Plane seat location critical in emergencies as experts warn row position impacts survival odds

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In the wake of the recent deadly collision at LaGuardia Airport that killed both pilots and injured dozens of passengers, questions aboutairline safetyare once again on people’s minds.

The aircraft, carrying 72 passengers and four crew members, struck a Port Authority vehicle while landing Sunday night.

As investigators continue to piece together what went wrong, many travelers are discussing whetherseat locationcan influence passenger safety and survival.

AIRLINES TOLD TO REEVALUATE EMERGENCY EVACUATION PROCEDURES AFTER CARRY-ON CONCERNS

He also said some seats could be better than others.

Woman with luggage with Interior of airplane with people sitting on seats

“While crashes are incredibly rare, in general, sitting toward the aisle at the back of the plane near an emergency exit is the safest choice,” said one expert. (iStock)

“Sitting toward the back of the plane gives passengers the best chance of survival,” said Bubb.“This is because the front and middle parts absorb most of the impact if it is a head-on collision, as was the case ofthe Jazz Air crash at LGA.”

He went on, “In this crash, we saw the front of the aircraft absorb most of the impact.Perhaps what was an anomaly — butthank goodness miraculous— was the flight attendant, who was seated in her jumpseat with her seat belt and harness on, surviving the crash when she was ejected 300 feet.”

An analysis showed that seats in the rear third of the plane had a 32% fatality rate, compared with 39% in the middle section and 38% in the front.(iStock)

Travelers, he said, should carefullyconsider which shoesthey are wearing.

“People should wear comfortable footwear when flying, preferably closed toe — and high heels are not conducive to an emergency evacuation.”