Aircraft Safety: Could Seat X Be The Riskiest Spot on a Flight?
Choosing the Right Seat: A Guide to Comfort and Safety on Your Flight
Flying can be an exciting experience, but the journey itself can sometimes be less than comfortable. From limited legroom to noisy surroundings, finding the perfect seat on a plane can make all the difference. Here's a guide to help you make an informed decision when booking your next flight.
Experts suggest that instead of focusing on the plane as a whole, individuals should consider the safety and comfort of their individual seat. Frank Harrison, regional security director for the Americas at World Travel Protection, prefers an aisle seat within three rows of an exit for quick evacuation in an emergency. On low-wing jets, he aims for seats near the wing root, mid-cabin, because that's typically the strongest part of the fuselage.
However, it's important to note that aisle seats aren't without their own set of challenges. Marelle Kuo, an author from Detroit, mentions that the aisle seat can be dangerous due to meal carts and people using the headrest to steady themselves. Bulkhead seats might seem like a luxury but can be problematic due to baby bassinets and constant foot traffic from the lavatory line.
When it comes to comfort, seats near lavatories or galleys can be noisy or have limited space, while middle seats offer less privacy and are tighter than aisle or window seats. Passengers should be aware of these issues because such seats can cause discomfort, stress, and inconvenience during flights. For example, extra-legroom seats come at a significant extra cost on some airlines, while standard or preferred seats towards the rear offer less comfort but are usually cheaper.
Key issues include the pricing of extra-legroom and preferred seats, separation from family or travel companions, and physical discomfort and cabin location. Airlines like Southwest charge substantial fees for extra-legroom or preferred seating near the front, while standard seats at the back can be less comfortable but cheaper. Many passengers report being seated apart from their companions due to seat availability and airline policies, causing stress and dissatisfaction among travelers.
Families might feel more comfortable in the back of the plane, where seats are often cheaper and there's a lower chance of being separated. Brandon Barron, a communications consultant, prefers the back of the plane for easy access to restrooms for his young children.
On the other hand, a business traveler might go for an exit row seat, which offers extra legroom but comes with the risk of losing under-seat storage and the responsibility of an emergency exit. Charlie Neville, marketing director at JayWay Travel, expresses this concern, stating that exit row seats offer extra legroom but come with additional responsibilities.
Being close to an exit significantly increases the chances of a swift evacuation in an emergency, according to Frank Harrison. However, on high-wing turboprops, he prefers sitting toward the front due to fewer mid-cabin emergency exits.
In conclusion, passengers should research seating charts and consider paying for seat selection if traveling with family or desiring extra comfort, as airlines increasingly monetize preferred seating and do not always guarantee companions sitting together. It's also important to avoid seats that could make your flight uncomfortable, such as those near lavatories, galleys, or middle seats.
Lastly, remember that you're allowed to move within your class of service the moment the cabin doors close. So, next time you book a flight, take a closer look at the seat map to avoid seats that could make your flight less enjoyable. Steer clear of seats near the galley or bathrooms for peace and quiet, and the back of the plane can feel like purgatory for solo travelers due to full overhead bins, turbulence, long waits to deplane, and noise.
Modern passenger travel can be unpleasant and long, but with a little bit of planning and knowledge, you can make your journey more comfortable and enjoyable.
References: [1] https://www.nytimes.com/2019/03/11/travel/airplane-seat-selection.html [2] https://www.telegraph.co.uk/travel/news/airlines-charging-families-to-sit-together/ [3] https://www.reuters.com/article/us-airlines-seating-idUSKBN1K324F [5] https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20190318-the-most-dangerous-seat-on-a-plane [2] https://www.msn.com/en-us/travel/news/the-most-dangerous-seat-on-a-plane-isnt-the-one-with-the-lowest-survival-rate-in-a-crash-but-the-one-that-turns-your-flight-into-an-endurance-test/ar-BB16HgK9 [3] https://www.washingtonpost.com/travel/2019/03/11/how-choose-best-seat-airplane/ [5] https://www.cnn.com/travel/article/most-dangerous-plane-seat/index.html
- The aviation industry, with its focus on air travel, often monetizes seat selection, as families may have to pay extra to sit together for a more comfortable journey, as seen in the case of airlines like Southwest.
- When choosing a seat for comfort, consider factors such as distance from lavatories, galleys, and middle seats, which can cause noise or discomfort, while bulkhead seats might present challenges due to constant foot traffic or baby bassinets.
- Financial considerations, such as the cost of extra-legroom seats on some airlines, can impact your travel lifestyle, as these seats come at a higher price, while standard seats towards the rear may be cheaper but offer less comfort.
