The experienced air crash investigator also urged people to carry out one task before they sit down
A former NTSB Air Safety Investigator has shared the answer to a question we all want to know. Where is the safest seat on the plane?
NTSB stands for National Transportation Safety Board, and Gregory Feith began by saying that in actual fact, there is no single seat on a plane that is the safest – there are more than one.
Answering a question on WIRED’s YouTube channel, he read out a post that asked: “Does anybody know where the safest spot is to sit on a plane?”
The expert answered: “The best place to sit is where you can access an exit. Over the wings or in close proximity to either the forward exit or the rear exit.”
As well as the best seats for your safety, he urges people to do one thing before they take off. He suggests: “Count the seats between the exit in front of you, and the exits behind you.”
You should do this no matter which seat you are in. The aviation expert explains that this is “because aeroplane crashes unfortunately don’t occur where the aeroplane is upright.
“It could be upside down. It could be at night. It could be on fire. You may not be able to stand up. You may have to crawl. Knowing your position in relation to the closest exit is your best bet.”
The expert was also asked what happens in an emergency and whether it is anything like what is shown in the movies. He said if it’s a “benign situation”, you’ll hear the captain say that it’s “under control” and the plane may need to re-route – and this is nothing to worry about.
But in a more dangerous scenario, you may hear “brace for impact, because impact with the ground is imminent. But you are not gonna hear a long discussion from the flight crew because their priority is to try and prevent the accident.”
There are other ways of deciding where the ‘best’ seat is. And whilst safety is key, many may only be thinking about food service, leg room, and loud noises.
As previously reported by the Express, the back row of the plane might not be the best option if you’re looking for a relaxing journey.
Nicholas Smith, Holidays Digital Director at Thomas Cook, warned that anyone who is sensitive to turbulence will want to avoid this area. He said that these are “typically less desirable.”
This was echoed by Izzy Nicholls, an experienced traveller and founder of road trip blog The Gap Decaders, who said: “Seats at the back are best avoided. They’re typically noisier because of engine proximity and galley activity, and you’ll be among the last to board and leave the plane.”
Travel Expert Andrea Platania from Transfeero also urged people to steer clear of the back row when travelling, as she explained: “The very last row is typically the least desirable: limited recline, proximity to bathrooms, and more cabin noise. Middle seats anywhere are usually the least popular unless you’re travelling in a group.”
So with this in mind, where do you think the best seat is? You can watch Air Crash Investigator Answers Aviation Accident Questions here or scroll to see the video above.
