What is the safest seat on a flight? Here is what experts say

Vishwaskumar Ramesh was the lone survivor of the ill-fated Air India plane that crashed at Ahmedabad, claiming the lives of 241 passengers. His seat 11 A, which was close to the emergency exit, became his ‘door to life’. The video of Ramesh slowly limping to the ambulance was a sight that represented survival and grit. “A loud noise was heard just 30 seconds after we took off. Suddenly, the aircraft began descending. I took off my seat belt and rushed to the emergency exit as soon as the plane crashed. I only had my family in mind then,” recounted Ramesh. Meanwhile, social media is buzzing with claims that the seat closest to the emergency exit is the safest in an aeroplane. However, many wonder whether there really is a safe seat in an airplane.

Which is the safest seat?
The probability of getting killed in an aeroplane crash is just one in 1.10 crore. But, even this could depend on the seat that you choose. Meanwhile, Prof. Dong Drurick of the Central Queensland University claims that the chance of passengers sitting in the front aisle getting killed is 44 per cent, while it is only 28 per cent if you are sitting in the tail end.

Studies show that your chance of survival is related to the seat you choose in an airplane accident. United Flight 323 had crashed at Sioux City in 1989, killing 184 onboard, while 269 passengers survived. Those who had sat at the back of the aircraft had survived the crash. An extensive 35-year-old study conducted by Time Magazine about air accidents proved that the death rate is 32 per cent in one-third of the seats at the rear of the plane. It is 39 and 38 per cent in the middle and front rows, respectively. Meanwhile, a study conducted at Greenwich University says passengers sitting close to the emergency exit can get out quickly.

The researchers at the University of Queensland spoke about the safest seats after studying the seats on which two thousand survivors had sat in over 105 aircraft accidents worldwide. If the plane catches fire, the chance of survival for those seated near the windows is 58 per cent, while it is 65 per cent for passengers sitting close to the aisle. There is a 65 per cent chance of survival for passengers occupying the front row seats, while it is 53 per cent for those sitting in the rear of the aircraft.

All aircraft must perform a safety drill to evacuate passengers within 90 seconds. However, drills conducted in a controlled environment are different from real-life incidents. In a state of panic, passengers may behave unpredictably. The emergency exits may be ajar, severely reducing the chance of survival. There would be no one to give proper instructions in case the cabin crew had died. Despite all these challenges, air travel remains the safest mode of travel ever discovered by mankind.

Favourite window seat
Most people prefer window seats as they allow you to enjoy the mesmerising views of the clouds and the calm sky. Some say the seats passengers like least are the safest in an airplane. Long flights may be uncomfortable, causing body pain and numbness. Unruly fellow passengers, too, may bother you. Freelance journalist John Burfit wrote in an Australian newspaper article about his favourite seat. He was annoyed when the passenger sitting behind him put up his legs. Burfit discovered the best seat in an airplane on his way to the toilet.

He thought the seats close to the toilet, which most passengers consider the worst, were the best, as no one would sit behind them. Besides, likely, you may even get a window seat. These seats mostly remain empty, giving you enough room to relax. Moreover, studies show that people sitting in the front and middle rows are more likely to lose their lives in an airplane crash. The chance of survival is higher for passengers seated in the aircraft's rear. So, do not hesitate to book the seats on the backside as they may be the best seats in an aircraft.