Examen de Inglés PAU Madrid 2026 · Extraordinaria (2ª lengua)

What Are the Best Seats on a Plane?

There are few destinations around the world that are not reachable thanks to the power of flight, and people are flying more frequently than ever before thanks to the age of the budget airlines. Low-cost flights are a blessing, but it is important to note that not all seats on board are the same.

Many passengers who have a fear of flying worry about turbulence or feeling the plane turn shortly after take-off or before landing. In these cases, a seat in the middle aisle over the wing might seem the most stable, especially when the plane turns. If you are feeling anxious, you might also consider choosing a seat with a view of the area where flight attendants are working. When the plane shakes, it can be comforting to see the cabin crew smiling, talking, and going about their business. You can also let the flight attendants know you are a nervous flier. They will likely come and check on you during the flight or when there is turbulence to make you feel calmer, in which case an aisle seat might make those interactions easier.

If you are flying with a baby, it could be a good idea to choose the first row of seats in the plane cabin, directly behind the wall separating business class from economy class. It is also called the bulkhead row and comes with advantages for parents: many airlines offer to attach a small baby bed (called a bassinet) to the bulkhead wall for free. There is only a limited number of bassinets available on each flight, and bulkhead seats usually sell out quickly because they also offer extra legroom. So be sure to book early to secure your spot.

When you need to get some sleep on the plane, there are other aspects to consider. On some popular long-distance planes, like the Airbus A330, there are rows of just two seats in the main cabin, which feels less crowded than the row of four seats in the middle of the cabin. Avoid the last row of economy seats on any flight you plan to sleep on. These spots usually do not recline and are located right in front of the kitchen area and toilets, making them noisy and uncomfortable.

If you have a short time for your connection, a seat near the front of the cabin would be best to exit the plane quickly and reach your next gate. If this is not possible, try for any aisle seat that would let you stand up as soon as the plane is parked and the seatbelt sign turns off. Sometimes there are only window seats—or the unwanted middle seats—available at the back of the plane. If that is the case, flight attendants might be able to help you get a more convenient spot.

Adapted from Jessica Puckett's “What Are the Best Seats on a Plane? We Asked the Experts.” Condé Nast Traveller, 14 Aug. 2025. <https://www.cntraveller.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-seats-on-a-plane>

1.- Indicate whether TWO of the following statements are True, False or the information is Not Given in the text (T/F/NG). In true and false cases, copy the complete sentence that contains the evidence which justifies your answer. No marks are given for only TRUE or FALSE.

Choose two statements to answer, or complete them below.

a)

People afraid of flying may feel safer if they choose seats at the front of the plane.

True

False

Not Given

b)

Passengers who suffer from digestive problems should avoid sitting close to the kitchen area.

True

False

Not Given

c)

Seats at the end of the plane are usually the quietest and coziest.

True

False

Not Given

What Are the Best Seats on a Plane?

There are few destinations around the world that are not reachable thanks to the power of flight, and people are flying more frequently than ever before thanks to the age of the budget airlines. Low-cost flights are a blessing, but it is important to note that not all seats on board are the same.

Many passengers who have a fear of flying worry about turbulence or feeling the plane turn shortly after take-off or before landing. In these cases, a seat in the middle aisle over the wing might seem the most stable, especially when the plane turns. If you are feeling anxious, you might also consider choosing a seat with a view of the area where flight attendants are working. When the plane shakes, it can be comforting to see the cabin crew smiling, talking, and going about their business. You can also let the flight attendants know you are a nervous flier. They will likely come and check on you during the flight or when there is turbulence to make you feel calmer, in which case an aisle seat might make those interactions easier.

If you are flying with a baby, it could be a good idea to choose the first row of seats in the plane cabin, directly behind the wall separating business class from economy class. It is also called the bulkhead row and comes with advantages for parents: many airlines offer to attach a small baby bed (called a bassinet) to the bulkhead wall for free. There is only a limited number of bassinets available on each flight, and bulkhead seats usually sell out quickly because they also offer extra legroom. So be sure to book early to secure your spot.

When you need to get some sleep on the plane, there are other aspects to consider. On some popular long-distance planes, like the Airbus A330, there are rows of just two seats in the main cabin, which feels less crowded than the row of four seats in the middle of the cabin. Avoid the last row of economy seats on any flight you plan to sleep on. These spots usually do not recline and are located right in front of the kitchen area and toilets, making them noisy and uncomfortable.

