Where to Get on a Plane for a Smoother Ride
In flight, turbulence is not only annoying but also frightening. If you’re prone to motion sickness, or just don’t want to spill coffee on your lap, try sitting here.
According to Dr. Quay Snyder , president of the Aviation Medicine Advisory Service , start by choosing to fly larger aircraft that fly at higher altitudes if possible. Otherwise, choose seats that are located directly above the fenders – usually somewhere between 10 and 30 rows. The seats near the nose, and especially the tail, get the most movement. Over-wing seats won’t reduce movement completely, but you will feel a lot less. Captain Chelsea “Sally” Sullenberger agrees, explaining that by being above the wings, you are approaching the plane’s center of mass. Sullenberger also shared with USA Today a fear reduction exercise you can try if turbulence hits you:
“The next time you sit in your car as a passenger, close your eyes and mentally note the frequency and intensity of every noise you hear and vibration you feel. When you do this and become susceptible to what we all have become immune to, you realize that most car travel is much more bumpy than a typical plane ride. “
However, no matter where you sit, there is no guarantee that you will not feel turbulence on your next flight. But once you know where to sit and how to mentally prepare for the turbulence, a slightly smoother ride awaits. And if you can clip the seat to the front of the fenders, you get some peace and quiet , too.