Pay attention to the safety instructions on the plane to know how far you are sitting 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 doubt the safety of aviation.
One of the most common questions is: Is there a place on an airplane that can increase your chances of survival in the event of a crash?
Air travel is still the safest means of transport.
First of all, it must be affirmed that traveling by plane is still one of the safest forms of transportation today. Associate Professor Cheng-Lung Wu, Faculty of Aviation - University of New South Wales (Australia), said that the death rate from air accidents is much lower than that from car accidents.
According to a 2024 study published in the Journal of Air Transport Management (USA), the death rate when flying on a commercial plane in the US is 1 in 13.7 million flights.
Notably, data from the US National Transportation Safety Board shows that 94% of crashes from 2001–2017 had a 100% survival rate.
Seating can be life-or-death in a minor accident
Although no scientific studies have come to a definitive conclusion about the safest sitting position, researchers have analyzed many accidents to draw some principles.
According to Mr. Daniel Kwasi Adjekum, an aviation safety expert at the University of North Dakota (USA), the decisive factor for survival is often the force of the collision.
If the aircraft experiences a catastrophic failure that results in total destruction, seating position is largely irrelevant. However, in low-energy crashes, such as skidding off the runway during landing, seating position can affect survivability.
In these scenarios, the front of the plane typically takes the greatest impact, and is at risk of breaking apart or being engulfed in flames. As a result, the tail—the rear third of the plane—is considered the area with the lowest fatality rate, according to a 2015 analysis of Federal Aviation Administration data by Time magazine.
Sit near the wing: Stable and close to the exit
Professor Wu also noted that the area near the wing of an aircraft is the most structurally robust part of the frame, often heavily reinforced to withstand force. This can create a safe buffer zone during collisions.
In addition, this area is also close to the emergency exits - an important factor to help passengers evacuate faster in case of emergency. However, if you are sitting in the emergency exit row, be ready to help others according to flight safety regulations.
It is important to note that the fuel tanks are located just below the center of the fuselage. Although safety regulations require that fuel be dumped before an emergency landing, the risk of smoke or fire is still present in the event of a collision.
Evacuation time is of the essence
No matter where you sit, it is vital to leave the plane within 90 seconds of an accident, Mr. Adjekum stressed. “Don’t carry luggage. Don’t film. Don’t panic. Listen and follow the crew’s instructions,” he said.
He also said that modern aircraft are designed with many safety mechanisms: from firmly fixed seats, shock-absorbing seat belts, to controlled rupture compartments to protect the main cabin.
In short, there is no "immortal" seat on a plane. But knowing the right safety mechanisms, following instructions, staying calm and paying attention to your surroundings can significantly increase your chances of survival if an accident occurs.
Some golden rules when boarding a plane
- Remember the row number from your seat to the nearest exit.
- Pay attention to the safety map and escape routes.
- Wear your seat belt whenever you sit down.
- Don't be subjective, even on short flights.
Source: https://dantri.com.vn/khoa-hoc/ghe-ngoi-nao-an-toan-nhat-tren-may-bay-20250610022312922.htm
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