What Is a Bulkhead on an Airplane? Everything You Need to Know

Introduction

If you’ve ever booked a flight and come across the term what is a bulkhead you might have wondered what it means. Bulkhead seats are often desirable for their extra legroom and unique seating experience, but what exactly is a bulkhead?

In aviation, a bulkhead refers to a wall or partition that separates different sections of an airplane. These partitions can divide cabin classes (such as Economy and Business Class) or create separate spaces for galleys, lavatories, and crew areas. In this blog, we’ll explore what a bulkhead is, why it matters, and how it affects seating and travel comfort.

What Is a Bulkhead on an Airplane?

A bulkhead is a physical wall or partition inside an aircraft that serves multiple purposes, including:

✔ Separating different cabin classes (e.g., Business Class from Economy)
✔ Creating crew workspaces, like galleys or lavatories
✔ Providing structural reinforcement to the aircraft
✔ Offering a mounting area for in-flight entertainment screens, bassinets, or storage compartments

Unlike regular seats, bulkhead seats are located directly behind these partitions, meaning they have no seats in front of them.

Types of Bulkheads on an Airplane

✈ 1. Cabin Class Dividers

One of the most common types of bulkheads is the partition between Business Class and Economy Class. These dividers create privacy for premium passengers while offering extra space for those seated in bulkhead rows.

🛋 2. Lavatory and Galley Bulkheads

Bulkheads are often placed near bathrooms and crew areas to separate passenger seating from high-traffic areas. While this can provide some extra space, it may also come with increased noise and foot traffic.

🚪 3. Emergency Exit Bulkheads

On some aircraft, exit row seats have bulkheads that separate them from the rest of the cabin. These bulkheads ensure clear access to emergency exits while sometimes offering extra legroom for passengers.

👶 4. Bassinet Bulkheads

Airlines often attach baby bassinets to bulkhead walls, making these seats ideal for families traveling with infants. Parents can reserve these seats for added convenience, though availability is limited.

How Bulkheads Affect Seating

✅ Pros of Bulkhead Seats

✔ Extra Legroom – Bulkhead seats often have more space for stretching.
✔ No Reclining Seat in Front – You won’t have to worry about the person in front leaning into your space.
✔ Better Boarding & Deplaning – Bulkhead seats are often near the front, allowing quicker exits.
✔ Larger Entertainment Screens – Many bulkhead seats have wall-mounted IFE screens, offering a bigger viewing experience.

❌ Cons of Bulkhead Seats

❌ No Under-Seat Storage – Carry-on bags must be placed in overhead bins.
❌ Fixed Armrests – Since tray tables and entertainment screens are built into the armrests, these seats may feel slightly narrower.
❌ Proximity to Lavatories or Galleys – Bulkhead seats near crew areas may experience more noise and foot traffic.
❌ Screen Placement Can Be Uncomfortable – Some wall-mounted screens are positioned too high for optimal viewing.

Should You Choose a Bulkhead Seat?

Bulkhead seats are great for travelers who prioritize extra space, quick boarding, and a more open seat layout. However, if you need easy access to personal belongings or prefer quieter areas, a standard seat may be a better choice.

Before booking, check your airline’s seating chart (e.g., SeatGuru) to see how the bulkhead row is configured on your specific aircraft.

Conclusion

A bulkhead is a wall or partition inside an airplane that separates different cabin sections, affecting seat layouts and passenger experiences. While bulkhead seats offer extra legroom and a unique seating arrangement, they also come with trade-offs like lack of under-seat storage and potential noise from nearby areas.