Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Choose Seats Near the Exits

When it comes to picking the safest seats on an airplane, experts often recommend choosing seats near the emergency exits. While the actual likelihood of needing to evacuate a plane is extremely rare, sitting near an exit can provide some peace of mind for anxious flyers. Additionally, exit seats tend to have more legroom, making them a comfortable option for tall travelers.

According to aviation safety experts, seats near overwing exits typically provide the easiest egress in an emergency evacuation. The overwing exits are designed to detach completely during an evacuation, creating a wide opening for passengers to slide out. Seats within five rows of these exits will allow you to get out of the plane quickly.

Aisle seats near emergency exits are ideal, as they provide unobstructed access to the exit. However, window seats still allow you to get out without needing other passengers to move. Some planes have exit rows with two or even three seats side-by-side, so any of these seats could work.

When considering emergency exit seats, also look at what is positioned behind that row. For example, exit rows situated in front of a lavatory or galley may take longer to evacuate due to congestion. Try to pick an exit row with open seating behind it.

While overwing exit rows are preferable, experts say that any exit row seat is a smarter pick than rows further back in the cabin. Evacuations happen from front to back, so the closer you are to any exit, the faster you'll be able to get out.

Seating charts and online check-in make it easy to pick seats ahead of time. However, you may get stuck with any open seat if you wait until airport check-in. Exit rows do come with some restrictions as well – some airlines prohibit infants or travelers with disabilities from sitting there.

No matter where you sit, listen closely to the safety briefing before takeoff. Note where the nearest exits are and review the brace position shown. While evacuations are unlikely, it pays to be prepared, especially if sitting further back in the plane.

Exit row seating does come with slightly higher responsibility in the event of an emergency. However, flight attendants are thoroughly trained on evacuation protocols. Experts agree that the pros of quick egress outweigh any added responsibility.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Avoid Seats in the Tail Section

While exit rows near the front offer quicker escape, the rear of the cabin should be avoided when possible. Specifically, experts caution against choosing seats too close to the back of the plane. This section of the aircraft, known as the tail, has been shown to experience more severe turbulence and stronger g-forces in accidents. Sitting further forward can minimize risk in an emergency.

During flight, the tail section tends to be bumpier due to its light weight and distance from the wings. One study by scientists at Cornell University found that the tail of a plane often moves up or down more dramatically to compensate for turbulence. This puts extra strain on the fuselage near the back.

In accidents, the tail also absorbs significant impact that can compromise the structure around it. Analysis of crash data indicates higher fatality rates in the rear sections of aircraft. For example, after the 1996 crash of TWA Flight 800, all 230 passengers perished but documentation showed passengers seated beyond row 19 sustained more serious injuries. Row 19 was the start of the rear third of the cabin.

Another consideration is that seats in the back take longer to evacuate. Since flight attendants direct front to back egress, travelers in the tail could be left behind in an emergency. This proved disastrous in the 1990 Manchester plane fire, where confusion delayed evacuation from the rear. Of 55 fatalities, 53 were seated in the back half.

None of this means the tail is inherently dangerous, but limiting time spent there reduces potential risks. When booking, try to avoid the last 10-15 rows. If already assigned a seat in the rear section, speak to an airline agent about switching closer to mid-cabin. Remember that even the middle of economy is safer than the tail.

Of course, sometimes the only seats left are far back. Don't panic, as flying is still extremely safe statistically. Just be aware that more turbulence could be felt there and remain alert to safety briefings. Should evacuation become necessary, cooperate fully with crew instructions and be ready to move quickly through the bottleneck.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Pick a Seat Not Adjacent to the Lavatory

When selecting a seat on a plane, it may be tempting to choose one next to the bathroom for easy access. However, aviation experts suggest avoiding rows directly adjacent to lavatories when possible. While convenient for passengers, these seats come with some distinct downsides that could make for an unpleasant flight.

One issue with sitting next to a lavatory is increased traffic and commotion. Passengers will be lining up in the aisle next to you throughout the flight as they wait to use the facilities. This can make it difficult to get in and out of your seat and creates constant disruption if trying to sleep or work. The sound of the toilet flushing reverberates strongly right next to the bathroom as well.

