Jet airliners, on the inside, are loudest in the last few rows at the rear. Outside, right at the engine exhausts, but you're in serious danger from the engine if you're anywhere near that. Most of the noise goes backwards away from the plane.

The noisiest part of a plane is typically located directly over or just behind the wings, where the engines are mounted. In this area, passengers experience the most intense "jet blast" noise and mechanical vibrations. The very rear of the cabin can also be quite loud, as it catches the exhaust noise and aerodynamic "buffeting" from the tail section. Conversely, the quietest area is the very front of the plane (First or Business Class), as it is ahead of the engine intake noise. Another major source of noise is the emergency exit rows, which often have thinner insulation around the door seals, leading to a noticeable "hissing" sound from the rushing wind outside. For the quietest ride in 2026, passengers are advised to sit as far forward as possible or choose the newer "extra-quiet" aircraft like the Airbus A350 or Boeing 787 Dreamliner, which utilize advanced composite materials and serrated "chevrons" on the engine nacelles to significantly dampen exterior noise.