Comedian Christian Hull reveals why 7C is the best plane seat in economy

Picking the right seat can be the difference between a comfortable flight and a travel nightmare - but this podcaster and avid traveller swears he's found the best spot in economy.  

Comedian and podcaster Christian Hull shares his strategies to cope with the stress of airports and flying - and reveals how one beautiful hotel lured him to move to Brisbane.

I travel to… Go on tour for work but I also travel for leisure. Right now I’m loving exploring Queensland. I was born and raised in Sydney and I moved to Brisbane five years ago. The moment I realised this was the place was when I was visiting for a function at the Calile Hotel. It was so luxe and the area was gorgeous and tropical. My mood automatically lifted.

I did a month-long comedy tour through regional Queensland. We drove up through all the major stops: Bundaberg, Mackay, Townsville, Airlie Beach and Cairns. I was able to see just how beautiful the coastline is. We pulled into a sandwich bar in Clairview and dugongs were swimming in the crystal-blue water.

A visit to The Calile Hotel inspired Christian Hull to move to Brisbane. Picture: Sean Fennessey

The plane seat I always choose in economy is… 7C, always. The reason is it’s the first economy seat, it’s in the aisle so you can get on the plane last and not need to ask people to get out of their seat to let you in.

I never recline… I’m too scared of upsetting the passenger behind me. I’ve seen videos of people who have a punch-on because someone dared to recline. I think you should be able to recline but I’m too scared.

In my carry-on you’ll always find… This is so embarrassing but I take an enormous chemist with me every time I travel. It takes up half my carry-on bag and has everything for any medical need. I get sick when I travel so I have accumulated pills and potions. They have always come in handy.

Christian Hull says seat 7C is the pick of the bunch in economy.

I plan the trip... Myself. I’m a free spirit. I hate planning and I love to just be free to go and do whatever, whenever. I recently went to Hong Kong and made very few plans, and it was by far a more relaxing experience to not have to be somewhere at a particular time.

I always use public transport in… Hong Kong, where public transport is next-level amazing. It was so simple.

Comedian Christian Hull on the waterfront in Hong Kong.

My favourite type of travel companion is… No one. I get so stressed when travelling and I’m so anxiety ridden that I wouldn’t wish that on anyone, so I like to travel alone.

I like to get to the airport… Early. Like, hours ahead of my flight. What if there is unexpected traffic on the way and you’re late? Or a huge line at check-in? I hate the airport so much.

I’m a points person… I’m hands-down a points snob. I need to maintain my gold status so I can use the exclusive check-in. I hate boarding first, though – I want to spend as little time on the plane as possible. I will stand at the gate and wait until I’m the absolute last person on board.

Christian Hull at theBrisbane Cruise Terminal.

My advice for cruising is… For a first cruise experience, going on a portion of the Ultimate World Cruise was a wild one. This wasn’t an ordinary cruise. I think if I were to do a cruise again I would go smaller and more localised. Give me a small catamaran and we can go cruising and watch the sunset.

I always get travel insurance because… If you don’t get insurance you’re insane. You can ruin your life with medical bills and it’s just so silly not to travel insured.

My tip for keeping valuables safe is… Don’t take any.

The one song that is always on my travel playlist… I like to listen to an ambient chill playlist or rain sounds. It calms me down. I’m not a good flyer, if you can’t tell from my answers.

Bribie Island isn't just about beaches - the op shops are worth the trip, says Christian.

The destination I think is best bang for buck is… Queensland. I feel like I live in a holiday destination – the Sunshine Coast is 45 minutes away and the Gold Coast is an hour.

If you want to experience the gorgeousness of the Sunshine Coast, stay in Coolum or Bribie Island in Brisbane’s Moreton Bay region. I was on Bribie Island for a week recently and it’s just a small coastal town with major 1970s vibes. The op-shops alone are worth the trip.

The travel app I swear by is… Oppyfinder. It’s not so much a travel app but so good for people who go places and are looking for op shops. I base a lot of my road trips around these shops.

Christian Hull is working with Visit Brisbane. 

Originally published as Comedian Christian Hull reveals why 7C is the best plane seat in economy