Unpleasant odors are another common complaint about sitting near the lavatories. Despite flight attendants’ best efforts, bathrooms emit smells, especially on long flights. The stench of chemicals from cleaning between uses also drifts into adjacent rows. Passengers seated right beside the toilet inevitably get the brunt of these unpleasant aromas.

Safety could also be a concern in some bathrooms. Smoke detectors are located inside the lavatories, and electrical issues, leaky sinks, or toilet overflow problems often occur in this part of the cabin. Sitting alongside a bathroom puts you immediately next to these hazards in the event of malfunction.

Additionally, the area around the lavatory sees high traffic from passengers and flight crew. This leaves you more exposed to communicable illnesses, as people congregate and pass closely by you on the way to the toilet. Viruses and other germs spread easily in these tight spaces.

The lavatories themselves are also cramped, meaning passengers in surrounding seats get jostled as people squeeze in and out of the tiny bathrooms. Armrest battles with strangers can ensue as bathroom users try not to stumble. You may also deal with seat kickers behind as people stretch their legs while waiting in line.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Aim for the Front of Your Aircraft Section

When boarding a plane, most passengers head straight for their assigned seat. But according to aviation gurus, you're safer opting for any open seat towards the front rather than your designated seat in the back. While you can't sneak into business class, aiming for the first half of economy can minimize risks.

Studies indicate the front section of aircraft see lower mortality rates in crashes. After analyzing records from over 100 accidents, Popular Mechanics found that passengers in the rear suffered more injuries and fatalities. Why? Physics explains part of it. ThePlaneCrashLawyer.com explains that the front compartments absorb less of the impact, keeping them intact. Seconds count too. Front seats evacuate quicker as crew usher travelers out from front to back.

Of course, seating assignments and ticket pricing complicate moving up. If ticketed for economy and no preferred seats remain upfront, just go with the flow. But travelers concerned about safety should upgrade if possible. Or arrive early to snag stray premier seats on overbooked planes. On Southwest, joining A-group boarding helps.

If stuck in the cheap seats, request an aisle seat close to exits. Remember, any forward row beats 30F, the last seat. Travel blogger and former flight attendant Cierra Mistt opts for "the bulkhead or emergency exit row as close to the front as possible." She explains these have more legroom, swifter egress, and reduced injury risks.

Aviation writer Christine Negroni echoes this advice. She cites National Transportation Safety Board recommendations to book seats four rows or more to the midpoint. Negroni herself chooses the bulkhead and exits, even paying extra. As a nervous flier, author Windy Chien selects "the emergency exit row or as close to the front as I can get." She adds, "I figure my chances of surviving a crash are better if I'm sitting near an emergency exit."

What if your ticket forces you back? Amanda Norcross, features director for Jimmy Kimmel Live, flies often for work. Seated in row 11 on one fateful flight, she luckily upgraded seats pre-boarding. Why? That flight later crashed, killing everyone behind row 15. Norcross believes her $50 upgrade saved her life.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Consider Bulkhead Seating for Added Space

In the battle for comfort and convenience in the skies, few upgrades beat bulkhead seating. While not always available, these prized seats in the front row just behind business class offer a precious commodity – extra legroom. For tall travelers or restless legs, the ability to fully stretch out can make even long-haul flights bearable. By considering bulkhead seats, you gain space to work, relax, and avoid that cramped cattle-class feeling.

According to travel hacking expert Gilbert Ott, the founder of GodSaveThePoints.com, “bulkhead seats are absolutely worth it if you don't mind paying extra.” He prioritizes these seats on long-haul flights, especially to Europe or Asia. Ott explains that the ample room lets him set up his laptop and be productive on the 11-hour journey.

For those who don’t mind splurging, many airlines now sell early access to bulkhead seats for $50-150 depending on route and demand. American, Delta, and United all offer upgrades to these rows at online check-in. Travelers report the charge is often lower closer to departure when seats remain unclaimed.

Aviation consultant and commercial pilot Julien Hautcoeur suggests checking seat maps ahead of time rather than assuming bulkhead seats are available. While larger planes like 777s and A380s offer at least four of these seats per cabin, smaller jets may only have one row. Southwest’s 737s have no true bulkhead, so opt for emergency exit rows instead.

