The rear section, although capable of separating from the aircraft in a catastrophic crash, is more likely to remain intact than the front section, and the middle section remains connected to the engine.
“The rear part will usually break off, meaning the back part of the plane is behind the wing,” Adjekum said. “Most of that kinetic energy travels through the front of the plane and stays intact at the back.”
Meet in the middle
The middle section of the plane has a lot to offer in case of a bumpy flight. The point where the wings meet in the center creates a more stable base, which serves as the plane's center of gravity, making it less prone to bouncing around when encountering turbulent motion.
“A lot of the oscillatory force from turbulence is better when you are in the middle than in the tail,” Adjekum said. Essentially, the plane behaves like a cantilever during a mid-air collision. “So if you're riding the chaos, it's like a seesaw with you on the extension of the saw.”
While the middle may be better for chaos, it's not necessarily ideal for a dire situation. After all, the middle section is usually where the fuel cells are located, meaning if there's a fire, you'll be right above the fuel tank.
What the middle section does is make it easier to access emergency exits in the middle of the plane. The closer you are to an emergency exit, the better your chances of surviving a crash.
Aisle, Middle, Window
Okay, so heading towards the back of the plane but still close to the emergency exit is probably your safest option. You have a seat, but now which seat should you choose?
Again, there are advantages and disadvantages to each option. Sitting in the aisle puts you closer to any exits you might need to head to in an emergency, but it also makes you more susceptible to being hit by falling luggage or debris falling into the aisle. Sitting by the window helps you see what's going on outside, giving you a situational advantage, but it puts you against the wall and waiting until everyone else in your line gets in first. Taking the middle spot gives you one Some human shields on either side of you to cushion any bumps that might occur, but the middle seat is uncomfortable and an unpopular first choice.
Exit strategy
If you suffer from aviation anxiety, all this trying to find the perfect seat may just add to your inner turmoil. Honestly, it's probably not worth worrying about.
Airplane accidents rarely happen. Based on data from the International Air Transport Association, which represents the global airline industry, there was one fatal accident out of 37.7 million flights in 2023. But when accidents happen, each one is a little different and will affect affects the aircraft in different ways. Ultimately, Adjekum says, your chances of overcoming an in-flight emergency have less to do with your seating position and more to do with how well trained your crew is—and how well How closely you listen to their instructions. (That's why they take it so seriously that you pay attention to those safety notices.)
“Whenever you are on an airplane, the first thing to do is be aware of the situation,” Adjekum said. “Listen to cabin crew instructions because they know their job and they are there to make sure you are safe, no matter where you sit.”
