Which seat is the safest on a plane?

(Dan Tri) - This question has had many different answers. So what is the real problem?

Be sure to read the safety instructions on the plane to find out how far you are from the emergency exit (Photo: Getty Images).

Every time images of planes flipping over, colliding with obstacles, or making emergency landings appear in the media, many people question the safety of aviation.

One of the most common questions is: Is there any position on an airplane that could increase the chances of survival in the event of a crash?

Air travel remains the safest mode of transportation.

First and foremost, it's important to state that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation today. Associate Professor Cheng-Lung Wu, from the Department of Aviation at the University of New South Wales (Australia), stated that the death rate from aviation accidents is significantly lower than that of car accidents.

According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management (USA), the fatality rate on commercial flights in the US is 1 in 13.7 million flights.

In particular, data from the U.S. National Transportation Safety Board shows that 94% of accidents from 2001–2017 had a 100% survival rate.

Seating can be a matter of life or death in minor accidents.

Although no scientific study has definitively concluded on the safest seating position, researchers have analyzed numerous accidents to derive some general principles.

According to Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, an aviation safety expert at the University of North Dakota (USA), the deciding factor for survival is often the impact force.

If an aircraft experiences a severe incident resulting in complete destruction, seating position becomes almost irrelevant. However, in low-energy impacts, such as skidding off the runway during landing, seating position can affect the chances of survival.

In these scenarios, the nose of the aircraft typically bears the greatest impact force, risking disintegration or being engulfed in flames. Therefore, the tail – the rear third of the aircraft – is considered the area with a lower fatality rate, according to a 2015 analysis of Federal Aviation Administration data conducted by Time magazine.

Sitting near the wing: Both secure and close to the emergency exit.

Professor Wu also noted that the area near the aircraft wing is the most structurally robust part, often heavily reinforced to withstand force. This can create a safe buffer zone in the event of a collision.

Additionally, this area is close to the emergency exits – a crucial factor in helping passengers evacuate more quickly in case of an emergency. However, if you are seated in an emergency exit row, be prepared to assist others in accordance with airline safety regulations.

It's important to note that the fuel tanks are located directly beneath the middle section of the aircraft's fuselage. While safety regulations require fuel to be dumped before an emergency landing, the risk of smoke or fire remains if a collision occurs.

Timeliness of evacuation is a crucial factor.

No matter where you're seated, the crucial factor for survival is leaving the plane within 90 seconds of an accident, Adjekum emphasized. "Don't take your luggage. Don't film. Don't panic. Listen to and follow the flight crew's instructions," he said.

He also stated that modern aircraft are designed with numerous safety mechanisms: from securely fixed seats and shock-absorbing seatbelts to controlled rupture compartments to protect the main cabin.

In short, there are no "invincible" seats on an airplane. But a proper understanding of safety mechanisms, following instructions, staying calm, and paying attention to your surroundings can significantly increase your chances of survival if an incident occurs.

A few golden rules when boarding an airplane.

- Remember the row number from your seat to the nearest emergency exit.

- Carefully observe the safety diagram and escape routes.

- Fasten your seatbelt whenever you sit down.

Don't be complacent, even on short flights.

Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/ghe-ngoi-nao-an-toan-nhat-tren-may-bay-20250610022312922.htm