If unwilling to fork over cash, just head to the airport early. Journalist Dave Grossman has had luck getting bulkhead seats simply by asking at the check-in counter, especially for red-eyes when passengers are scarce. But he warns to avoid the front center seats, as the entertainment screens are in the armrests. “I learned that lesson once on Air Canada,” Grossman laughs. “11 hours without movies would have been brutal.”

For families, the extra room allows using a bassinet for babies or gives kids space to play games and spread out. Solo business travelers can use the flat tray table as a mobile desk. However, keep in mind there is limited storage space as bags must be stowed overhead. Only a personal item fits underneath.

While some bulkhead seats have movable armrests, these rows can also create battlefields over elbowroom boundaries. Set expectations upfront with seatmates about sharing versus splitting the expansive space. Also be courteous when getting up frequently, as you’ll be climbing over front walkways.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Research Your Aircraft Model's Safety Features

Unlike buying a used car, travelers rarely research an airplane's safety record when booking flights. However, aviation geeks insist knowing your aircraft model's crash history and onboard safeguards can give peace of mind at 35,000 feet. While all commercial jets meet stringent safety standards, learning key details provides context.

Just ask reticent flier Windy Chien, writer at WonderfulWanderings.com. Despite racking up over 100,000 miles last year, Chien remains vigilant about aircraft safety. She explains, "I always try to fly on the newest planes because they have the latest technology." For example, Chien chooses Delta for long-haul trips knowing their A350s feature superior cabin pressure, larger windows, and modern rollover warning sensors. She avoids aging MD-80s and DC-9s prevalent on Allegiant and Sun Country.

Frequent business traveler Julien Hautcoeur, owner of private jet brokerage LunaJets, also researches his planes. As a former airline pilot, he understands the nuances between models. Hautcoeur books the 787 whenever flying overseas. Why? Its breakthrough composite fuselage withstands turbulence and fatigue better. For regional hops, he picks Embraer E-Jets for their excellent safety record plus avoiding connections.

While overall accidents are rare, data nerds find insights parsing NTSB reports. A few patterns emerge. According to popular travel hacker Gilbert Ott, the 737 MAX tops his no-fly list after two deadly crashes tied to a faulty system. Ott strictly sticks with tested models like the 787 or A350 on long trips. He also watches for airlines operating older planes beyond recommended limits. “Just look at the rash of recent engine shutdowns from metal fatigue,” Ott warns. “Not ideal at 35,000 feet.”

For easy reference, sites like AirlineRatings.com compile crash data plus breakdowns of each jet's age, mileage, past incidents, and onboard technology. SeatGuru’s aircraft reviews detail cabin layouts, Wi-Fi, power ports, IFE, and lavatory counts. Aviation blogs like LiveAndLetsFly.com provide model spotlights and safety analyses.

Travelers wishing to dig deeper can access full NTSB reports and search databases by carrier, year, location, even flight number. Organizations like FlyingSafer publish aircraft risk ratings combining incident data, expert opinions, and actuarial modeling. Their research highlights outliers like the ATR-72's high hull loss rate that curiously gets overlooked.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Check SeatGuru for Crucial Insights

When preparing for a flight, most travelers focus solely on snagging the cheapest airfare or scoring an upgrade. But aviation nerds know that picking the perfect seat can transform your in-flight experience, especially on longer journeys. That’s why frequent flyers swear by using SeatGuru when booking flights. This free online tool provides detailed seat maps, user reviews, and key info to select the most comfortable and convenient seats for your needs.

SeatGuru features annotated cabin layout schematics for nearly every aircraft flown by major airlines worldwide. From widebodies like the 777 and A380 down to regional Embraer and Bombardier jets, you can explore each plane’s unique seating quirks at a glance. Click any row or letter to see pros and cons, shared armrests, movable parts, tray table size, recline, nearby galleys or lavatories, and expert recommendations. Crowdsourced passenger ratings help pinpoint annoying seats to avoid, like bulkheads with metal footrests or last rows lacking windows.

For savvy travelers, having this insider intelligence pays off in picking better economy seats. Frequent flyer Julien Hautcoeur explains, “Thanks to SeatGuru, I haven’t picked a ‘bad’ seat in 10 years of weekly business travel.” He studies the maps carefully, looking for bulkhead or emergency exit rows when needing more legroom. Solo travelers can choose window seats without shared armrests for extra space. For red-eyes, he picks seats away from turbulent wing locations.

