3 hours ago
7
January 22, 2025 | 10:03 pm
TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - While air travel is one of the modes of transportation with extensive safety regulations, many often feel nervous when they’re about to fly. To ease this anxiety, one effective way that passengers can do this is by answering the question, “Where are the safest places to sit on a plane?”
For those looking to alleviate their concerns, this article provides valuable insights, drawing from sources like Travel and Leisure, Forbes, and Wired.
How safe is air travel?
Before we dive into choosing the safest seat, it's important to first acknowledge that air travel is incredibly safe.
According to MIT News, the risk of death from commercial air travel is improving, with a fatality rate of 1 per 13.7 million passenger boardings worldwide from 2018 to 2022. This compares to the previous period, from 2008 to 2017 when the fatality rate was 1 per every 7.9 million boardings.
An MIT professor, Arnold Barnett, also makes it clear that aviation safety continues to improve, as evidenced by the fact that the chance of dying on an airplane continues to decline by about 7% annually.
Front, Middle, Rear Seat
When it comes to where is the safest place to sit on an airplane, studies, and data suggest that the rear seems to be the safest. While seat location does not guarantee survival in the rare event of an emergency, some research suggests that the rear of the plane is safer than the front.
According to a study by Time, passengers seated in the back of the plane had a lower fatality rate in crashes, at 32%, compared to 38% for those seated in the front. This difference is attributed to the distribution of kinetic energy during a crash, where the rear tends to remain more intact than other parts, allowing it to separate and remain structurally safer even in a catastrophic event.
Aisle, Center, Window Seat
When it comes to seating options, each choice has its advantages and disadvantages. An aisle seat provides quick access to the aisle, making it easier to evacuate, while a window seat allows you to see outside, giving you a sense of situational awareness. But compared to both, middle seats are often considered the safest.
According to Time, middle seats in the rear of the plane have the lowest fatality rate, at just 28%. By contrast, the worst seats are in the middle third of the cabin, near the aisles, where the fatality rate is 44%.
Where is the safest place to sit on an airplane?
After considering various factors and reviewing studies and research, it's clear that the middle seats in the rear of the aircraft are statistically the safest place to sit. However, in addition to focusing on your seat choice, it's also important to follow the flight attendant's instructions and safety demonstration.
After all, air travel is consistently recognized as one of the safest forms of transportation. To further enhance your sense of security, you can also choose to fly with one of the safest airlines in the world.
Editor's Choice: 8 Best Places to Visit in April 2025 to Embrace the Beauty of Spring
Click here to get the latest news updates from Tempo on Google News
8 Best Places to Visit in April 2025 to Embrace the Beauty of Spring
6 jam lalu
The best places to visit in April are those that embrace the glorious reputation of spring.
BBN Airlines Indonesia Suspends Jakarta-Surabaya Flight Route; Here's Why
6 jam lalu
BBN Airlines Indonesia has suspended the service of the Jakarta-Surabaya flight route due to low market demand.
Countries that Allow Dual Citizenship, Canada and U.S. Included
7 jam lalu
Find out countries that allow dual citizenship, including Canada and the U.S. Learn about the perks and drawbacks of dual nationality here.
8 Most Historic and Oldest Hotels, Perfect for Your Instagram Aesthetic
5 hari lalu
If you are a true history buff, this article will make you marvel at the beauty of the world's most historic and oldest hotels.
Top 5 Most Punctual Airlines in the World, Delta Air Lines Included
7 hari lalu
Some passengers value punctuality over affordability and comfort when choosing airlines. Discover the most punctual airlines in the world.
Top 5 Places Where to Spend Chinese New Year 2025 in Asia
11 hari lalu
This article unveils some of the top places to spend Chinese New Year 2025 in Asia.
World's Most Powerful Passport 2025, U.S. Rank Drops
12 hari lalu
See a snapshot of the world's most powerful passports in 2025, based on the most accurate travel information from the Henley Passport Index.
10 Most Luxurious Places in the World, All Warm Destinations
13 hari lalu
Looking for ideas to splurge your cash? Seeking adventure or relaxation, these most luxurious places in the world promise unforgettable memories.
Recommended Travel Destinations in Europe for Every Month of 2025
13 hari lalu
The start of 2025 presents the perfect opportunity to begin planning your travel adventures. Find out recommended destinations to Europe here.
7 Destinations Charging Tourist Tax: What Travelers Need to Know
13 hari lalu
If you are planning a trip in 2025, it is crucial to be aware of potential tourist taxes that may apply to your destination.
