Where to sit on a plane?

Question

Is there a study available on where on a plane is it best to sit in the event of it crashing back to earth and surviving?...

Answer 1

i prefer to sit by the emergency exit door.....mainly 'cause there's more leg room

Answer 2

It is common to believe that it is safer in the back of the plane than in the front of the plane, in terms of surviving a crash. However, detailed studies suggest that there is very little difference, wherever you are located. The strongest part of the plane is where the wings join the body, but there are often fuel tanks around that area which can be a disadvantage in a crash. There is so little difference in survivability rates that where you sit is not really a relevant factor.

Towards the back of some planes, you'll find that the blocks of seats start to have one less seat in them. These rows are often considered to be the best seats in coach class because you have more room, side to side, and sometimes more room in front of you as well. It does place you way at the back of the plane - not otherwise the best part of the plane to be in - but if you're on a long flight, the extra comfort is probably worth the several extra minutes to get off the plane at the other end.

Answer 3

In most crashes the safest place is in the tail of over the wings.

The tail because in a lot of impacts the tail breaks away and a handful of rows of seats tend to survive or have survivable injuries. It also has the benefit in most aircraft of having escape doors to hand. Also in aircraft fires the tail has tended to fare much better.

Over the wings as this is the strongest part of the aircraft carrying the main spar, landing gear etc.

Isle seats offer a better chance of survival simply because they are easier to get out of and head for the exit.

But hey, Aircraft accidents are almost unheard of today. Then it is almost always planes from countries with bad maintenance and old aircraft. You are far more likely to have an accident as a pedestrian, car driver, bus passenger, on a horse, basically any other form of transport. Do you worry about going to bed at night? Didn't you know more people die in bed than anywhere else?!!!

Flying is about as safe as it can get. Use it in confidence.

Answer 4

The area directly over the wings is the strongest as it is the most reinforced to cope with the stresses being transmitted from the wings.

Unfortunately, that's also where most of the plane's fuel is.

But if/when the plane's heading for the ground fast, there's nothing much that can help you except the pilot, getting into the brace position, and maybe a couple of prayers and some good luck.

Answer 5

Quoting:
"Not near the middle--that's where the fuselage (sp?) is located--you will incinerate w/i seconds"

The fucilage is the body of the plane... anywhere you sit in the plane is part of the fucilage.

Anyway there are lots of factors to consider such as where the plane is crashing, from what altitude, from what cause... There is no one place in a plane where you are more likely to survive a crash... And if youre plane does crash, im convinced you would want to die as quickly as possible.

Answer 6

I dont know about the study, but the best place to sit on a plane is the aisle or in first class. You can always get to the restroom and most importantly you get your drinks right away and can always flag the attendant down from there.

As to the study, i am sure there is probabally a multi million dollar govt funded study already

Answer 7

I heard that if you sit over the wings, your chance of surviving a minor plane crash is better.

Answer 8

Sit toward the back, because the plane is most likely to crash front end first? (totally guessed that one)

Answer 9

I read that the safest place to sit is at the back near the tail section. But the safest seats are those which face backwards as more of your body is protected. (the RAF have all their seat facing back, apart form the cabin crew that is.)

So, the safest place to sit on an aeroplane would be the stewards seats at the back, as they face backwards.

Answer 10

Generally speaking, in the tail section or just behind the wings near the escape door

Answer 11

Sit forward of the wings. You are less likely to get sloshed with poop from the bathroom. And if the pilot tries to jump out the door, you can jump after him and fight him for the parachute.