Safest Seats on Aeroplane: Flight is one of the safest modes of transportation, but there are people who are curious about the safest seats on a plane. Though no seat is 100% safe in every crash, some seats are safer than others according to studies and crash data. This article describes the safest seats for various types of airplanes in simple language and provides tips on how to exit in case of an emergency.
Whether a seat will be safe will be determined by where it is situated on the plane and what happens if the plane does crash. Most plane crashes are front to ground, so seats that are towards the back are generally safer. Plus, sitting close to an emergency exit means you get to leave quicker if there’s fire or another hazard. Your behavior, like wearing your seatbelt and becoming comfortable with the exits, serves just as important a function as does your seat choice.
Different airplanes are differently sized and laid out, but safest seats usually follow similar trends. Break it down with us:
These planes are standard for short flights. Studies, including one in 2007 by Popular Mechanics, reveal that seats closer to the back have a better chance of survival (about 69%) compared to up front (49%). In a Boeing 737, for example, seats 20-30 are generally toward the back. Seats next to an exit, typically seats 10-15, are also good since you can use a quick exit.
They are used for long flights. On big aircraft, rear seats remain safer, especially on the main deck (rows 50 through 60 in a 747) or upper deck if available. Seats near over-wing exits (rows 20 through 30) are good too, as they are close to exit routes.
These are used for short flights. The back seats, like rows 10 to 15 in a CRJ200, are best. Exit row seats are also a good option for quick exit.
Turboprop Aircraft (Like ATR 72)
These are smaller and have propellers. Back seats (rows 8 to 12) or seats near wing exits are safest.
Exit aisle seats enable you to leave more rapidly in a crisis. Window seats can protect you a little bit from flying things, but they’re slower to leave. The least desirable seats are middle seats since it’s harder to leave quickly.
Crash Type Matters: Rear seats are not as safe if the back end of the airplane hits first, but this is a scenario that is unlikely.
New Planes Are Safer: Planes like the Boeing 787 or Airbus A350 have more sophisticated safety features, so seat difference is less.
Check Your Flight: Look at sites like SeatGuru to see your flight’s seat map and find seats near exits.
To stay safe, always buckle up. Prior to boarding, count the rows to the nearest exit so you can identify it even if there is darkness or smoke. Listen attentively to the directions of the flight attendants. If there is an emergency, be calm, take your bags and leave them behind, and move quickly to the nearest exit. If you are in an exit row, be prepared to help open the door or assist others. Learning these steps can literally save your life.