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When booking your seat on an aircraft, there’s a lot to consider. For some, extra legroom is important or the ability to recline the seat for sleeping on a long-haul flight. Many prefer the window seat and a view of the skies, and some prefer the aisle for easy access to the lavatories and to stretch their legs. Of course, premium economy or business class seats would be the ideal, but for most of us, economy is the only option.
Frequent flyers will often book the same seat when they travel, knowing that that is the most comfortable seat for them, but it is very subjective and an individual’s personal choice. Where do flight attendants choose to sit when they travel off-duty, and is there anything, such as a ‘safe’ seat?
Are Middle Seats Safer?
It is often thought that the middle seats at the rear of the aircraft are the safest, as studies of accidents have shown that more people survive in the rear mid-cabin. The US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) studied aircraft accidents from 1985 to 2020 and found that the fatality rate was 39% in the middle of the cabin, 38% in the front of the cabin, and the rear of the cabin 32%.
Furthermore, middle seats at the rear of the aircraft specifically had a fatality rate of 28% and were the best for survival, whereas the worst seats for fatalities were aisle seats in the middle at 44%. Saying that, the odds of being in an air accident are just one in 8,000 compared to one in 112 for road traffic accidents.
In June last year, 
Air India flight 171 crashed on take-off, and of 241 passengers and crew, only one person survived. He was seated in 11A and seated next to an emergency exit. There is no direct correlation that 11A is a safe seat on an aircraft, or that any seats are indeed ‘safe’. Factors for survival include the correct brace position, proximity to an emergency exit, and following the crew’s instructions. It is always wise to watch the safety demonstration, note your nearest emergency exit, and count how many rows there are to it.
More Facts And Figures
According to another FAA study of accidents between 1969 and 2013, the survival rate by class, those seated in first class or business class was 40%, in the middle of the cabin, was 57% and the rear of the cabin 62%. Interestingly, in the last ten rows in economy, the survival rate was 70%.
It was also discovered that those seated on aisle seats at the rear of the cabin, on both narrowbody and widebody aircraft, had a higher chance of survival, which also confirms the findings of similar studies. However, in real terms, no particular seat can guarantee a person’s survival in an air accident; the location and speed of the accident will determine the outcome. For example, in a high-speed water impact, there is little to no chance of survival, regardless of seat location.
Data from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) in 2023 says that you would have to fly every day for 103,239 years to be in a fatal air accident. They also say that there is a 97% decrease in the risk of an accident compared to 60 years ago. Furthermore, 80% of all air accidents happen within three minutes of take-off and eight minutes before landing.
Window Or Aisle: What Are the Most Comfortable Airline Seats For Long Flights?
Which seat should you choose for your next long-haul flight?
Flight Attendant Favorites
Flight attendants know that there is less turbulence over the wings. This is because it is closest to the aircraft’s center of gravity. Therefore, there is less movement and vibration than in seats at the rear of the aircraft. On narrowbody aircraft, the overwing exits are often preferred for the extra legroom, and of course, flight attendants and pilots know how to operate the exits in case of an emergency. Bulkhead seats are also popular on widebody aircraft, as there is more room.
According to Travel and Leisure, flight attendants say that the best seats are five rows from the front or back of the economy cabins. These are less noisy, away from the lavatories, galleys, and bulkheads, where there is more traffic. The front of the economy cabin is also popular with flight attendants, who tend to prefer 21A and 21F and can disembark quickly after business class, on narrowbody aircraft.
An added advantage to these seats is that the meal and bar service starts from the front of economy, so you get served first. Depending on the airline, the flight attendants may also start their service from the bulkheads, halfway down the cabin, and sometimes from the rear of the cabin. Seats 6A and 6F, just behind business class, are also popular with flight attendants on narrowbody jets, according to Southern Living.
Personal Space
Of course, on a long-haul flight in economy, comfort and personal space are crucial to getting some rest during a flight. In an ideal world, we’d all book business class or at least premium economy class for space and comfort, but for most, that is not an option. Most people have a preference for the window or aisle seats, depending on personal preference. Window seats have a little more privacy, have a great view, and a wall to lean on. Aisle seats can be more convenient for those who may wish to visit the galley or lavatory or stretch their legs frequently.
In economy class, the bulkhead and exit row seats are the go-to option for extra space, although most airlines charge extra for these seats. Here, tray tables are stowed in the armrest, and the in-flight entertainment system is stored at the side of the seat. All baggage must be placed in an overhead locker. The disadvantages of the bulkhead seats is the proximity to the lavatories and galleys, so there may be more noise. Also, these seats are designated for baby bassinets, so families are more likely to sit there, and again, that might not be ideal for some.
There are some other strategies to consider when choosing a more comfortable seat in economy. Booking seats near the very back of economy may work as seats are assigned from the front of economy, and if it is not a full flight, there may be a whole row of seats available. When two people are traveling together, an aisle seat and a window seat at the rear can be booked in the hope that the middle seat does not get booked. If a window seat is a priority, it is worth checking that the seat actually has a window, as sometimes aircraft are configured differently and therefore may not have an actual window.
Window Or Aisle: What Are the Most Comfortable Airline Seats For Long Flights?
Which seat should you choose for your next long-haul flight?
The Truth About The Emergency Exit Row
The emergency exit rows are popular with passengers and crew alike for the extra legroom. Flight attendants like the window seat as they have a wall to rest against. It is important to note that no baggage can be stored under the seat in front, and any baggage should be placed in an overhead locker. Away from the aisle, it is slightly quieter and has an unobscured view from the window.
The disadvantage of sitting in the emergency exit row is that it can be slightly cooler sitting near the exits. Seats on and around the exit rows do not recline so as not to obstruct the exit rows during an emergency evacuation. These seats also have a special feature that stops the tray tables from falling during an evacuation. There may be more foot traffic and noise on widebody aircraft, due to exits being near the lavatories and galleys.
There are strict rules regarding who can sit in an emergency exit row, and this will be considered when seats are assigned by the ground staff. Parents with infants or children, those with limited mobility, the obese, pregnant, or anyone who may impede an evacuation, cannot sit in an emergency exit row. Additionally, passengers seated in exit rows will be briefed by a flight attendant on how to operate the exit, ensure that they speak the same language as that of the crew, and if they are willing to help in an emergency evacuation. They must also be able to physically lift the exit out of the aircraft. If the passenger cannot do any of these, they will be reseated elsewhere.
Airlines In Focus
Looking at airlines in focus, Simple Flying’s study of 
Emirates A380 seats suggests the best seats in each class. Taking a look at economy class, the configuration is 3-4-3 (depending on the number of classes), and there can be up to 557 economy seats. If traveling alone, it’s best to avoid the middle seats B, E, F, and J. For the most space and comfort, seats A and K in rows 68 and 81 are best for solo travelers (depending on configuration).
Another article looking at 
Delta Air Lines suggests the best seats for passengers on the A350-900. In the Main Cabin, there is a 3-3-3 configuration, and the best seats are considered to be the first few rows behind the Comfort + cabin. In the rest of the cabin, the window seats A and K have the most room in the middle of the cabin. For more information on seat maps, take a look at our guides.
All in all, the best airline is very subjective. Frequent travelers and flight attendants will always have their preferred seat. Most people have a preference for the aisle or window seat, and the middle seat no one likes. Window seats are ideal when the view outside is the priority, whereas aisle seats are usually chosen for convenience. Bulkhead and exit row seats are often chosen for the extra legroom, and airlines often charge a premium for these. All have their advantages and disadvantages. Finally, there is no guaranteed safe seat on an aircraft in an accident, but being aware of your surroundings is very important.
