I take dozens of flights a year as an airline reporter. I always go for the aisle seat — even if it costs extra money

• I used to not care about where I sat on an airplane, but I'll pay extra for the aisle these days.
• I want the freedom to move around and the openness helps with claustrophobia on long flights.
• I've been asked before to give up a seat I paid for to accommodate other people, but I rarely do.

I've spent years traversing the world trying out different airline economy cabins, from premium carriers like Delta Air Lines and All Nippon Airways to budget ones like Norse Atlantic Airways and Spirit Airlines.