Where is the safest area to sit on the plane?

Question

And I don't mean the obvious answer of "near the emergency exits", I mean the safest area of the plane, if an emergency were to happen. Thanks!

Answer 1

ABC News had an expert on airline safety cover this just a few weeks ago. Contrary to popular belief, based on looking over the records of over 200 airline accidents, there is really no location on an airplane that is significantly safer than another. Here's a summary:

Sadly, there is no magic seat on an aircraft. There is, of course, an element of luck. If you sit in the back and there's a fire in the back, then you're in trouble. If you sit in the front and there's a fire in the front, same result. But in evaluating where 2,000 survivors were sitting, Galea has some general rules of thumb.

"What we've found is that the average distance a survivor will travel in an evacuation is seven seat rows," he says. So sit within seven rows of an exit and count exactly how many rows you are from the nearest two exits. Count so that you can find an exit in the dark. And why two exits? Because the nearest exit to you might not be "viable." That's airplane speak for unobstructed.

And should you ask for a window or an aisle seat? "What we've found with our data is that there is a marginal benefit of sitting in the aisle seat as opposed to the window seat, or, in fact, any other seat," says Galea. A marginal benefit because its easier to get into the aisle and on your way to an exit if you're sitting in the aisle seat. If you're in the window with two people between you and the aisle, it will take longer to reach the aisle. Time is of the essence.

Answer 2

There is no "safe" area to sit on a plane. But if you were to evacuate, then I guess second or third row after exit row.
Exit row is usually reserved for the special needs, so not many people get to sit there. Plus you don't get to have any of your personal belongings with you during take-off or landing, but I guess it would be survival coming first rather than your handbag.

Towards the back is quite "safe" too since there's easy exit to the doors as well. But if you want comfort as well, I wouldn't recommend it because it is very noisy and your ears will be ringing for days. (especially on long haul) Plus you'll feel every climb, turn and dip of the plane, which isn't good if you're weak-stomached. Think of it like sitting at the back of a roller coaster ride, or on the bus/coach going over raised bumps and uneven road.

You can always visit http://www.seatguru.com to look at seat layouts to determine what might be best for you.

Answer 3

It depends on the airplane. Generally towards the rear. You might concern yourself more with your personal comfort, though. I like to sit three or four seats up from the rear bulkhead on most flights, because you are not in line with the engines, which means the noise is not as bad, and not over the wings, which is where the most movement is felt. Also, being three or four seats from the bathroom is good also, wherever you sit on the plane, because if you are right next to the bathroom, people tend to hover over you while waiting. A few seats away gives you a buffer. Even if hovering people don't bother you, it can be a safety issue if you go through unexpected turbulence.

Answer 4

front of the plane is the worst place to be sitting, above the wings the fuselage is larger. yet this is the place the gas is. there have been some unusual cases of people surviving on the rear of the plane. A cabin stewardess as quickly as survived a great fall together as strapped into her seat interior the tail because it broke far flung from something of the plane supposedly! additionally if there is an on board hearth the 7 rows of seats nearest the go out are statistically safer.

Answer 5

I do believe there isn't much of a safest area, but there are areas where you could feel more comfortable.

First class could be more comfortable with bed-like seats and good food.
It could also be less so, if your hubby can't sleep on planes, then everybody around him would be sleeping and that could be a bit disconserting if you have a fear of flying.

Back in economy, you're likely to find families if that does make you more comfortable, with little kids running around and parents screaming at them.

In business you're very close to people, that can also be a comfort thing.

Answer 6

I'm an expert in aviation and the air transport and here is what I have to say...

Every place in the aircraft is safe and it shouldn't bother you. If you want to enjoy the view, choose a seat near the wings where you can watch the flaps extend during take off or the air-brakes extend during touchdown/flare.
Don't be paranoid, an aircraft comes with the most sophisticated systems and with state-of-the-art accident prevention and alert systems.

Sit back, relax, enjoy the view outside or just close your eyes and listen to some good music.

Answer 7

Sit in front of the wings.. hubby has a fear of flying and he learned that is the safest place to sit... he travels alot.. actually i just looked and....
The short answer is there is no safest seat.

Answer 8

By the wings. The turbulance is much lower and when there are pachy spots in the air, you feel it less. Also, you would be close to the eergency exits if, God forbid, anything were to happen.

Answer 9

First Class! At least if anything goes wrong, you´ll be comfortable and travelling in style!

Answer 10

i'd have to say the tail end..cause it's not gonna be the first to hit anything...you couldn't get me on a plane now,for all the money in the world..if I was meant to fly,GOD would have given me wings..............