Flying can be a nervous experience for many travelers, especially with the idea of how turbulence can creep up and the idea of 30,000 feet of creeping up.
But Bryson Robert, a safario operator specializing in authentic African adventures, suggests a more intelligent approach to not emptying your wallet.
“Most people don't realize that there are specific seats that actually offer the best combination of safety and value,” explained Robert. “Seat 11A may look like other window seats, but in reality it's located in what many aviation experts consider to be the safest part of an aircraft.
With his extensive travel experience leading clients to remote destinations across Tanzania, Robert gave him deep insight into aviation safety and booking strategies, explains why this particular seat deserves serious consideration from safety-sensitive travelers.
Why Seat 11a is a safe sweet spot
The secret behind Seat 11A's appeal lies in its strategic position on the aircraft's wings. This location has some safety benefits that most passengers will never consider when booking a flight.
“When you're sitting on your wings, you're positioned at the center of gravity of the plane,” explained Robert. “This means there is less turbulence than the front or rear seats of the aircraft. The wing area also has the most reinforced structure of the entire aircraft.”
The robust wing structure not only ensures smoother flight, but also provides important structural integrity. The aircraft's wings are designed to withstand incredible stress, and the space directly above it makes it one of the safest and most stable parts of the plane in emergencies.
Another important advantage is the proximity to an emergency exit. Occupying seat 11A means that passengers can easily access several exit points, as opposed to limb seats on planes with usually fewer exit routes.
Check the aircraft seat map
Robert emphasized the importance of checking seat maps for specific aircraft models. Not all planes have the same layout, so it is essential to make sure seat 11A is actually on the wing and near the emergency exit before making a reservation.
He suggested: “You want to find an airplane where the 11A sits directly on the wing with a clear gaze to the emergency exit,” and recommends the Boeing 737 and Airbus A320 as candidates for this ideal seating arrangement.
To ensure that Seat 11A offers these benefits on your flight, Robert advised to check positioning using an airline seat map website or an application such as SeatGuru. It is important to note that some aircraft may have different numbering systems or configurations that do not line up the optimal positions of row 11.
Robert also advised that row 11 sail away from aircraft in the Premium Economy section, as it often comes with mandatory upgrade fees that denies the affordable aspect.
We will secure 11A without paying any additional costs
The timing of your booking can be a deciding factor for hooking your seat 11A free of charge, rather than paying a significant selection fee. Robert shares his expert strategy to secure this prime seat.
“You'll first book your flight and then wait about 24 hours before choosing a seat,” he suggested. “Many airlines release the best seats available during this window, and 11As are often available for standard selection.
“If there is flexibility in departure times, flights on Tuesday and Wednesday often increase seat availability,” Robert said. “Airlines are less likely to charge premium fees for seats that aren't filled up anytime soon.”
Another tactic involves checking regularly after booking. As flights approach departures, the airline may choose a previously restricted seat for free when it is revealed that it will not be sold as an upgrade.
Robert concluded: “After adjusting years of travel for Safari clients, we learned that smart seat selection can deliver or break a long-distance flight experience. Seat 11a represents the perfect sweet spot that most travelers have completely overlooked.
“The beauty of this seat is to address two biggest concerns we've heard from nervous flyers: safety and cost. There's no need to add £200-500 to the upgrade to feel safer during the flight. The design and timing of the aircraft will be one of the safest positions on the plane due to the price of a standard economic ticket. All the benefits of comfort and peace of mind are important when covering such distances.”
