Travel Experts Say This Is One of the Safest Seats on the Plane—Without the Upgrade Fee

It’s not business class, but this savvy seat pick offers comfort, stability, and a better shot at safety.

If you’re a nervous flyer or just like stacking the odds in your favor, you’ve probably wondered if there’s a safest seat on the plane. And according to travel expert Bryson Robert of Safari Soles Tours, there actually is: Seat 11A. And you might be able to book it without paying for an upgrade.

So, what makes this specific seat so special? It all comes down to location, structure, and a few smart booking tricks.

Why Seat 11A Is the Safety Sweet Spot

“Most people don’t realize there’s actually a specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value,” says Robert, who has spent years helping travelers reach far-flung destinations across Tanzania. “While seat 11A might seem like any other window seat, it’s positioned in what many aviation experts consider the safest part of the aircraft.”

That “sweet spot” is directly over the wing, near the plane’s center of gravity. Not only does this spot typically experience less turbulence, but it’s also built to be more structurally reinforced. Aircraft wings are engineered to handle major stress, so sitting directly above them offers more stability in bumpy skies and greater structural protection in the unlikely event of an emergency.

Seat 11A is also usually near an emergency exit, unlike the far front or back rows, where exit access might be more limited.

Not All Planes Are Created Equal

Of course, not every aircraft is configured the same way. On some flights, seat 11A might not fall directly over the wing, or it could be part of a premium section that comes with a hefty upgrade fee.

“You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits,” Robert advises. Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s are usually a good bet for this configuration.

Before booking, check the aircraft layout using sites like SeatGuru to make sure row 11 is in the right spot on your specific flight. And steer clear of aircraft where row 11 is lumped into premium economy, unless you’re already planning to pay for an upgrade.

How to Book It Without Paying Extra

You might not have to shell out extra cash to snag 11A. Robert recommends a few strategies to lock it in for free (or close to it):

• Book your flight first, then wait 24 hours before selecting your seat. “Many airlines release their best available seats during this window,” he explains. “11A often becomes available for standard selection.”
• Look for airlines with free seat selection. Southwest and JetBlue are two that don’t charge for seat picks, so you can grab 11A without worry.
• Be flexible with flight days. Tuesday and Wednesday flights tend to have more availability, and airlines are less likely to slap on premium fees for seats that aren’t filling quickly.
• Check back often. Even if 11A is initially locked behind a paywall, airlines sometimes release those seats for free closer to departure.

Depending on the airline, you might even get lucky with a major carrier like American, Delta, or United. “11A sometimes falls into their standard economy category,” Robert says, “so it’s worth checking—even on airlines that usually charge for preferred seats.”

Of course, not all airlines are created equal when it comes to cost and safety. If you’re flying on a budget, you’ll want to check out the 10 safest budget airlines in the world for 2025—they might surprise you with just how secure (and affordable) they really are.

For Long Flights, Every Advantage Counts

Robert, who regularly helps travelers plan safaris deep in Tanzania, knows a thing or two about enduring long-haul flights. “You’re looking at 15 to 20 hours of flying to get to some of these destinations,” he says. “Seat 11A offers a bit more peace of mind without having to spend an extra $200 to $500 on an upgrade.”

For travelers who worry about safety but don’t want to blow their budget, understanding aircraft design and booking timing can be a game-changer. “You don’t need to spend a fortune to feel more secure on a flight,” he says. “You just need to know where to sit.”

Booking smart isn’t just about snagging the best seat anymore—it’s also about cutting down on airport stress overall. One recent change that might help? The TSA is finally phasing out its shoes-off policy at airport security, making your journey through the checkpoint a little smoother.

The 10 Safest Budget Airlines in the World for 2025 (Yes, They Really Are This Safe)

If you’re looking to stretch your travel budget without sacrificing peace of mind, these are the 10 safest low-cost airlines you can feel good about flying this year. Let’s count ‘em down…

Read more: The 10 Safest Budget Airlines in the World for 2025 (Yes, They Really Are This Safe)

The 10 U.S. Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage, Ranked

Using data from the U.S. Department of Transportation between 2021 and 2024, researchers looked at how many bags (including wheelchairs and scooters) were boarded and how many were reported as mishandled. Here are the top 10 airlines with the worst baggage mishandling rates.

Read more: The 10 U.S. Airlines Most Likely to Lose Your Luggage, Ranked

The in-flight mistake that could now land you a surprise fine

Plane etiquette just got real, and breaking it could cost you.

Read more: The in-flight mistake that could now land you a surprise fine

The Top 10 U.S. Airlines, According to a New Study

Choosing the right flight can feel like a puzzle, especially with so many factors to consider. There’s ticket prices, the airline’s reputation, onboard WiFi, baggage handling, and whether they actually arrive on time! A recent report compared domestic airlines across three key areas: baggage and departures, in-flight comfort, and safety. 

Read more: The Top 10 U.S. Airlines, According to a New Study

10 Amazing Airport Life Hacks from Frequent Flyers for Smooth Travels

Traveling can be very easy when you learn from others with experience. Recently, someone on an online platform asked travelers, flight attendants, pilots, and airport staff for their best airport tips. Lots of experienced travelers shared their advice. These airport life hacks from these experts will make your travels smoother and more enjoyable.

Read more: 10 Amazing Airport Life Hacks from Frequent Flyers for Smooth Travels

BARK Air Launches as The World’s First Airline Designed Exclusively for Dogs

Inspired by the white glove service of first-class travel, BARK Air redirects this pampering to pooches. From booking to arrival, in-flight services to disembarkation, dogs will experience a luxurious, curated journey, making them the true VIPs.

Read more: BARK Air Launches as The World’s First Airline Designed Exclusively for Dogs