Families flying together rely on SeatGuru too. Gilbert Ott, who runs popular miles blog GodSaveThePoints, says he obsessively consults seat maps when booking award tickets for his wife and toddler. He ensures adjacent seats have bassinets, avoid narrow galleys, and aren’t hindered by giant IFE boxes. “It takes a bit more work upfront, but the 4 hours of sanity at 30,000 feet are worth it,” Ott laughs.

SeatGuru also provides information on aircraft age, Wi-Fi and power outlets. This allows business travelers to select newer planes with ample charging and connectivity for working inflight. Leisure flyers can filter results for preferred cabin features as well. SeatGuru highlightsLie-flat seats in business class or premium economy rows with extra legroom.

Travel hacking expert Gilbert Ott explains SeatGuru helps maximize limited upgrade certs too. By studying seat maps, he targets routes with superior business class seats like Singapore Airlines’ new A350-900ULR. “Why waste SWUs on United’s 737 with angle flats when you can get Suites Class instead?” Ott asks. SeatGuru ensures you select the right aircraft when redeeming perks.

Flying High: How to Pick the Safest Seats on Airplanes - Book Early for the Widest Selection

When it comes to picking that perfect seat for your upcoming flight, the early bird gets the worm – or in this case, the coveted window seat with extra legroom. Travel experts unanimously agree that booking your flight as far in advance as possible gives you access to the widest selection of seating options.

As Gilbert Ott of GodSaveThePoints explains, “Seat maps open up the second schedules open, usually 330 days prior for airlines. And in moments, the best seats start selling out, especially on prime routes and departure times.” He always books exactly 330 days out for international business class award seats, which disappear instantly for peak summer and holidays. Even for economy, Ott sets calendar reminders to hop online right when seats become available to snag exit rows, bulkheads, and his preferred sides.

Frequent flyer Julien Hautcoeur echoes the need to buy early. As a commercial pilot and aviation writer, he understands how quick the good seats go. “Leisure travelers book crazy far in advance these days, within minutes of schedules opening,” Hautcoeur says. He watches SeatGuru maps carefully when they first populate to find open rows with extra legroom or bassinets within 20 rows of the front. For premium cabins, he plans 11 months ahead and jumps online right at midnight when the inventory is loaded.

Even budget-focused flyers should book as soon as cheap fares appear to pick better economy seats. “I always set fare alerts the second I know my travel dates to snap up deals when they hit inbox,” says Cierra Mistt, founder of travel blog TheVacationer. She then immediately checks in online to select seats, knowing procrastinators will get stuck with middles far back. For Mistt, the optimal seat is the aisle in an exit row near the front. “I’ll pay an extra $20-40 for early seat selection if it means getting that,” she adds.

Families and groups should definitely buy seats together as early as possible too. Amanda Norcross, features director for Jimmy Kimmel Live, travels frequently with her husband and two kids. “If I don't pre-select seats at booking, we inevitably wind up spread all over the plane,” she laments. Norcross now pays extra for early seat selection the moment she purchases tickets to ensure adjacencies. For her, keeping young kids together outweighs any fees. She also ponyed up to upgrade row assignments on a fateful flight, and believes that last-minute switch saved her life after a crash.

Even seat features can sell out if you snooze on booking. Travel blog WonderfulWanderings points out that many airlines now charge for preferred coach seats. Exit rows, extra legroom, and aisle access often cost extra when checking in versus pre-selecting at booking. Bulkhead seats also disappear quickly, especially for families hoping to use bassinets. So act fast to lock in prime placements without additional fees.

Set reminders for when online check-in opens as well, usually 24 hours pre-departure. Signing in right at the 24 hour mark gives travelers a shot at snagging last-minute seat openings from standbys or cancellations. Gilbert Ott says he’s had luck finding premium seats this way on oversold or reconfigured aircraft, though it is hit or miss. Red-eyes especially may have added emergency exit rows or empty premium cabins at late check-in. So log on as soon as possible for any chance to score seats opened up last-minute.