Air travel: expert advice for safely choosing the best seat

Being at the window during a flight is good, having space and not suffering from engine noise is better. It’s all about the seat: its strategic placement in the cabin avoids the inconveniences often experienced on board a commercial aircraft. What about security, is one place better than another in case of an incident? The illumination by Xavier Tytelman, aviation consultant and founder of a treatment center for fear of flying.

What is the most comfortable seat?

During a flight, several small inconveniences can affect your comfort: constant noise from the engines of the devices, turbulence and lack of luminosity … Some places allow to remedy: “In terms of comfort, preference must be given to the first third of the aircraftdescribes Xavier Tytelman. “You hear less engine noise at the front. The turbulence is slightly less noticeable at wing level, i.e. near the center of gravity of the aircraft. But in any case, we only lose between 5 and 20 centimeters with a jerkhe explains. Let’s not forget the traditional seats at the front of each class and the seats in front of the emergency exits that offer more legroom. But beware: they are in great demand.

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Which seat has the best view?

When booking, we always pray to find an available window seat. If this is the case, we tend to jump to the first one available. However, be careful not to get trapped:Booking a seat directly above the wing will ruin part of the viewwarns Xavier Tytelman. To remedy the situation, the aviation specialist tells a little-known anecdote: “Each aircraft has two window seats on either side of the aircraft, which provide the best view of the wings and engine. They are identified by a small sticker in the shape of a triangle to be stuck on the cabin wall.” traitor. This insignificant mark allows flight personnel to check the correct operation of the engines and the condition of the wings (to avoid mechanical breakage or unexpected ice formation). Why are we interested in this landmark? Beyond the safety aspect, it shows passengers the seat with the best view, ie a clear view of the horizon with the plane’s wing in the background rather than full screen. A real modern painting.

Is there a place to avoid at all costs?

In an airliner, no matter what size, you are spoiled for choice. It is therefore quite possible to fall in bad places. On a long-haul flight, it is very likely to be aboard a double-aisle aircraft with a center row of up to four seats. In order not to stand in the midst of several strangers with cut off elbows and no outside light, it is better to definitely avoid this row, and especially the two squares in the middle. Ditto for the seats near the restrooms: the constant coming and going of passengers wanting to use them can take away your peace of mind.

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Is there a safer place in case of an accident?

After all, is it possible to get a safer seat than another on board an airplane? Xavier Tytelman puts an end to the myth of the safer seat at the back: “There is no safety difference between the seats. In reality, it all depends on the type of incident or accident that an aircraft may suffer. However, since there are few statistics on the subject, it is difficult to recommend a specific placement.he adds. To relax the atmosphere, the author of the book I’m no longer afraid of flying! reminds us that statistically the most dangerous moment during a trip is neither the take-off nor the landing, but… the taxi ride! So take a deep breath and enjoy the view.