window seat

Meaning

This refers to a seat positioned next to a window on an airplane, train, or bus. Travelers often prefer it because it offers a view of the outside and a wall to lean against when sleeping. However, it can make it slightly harder to get up to use the restroom without disturbing others.

Examples

• I always try to book a window seat so I can take photos of the clouds during takeoff.

  I always try to book a window seat so I can take photos of the clouds during takeoff.

• Would you mind swapping places with me? I really prefer the window seat.

  Would you mind swapping places with me? I really prefer the window seat.

• He fell asleep leaning against the side of the plane because he had the window seat.

  He fell asleep leaning against the side of the plane because he had the window seat.

• When checking in online, I was disappointed to find that only middle seats were left, and no window seat was available.

  When checking in online, I was disappointed to find that only middle seats were left, and no window seat was available.

• She sat in the window seat and watched the countryside roll by during the three-hour train ride.

  She sat in the window seat and watched the countryside roll by during the three-hour train ride.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ I want to sit in the window.

  ✓ I want to sit in the window seat.

  Sitting 'in the window' sounds like you are physically climbing onto the window sill. Always use 'window seat' or 'by the window'.

• ✗ Can I have a seat of window?

  ✓ Can I have a window seat?

  In English, 'window' acts as a noun adjunct directly modifying 'seat'. Do not translate literally using 'of'.

Related Expressions

Practice

• I love looking at the scenery, so I always request a ___ when I check in.

  💡 A seat located next to the glass.

  Show answer

  window seat

• Excuse me, I think you are in my ___; my ticket says 14A.

  💡 The seat next to the outer wall of the plane.

  Show answer

  window seat