From Tokunoshima to Kagoshima on a JAL flight! The advantages and disadvantages of having more legroom in the front row

ATR72-600 (AT7) front row seats

Hello, I'm Yui.

When I flew from Tokunoshima to Kagoshima on a JAL flight, I was able to reserve a seat at the front, so I'd like to write about my experience.

The flight I took this time was JAL3794, jointly operated by JAL and JAC (Japan Air Commuter). The aircraft was an ATR72-600 (AT7) .

There are both advantages and disadvantages to sitting in the front row, which offers more legroom, so I'll introduce both.

---

◆3 benefits of front row seats

There are three main benefits that I have noticed.

1. The legs are spacious and relaxed.

2. There are two windows and a wide view.

3. Anyway, there is no sense of obstruction.

First of all, the biggest advantage of the front row seats is the spacious legroom. As you can see from the photo, there is plenty of space to stretch your legs.

And the front row had two windows, one normal and one emergency exit, so the view was wide and open.

Ample legroom

There are two windows, so it feels open.

Anyway, there was no sense of claustrophobia that is typical of airplanes. When I made the reservation, the seat next to me was taken, so I chose the aisle seat, but there was no one next to me, so it was the most spacious. The weather wasn't very good at the time, but I thought that if the weather had been good, the blue of the ocean would have spread out below us when we took off. I look forward to the next time.

---

◆3 disadvantages of front row seats

There are three disadvantages that I noticed:

1. I can't put my luggage at my feet

2. I sat down with the CA to greet me.

3. The last to get off

I've mentioned three disadvantages to the front row seats, but I think the biggest one is that you can't put your luggage at your feet . On an airplane, you have to put your luggage "under the seat in front of you," "in the seat pocket," or "in the luggage storage rack." However, in the front row, there is no "under the seat in front of you," which is a given.

So I have to put my valuables and my computer in the overhead storage. There's almost no risk of my valuables being stolen, but I'm worried about the vibrations that can occur when putting my laptop or tablet in the storage.

If you sit in the front row, sometimes the seat opposite is a flight attendant.

The second point is not a big disadvantage, but the front row aisle seat (seat 1B) is directly opposite a seated flight attendant. She is usually taking notes or looking at the cabin, so we rarely make eye contact, but we are close enough that we are a little conscious of her.

And the third point is that the AT7 plane has its entrance at the rear of the aircraft, so the seats in the front row will naturally be the last to disembark. If you want to get off as quickly as possible, we recommend a seat at the back. At Kagoshima Airport, you may travel from the plane to the terminal by bus, so it is understandable that people who want to be sure to get a seat on the bus will want to get off early.

---

◆In-flight services between Tokunoshima and Kagoshima

There is no drink service on the plane, but candy is served. On this flight, I had the familiar JAC candy and Kikaijima's "Hanayoshi Mikan Candy". The candy changes depending on the time. There were many "brown sugar" candies such as brown sugar, mint brown sugar, and soft brown sugar.

Candy given as part of the in-flight service

JAC in-flight magazine

JAC's in-flight magazine, "JAC NOW".

It's packed with local information and also features cartoons drawn by employees. Also, I forgot to take a photo, but I was given a postcard of an airplane!

---

*The aircraft may be different depending on the time.

This time the aircraft was an AT7, but depending on the time of day a different aircraft may be used, so please check the timetable before boarding.