Safest seat to book on a plane 'for free' that also has less turbulence

For many, the thought of flying can be a source of anxiety, particularly when turbulence strikes or the mind wanders to the potential dangers of being 30,000 feet in the air. While some opt for the comfort and reassurance of business class, others simply hold tight to their armrests and hope for smooth skies.

However, travel guru Bryson Robert, from Safari Soles Tours, an operator specialising in African escapades, suggests there's a more intelligent approach that won't leave your wallet feeling light.

"Most people don't realise there's actually a specific seat that offers the best combination of safety and value," Mr Robert revealed. "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 exorbitant upgrade fees."

READ MORE: 'I went on holiday to Spanish island and couldn't wait to get home'

READ MORE: Brits ditch Spain for secret European hotspot with £1 pints and beautiful beaches

With his extensive experience guiding clients to far-flung locations across Tanzania, Mr Robert has gained deep insights into aviation safety and booking strategies, and he explains why this particular seat should be on the radar of safety-conscious travellers.

Why Seat 11A is the sweet spot for safety

The allure of seat 11A lies in its strategic placement over the aircraft's wings. This location provides several safety benefits that most passengers overlook when reserving their flights.

Aircraft seating expert Mr Robert shared a tip on securing a smoother ride, saying: "When you're sitting over the wing, you're positioned at the plane's centre of gravity," and added, "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 reinforcement of the wings not only ensures steadier flying due to the robust structure but is also pivotal for the plane's structural integrity. The design of aircraft wings is intentional to bear significant stress, which in turn makes the space directly above them a highly stable zone in the event of any unforeseen trouble during a flight.

There's also the added perk of being near emergency exits when seated at 11A, giving passengers swift access to multiple egress points – a sharp contrast to seats situated at the extremities of the plane where exit options could be restricted.

Check seat maps for your aircraft

Before rushing to book your seat, remember to review the seat maps specific to your flight.

For those aiming to claim seat 11A, Robert emphasises the importance of verifying the seat layout by stating: "You want to look for planes where 11A sits directly over the wing with clear sight lines to emergency exits," recommending both Boeing 737s and Airbus A320s as prime candidates for such favourable seating arrangement.

To make sure that 11A indeed boasts these strategic positional perks on your particular journey, it's wise to consult airline seat map resources and tools such as SeatGuru. It's noteworthy that certain aircraft may have unique numbering sequences or layouts that displace row 11 from its advantageous spot over the wing.

Mr Robert also advises against choosing planes where the 11th row falls within the premium economy section, as these seats usually come with compulsory upgrade fees that negate the point of affordability.

Securing seat 11A without additional charges

The timing of your booking could be the deciding factor between securing seat 11A for free or being hit with hefty selection fees. Mr Robert reveals his insider tip for nabbing this prime spot.

"Book your flight first, then wait about 24 hours before selecting your seat," he recommended. "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 regularly checking back after making your booking. As the departure date draws nearer, airlines sometimes make previously restricted seats available for free selection when it's apparent they won't be sold 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."