Travel expert's 'safest' seat on a plane - and you won't have to pay extra for it

Flying can be a nerve-wracking experience for many travellers, particularly when turbulence strikes or thoughts of what could go wrong at 30,000 feet creep in. While some passengers opt for the comfort of business class, others simply hold onto their armrests and hope for the best.

However, travel expert Bryson Robert from Safari Soles Tours, a safari operator specialising in authentic African adventures, suggests a more intelligent approach that won't empty your wallet.

"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 destinations across Tanzania has given him deep insights into aviation safety and booking strategies, has explained why this particular seat deserves serious consideration from safety-conscious travellers.

Why Seat 11A is the sweet spot for safety

The secret behind seat 11A's appeal lies in its strategic positioning over the aircraft's wings. This location offers several safety advantages that most passengers never consider 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 smoother flying but also provides crucial structural integrity. Aircraft wings are engineered to endure tremendous stress, which makes the space directly above them one of the safest and most stable parts of the plane during emergencies.

Another significant benefit is the proximity to emergency exits. Occupying seat 11A usually means passengers are within easy reach of several exit points, as opposed to seats at the extremities of the plane where exit routes can be fewer.

Check seat maps for your aircraft

Robert emphasised the importance of checking seat maps for your specific aircraft model. Not all planes have the same layout, so it's essential to confirm that seat 11A is indeed situated over the wing and near emergency exits before making a booking.

He suggested: "You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits," recommending Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s as likely candidates for this ideal seating arrangement.

To ensure seat 11A offers these advantages on your flight, Mr Robert advised using airline seat map websites or applications like SeatGuru to check the positioning. It's important to note that some aircraft might have different numbering systems or configurations that don't align row 11 with the optimal position over the wing.

Mr Robert also advised steering clear of aircraft where row 11 is located in premium economy sections, as these seats often come with compulsory upgrade fees that negate the affordability aspect.

Secure 11A without incurring extra costs

The timing of your booking can be the deciding factor in snagging seat 11A for free, rather than paying substantial selection fees. Mr Robert shares his expert strategy for securing this prime seat.

"Book your flight first, then wait around 24 hours before selecting your seat," he suggested. "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 said. "Airlines are less likely to charge premium fees for seats that aren't filling up quickly."

Another tactic involves periodically checking back after booking. As flights approach departure, airlines occasionally release previously restricted seats for free selection when it becomes 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."