The safest seat on a plane to reserve without paying extra
For many holidaymakers, flying can be a nerve-racking experience, particularly when turbulence strikes or when one's mind is filled with thoughts of what could potentially go wrong at 30,000 feet. While some passengers opt to splash out on business class for a bit of tranquillity, others simply hold onto their armrests and hope for the best.
However, travel expert Bryson Robert from Safari Soles Tours, a safari operator that specialises in African adventures, suggests there's a more intelligent approach that won't leave you skint.
"Most people don't realise there's actually a specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value," explained Mr Robert. "While seat 11A might seem like any other window seat, it's actually positioned in what many aviation experts consider the safest part of the aircraft, and you can often snag it without paying those ridiculous upgrade fees."
Mr Robert, whose extensive travel experience guiding clients to remote locations across Tanzania has provided him with insights into aviation safety and booking tactics, has explained why this particular seat should be seriously considered by safety-conscious travellers.
Why Seat 11A is the ideal spot for safety
The secret to the appeal of seat 11A lies in its strategic location over the aircraft's wings. This position offers several safety benefits that most passengers never contemplate when booking their flights.
"When you're sitting over the wing, you're positioned at the plane's centre of gravity," Mr Robert explained. "This means you'll experience less turbulence compared to seats at the front or back of the aircraft. The wing area also has the most reinforced structure in the entire plane."
The robust wing structure not only ensures a smoother ride but is also crucial for the aircraft's structural integrity. The wings of an aeroplane are engineered to endure tremendous stress, which makes the space just above them one of the safest during any sort of emergency.
Being close to emergency exits is another significant benefit. Occupying seat 11A usually means passengers are within easy reach of several exits, as opposed to those seated at the very front or back where exit routes can be fewer.
Check seat maps for your aircraft
Mr Robert suggests checking seat maps for your specific aircraft model before making a booking.
"You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits," he recommended. "Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s are typically your best bet for this configuration."
He emphasised the importance of using airline seat map services or applications like SeatGuru to confirm that seat 11A on your particular flight provides these advantages. Some planes might have alternate numbering systems or layouts that don't position row 11 over the wing optimally.
Mr Robert has shared some savvy tips to land the desired seat on a plane without incurring extra costs, particularly avoiding where row 11 is in premium economy due to mandatory upgrade fees.
Secure 11A without additional charges
He recommends booking your flight, then delaying the seat selection for about 24 hours. "Book your flight first, then wait about 24 hours before selecting your seat," he advised.
"Many airlines release their best available seats during this window, and 11A often becomes available for standard selection.
"If you're flexible with your departure times, Tuesday and Wednesday flights often have more seat availability," Mr Robert added. "Airlines are less likely to charge premium fees for seats that aren't filling up quickly."
Returning to check your booking regularly before flying is another tactic as airlines may make previously restricted seats available without charge closer to the departure date when it's clear they won't sell as upgrades.
Mr Robert concluded: "After years of coordinating travel for safari clients flying into remote African destinations, I've learned that smart seat selection can make or break a long-haul flight experience. Seat 11A represents the perfect sweet spot that most travellers completely overlook. You're getting the structural advantages of being positioned over the wing – which means better stability during turbulence and proximity to the aircraft's strongest point – without paying the premium that business class demands.
"The beauty of this seat is that it addresses the two biggest concerns I hear from nervous flyers: safety and cost. You don't need to spend an extra £200-500 on an upgrade to feel more secure during your flight. Understanding aircraft design and booking timing can get you into one of the safest positions on the plane for the price of a standard economy ticket. It's particularly valuable for travellers heading to destinations like ours in Tanzania, where you're looking at 15-20 hour journey times. Every advantage in comfort and peace of mind counts when you're covering that kind of distance."
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