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The Safest Seats on the Plane
Surviving a plane crash comes down to surviving the initial impact and getting out fast. With this in mind, what can you do to up the odds of survival and is there a "safer" place to sit on a flight?
Coach Class: Discovery Channel staged a real plane crash in the Sonoran Desert, complete with pilots parachuting out in the last minutes! According to Discovery Channel's "Curiosity Plane Crash," rows one through seven are the "fatal" seats. I think we've all heard this before -- that it is safer in cattle class -- but I'm not giving up a first class seat if offered. One in 1.2 million? I'm a gambling girl!
Exit row seating: This one may seem obvious. Sitting at the exit row may ensure a quicker exit as long as your exit doesn't become blocked due to fire, smoke or water directly outside your viewing window. Also remember agreeing to sit here isn't just for the perk of extra leg room. You must be willing to assist in case of emergency.
The aisle seats: Sitting on the aisle seat is good if you have claustrophobia and/or you want to make sure you get off of an aircraft in a timely manner. Like the exit row, sitting on the aisle seat can mean a faster escape. Aisle seats are great for those who stay calm under pressure, too; if you are stuck at the window because someone is panicking on the aisle, it doesn't help anyone. Just be sure to help the panicky person at the window by taking them with you!
Of course, flying being as safe as it is, I still say worry less about the seat you choose, or are given, and pay more attention the flight attendant's safety demonstration. Know where your exits are located and always follow your crew members' instructions. I commend the flight attendants of Asiana flight 214 for a job well done!
The Safest Seats on the Plane | Sara Keagle
Surviving a plane crash comes down to surviving the initial impact and getting out fast. With this in mind, what can you do to up the odds of survival and is there a "safer" place to sit on a flight?
Coach Class: Discovery Channel staged a real plane crash in the Sonoran Desert, complete with pilots parachuting out in the last minutes! According to Discovery Channel's "Curiosity Plane Crash," rows one through seven are the "fatal" seats. I think we've all heard this before -- that it is safer in cattle class -- but I'm not giving up a first class seat if offered. One in 1.2 million? I'm a gambling girl!
Exit row seating: This one may seem obvious. Sitting at the exit row may ensure a quicker exit as long as your exit doesn't become blocked due to fire, smoke or water directly outside your viewing window. Also remember agreeing to sit here isn't just for the perk of extra leg room. You must be willing to assist in case of emergency.
The aisle seats: Sitting on the aisle seat is good if you have claustrophobia and/or you want to make sure you get off of an aircraft in a timely manner. Like the exit row, sitting on the aisle seat can mean a faster escape. Aisle seats are great for those who stay calm under pressure, too; if you are stuck at the window because someone is panicking on the aisle, it doesn't help anyone. Just be sure to help the panicky person at the window by taking them with you!
Of course, flying being as safe as it is, I still say worry less about the seat you choose, or are given, and pay more attention the flight attendant's safety demonstration. Know where your exits are located and always follow your crew members' instructions. I commend the flight attendants of Asiana flight 214 for a job well done!
The Safest Seats on the Plane | Sara Keagle
