I would agree as there are so many random factors to consider during an accident. However, statistically speaking, a seat close to an exit in the front or rear, or a middle seat in the back third of the plane offers the lowest fatality rate.
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Exit row seats have extra legroom, which is great, although most airlines now charge for them. However, I steer clear of the seats one row in front of the exit row, since these seats have their recline mechanisms disabled so they don't block the emergency exits if people need to leave the plane in a hurry.
OK, so the back row is the single worst place to sit on a plane and you should steer clear of it at all costs. But which other seats should you avoid? All middle seats are unpopular for obvious reasons, and the seats in front of an exit row aren't ideal either.
Typically, one of the main reasons people like to sit in the emergency exit row is because they will have more legroom. This is because you will generally find more “pitch” (the distance between seats) in the emergency exit rows.
If you need more legroom, the exit row has plenty of it (although the amount of legroom varies per aircraft). However, these seats aren't for everyone. If you're nervous about assisting in an emergency, don't sit here.
On aircraft with over-wing exits, the exit row tends to have a seat pitch of around 36 inches (91cm), which is far more generous than the 31 or 30 inches in the rest of the economy cabin. This is done to ensure that passengers can rapidly access the emergency exits in case the situation ever arises.
The middle seat in the final seat is your safest betThe middle rear seats of an aircraft had the lowest fatality rate: 28%, compared to 44% for the middle aisle seats, according to a TIME investigation that examined 35 years' worth of aircraft accident data. This also makes logical sense.
After all, even the most capable passenger can be incapacitated by one drink too many, which could put lives at risk. They also note that it's unwise to sleep in the emergency exit row. Because, well, it's the emergency exit row. Another unwritten no-no: XL fliers.
According to the study's findings, passengers in aisle seats had 64 contacts with other passengers during a flight, making it the greatest contact space. The middle seat came in with 58 contacts, and the window seat passengers had just 12. So, go ahead, claim that window seat.
The best way to get an exit row for free is to hold elite status with the airline you're flying. Elite members will often have the option to book premium seats like the exit row for free. Check the airline's membership program details to know what perks come with elite status.
Data scientists have investigated how germs travel around on planes, and discovered sitting in the window seat is the best way to stay healthy. The worst place on the plane for catching germs is the aisle, where you'll come in contact with a lot more people over the course of your flight.
The best seat on the plane to avoid turbulence is either over the wings or towards the front of the aircraft. The wings of the plane keep it balanced and smooth, whereas the tail of the aircraft can bounce up and down more. The closer a passenger is to the front of the plane the less turbulence they would usually feel.
So many travelers struggle with this fear, so the best way to cope is to find a seat with plenty of space. The least crowded section of the plane is first or business class. But if upgraded flying isn't in your budget there are still options. Try sitting in an aisle seat in an exit row towards the front of the plane.
We found that survival was random in several accidents — those who perished were scattered irregularly between survivors. It's for this reason that the FAA and other airline safety experts say there is no safest seat on the plane.