraded classes, known as angle seats, cause discomfort.
"For business and first class, the key feature is lie-seats, not ones that are on an angle. These seats are called 'wedgie seats', for exactly the reason you think."
And for all those palpitating at the mere thought of the seatbelt sign, according to a Time Magazine survey of US Federal Aviation Administration accident records dating back 35 years, middle seats in the rear of the aircraft had the best outcome during accidents. Chris adds: "The closer you are to an emergency row, the sooner you'll get off the plane."
Regarding turbulence, opting for flights that use larger planes that fly at higher altitudes is a start. According to Dr Quay Snyder, President, CEO and co-founder of Aviation Medicine Sensory Service, there is good news for those who prefer a bum-free ride. "Sitting over the wings is smoother than sitting closer to the nose or tail."
This article first appeared on 7Travel.