If you have a short time for your connection, a seat near the front of the cabin would be best to exit the plane quickly and reach your next gate. If this is not possible, try for any aisle seat that would let you stand up as soon as the plane is parked and the seatbelt sign turns off. Sometimes there are only window seats—or the unwanted middle seats—available at the back of the plane. If that is the case, flight attendants might be able to help you get a more convenient spot.

Adapted from Jessica Puckett's “What Are the Best Seats on a Plane? We Asked the Experts.” Condé Nast Traveller, 14 Aug. 2025. <https://www.cntraveller.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-seats-on-a-plane>

2.- In your own words and based on the ideas in the text, answer the following questions. Do not copy from the text.

a)

Explain why families with young children should buy their tickets well in advance.

b)

Mention two options you could try if you are in a hurry to catch a second flight.

What Are the Best Seats on a Plane?

There are few destinations around the world that are not reachable thanks to the power of flight, and people are flying more frequently than ever before thanks to the age of the budget airlines. Low-cost flights are a blessing, but it is important to note that not all seats on board are the same.

Many passengers who have a fear of flying worry about turbulence or feeling the plane turn shortly after take-off or before landing. In these cases, a seat in the middle aisle over the wing might seem the most stable, especially when the plane turns. If you are feeling anxious, you might also consider choosing a seat with a view of the area where flight attendants are working. When the plane shakes, it can be comforting to see the cabin crew smiling, talking, and going about their business. You can also let the flight attendants know you are a nervous flier. They will likely come and check on you during the flight or when there is turbulence to make you feel calmer, in which case an aisle seat might make those interactions easier.

If you are flying with a baby, it could be a good idea to choose the first row of seats in the plane cabin, directly behind the wall separating business class from economy class. It is also called the bulkhead row and comes with advantages for parents: many airlines offer to attach a small baby bed (called a bassinet) to the bulkhead wall for free. There is only a limited number of bassinets available on each flight, and bulkhead seats usually sell out quickly because they also offer extra legroom. So be sure to book early to secure your spot.

When you need to get some sleep on the plane, there are other aspects to consider. On some popular long-distance planes, like the Airbus A330, there are rows of just two seats in the main cabin, which feels less crowded than the row of four seats in the middle of the cabin. Avoid the last row of economy seats on any flight you plan to sleep on. These spots usually do not recline and are located right in front of the kitchen area and toilets, making them noisy and uncomfortable.

If you have a short time for your connection, a seat near the front of the cabin would be best to exit the plane quickly and reach your next gate. If this is not possible, try for any aisle seat that would let you stand up as soon as the plane is parked and the seatbelt sign turns off. Sometimes there are only window seats—or the unwanted middle seats—available at the back of the plane. If that is the case, flight attendants might be able to help you get a more convenient spot.

Adapted from Jessica Puckett's “What Are the Best Seats on a Plane? We Asked the Experts.” Condé Nast Traveller, 14 Aug. 2025. <https://www.cntraveller.com/article/how-to-choose-the-best-seats-on-a-plane>

3.- Find the words in the text that mean:

a)

b)

c)

d)

e)

4.- Answer FOUR questions (from a to f) of your choice.

Write a new sentence that has the same meaning as the one given. Use the word or expression in brackets. Do not change the word given.

a)

They moved to their new house two years ago. (living)

b)

I should have studied more for the exam. (wish)

c)

The chocolate cake is sweeter than the carrot cake. (as)

d)

She is attending French class for the first time today. (never)

Complete the following sentence to report what was said.

e)

"How old is your friend?"

Erica asked him

.

Rephrase the sentence beginning with the word given.

f)

John hasn't washed the t-shirts yet.

The t-shirts

.

5.- Write between 140 and 180 words on ONE of the following questions.

Option a) You have recently experienced an extremely unpleasant flight. Write an email to the airline's customer service department explaining what happened and requesting some form of compensation. DO NOT SIGN OR IDENTIFY YOUR EMAIL.

5.- Write between 140 and 180 words on ONE of the following questions.

Option b) Cheap flights have made mass tourism a very serious problem in many popular destinations. Share your views on the matter.