I Can’t Stand Turbulence. Where’s the Best Place to Sit on a Plane?

If turbulence isn’t your cup of tea, we completely understand. The jostling, the rattling, the dips and climbs: even the most experienced flyers can find themselves clutching their armrests in fear.

While avoiding turbulence altogether is impossible—and it’s becoming more common due to climate changes—you can lessen those heart-dropping jolts by carefully choosing your seat.

Grasping the Concept of Turbulence

Before exploring the best seating options, it’s useful to know what turbulence is—and what it’s not.

Turbulence is a common occurrence where unpredictable air currents cause a plane to shake, akin to driving on a rough road. Pilots are well-prepared to handle these situations, and while it might feel disconcerting, turbulence is seldom dangerous. Aircraft are built to withstand such conditions, and pilots consistently communicate with air traffic control to find the most stable flying altitudes.

As reported by the National Center for Atmospheric Research, turbulence affects about 65,000 flights out of the 16 million flights managed annually by the FAA.

Choosing your seat wisely can influence your experience with turbulence.

The level of turbulence experienced can depend on your seating location within the aircraft.

According to Maria Fagerström, a 737 captain in Europe, the seats closest to the wings offer the smoothest ride. This relates to the aircraft's center of gravity—sitting farther from it results in a bumpier experience.

Imagine a seesaw: when you sit in the center, there's little movement, but being at either end means you'll definitely feel the sway. On aircraft like the Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, commonly used for long-haul flights, the ideal seating zone is usually between rows 12 and 25. If you’re not sure which seats are over the wing, a good tip is to pick a seat within a few rows of the overwing emergency exit.

Another optimal area for a smoother flight is towards the front of the plane. “Sitting right at the front of the cabin provides less motion and a quieter experience, but be prepared to pay extra for this privilege, whether it’s a seat assignment or a business-class fare,” says Daniel Burnham, an aviation expert at the flight-deal tracking site Going.

Burnham also noted, “The rear of the aircraft usually experiences the most jolts and the greatest range of motion.” This is because the tail tends to have more movement, similar to how the back of a bus feels bumpier than the front. Passengers seated at the back will likely feel more bouncing and swaying during turbulence.

Additional tips for reducing turbulence

To further decrease your chances of encountering turbulence, consider flying on larger planes. Smaller aircraft, such as the Embraer 175 with about 76 seats, are lighter, have shorter wingspans, and fly at lower altitudes, leading to bumpier rides. Larger planes, due to their weight and structure, handle bumps in the air better. If you have the choice, opt for a larger aircraft for a smoother experience, even if it means skipping short regional flights on smaller planes. Instead, think about driving or taking public transit to a larger airport.

Paying attention to the time of day you fly can also make a difference. “Early morning flights usually have smoother air because the conditions are cooler and denser, leading to less turbulence,” says Fagerström. “So, if you tend to feel anxious during flights and want to avoid bumpy experiences, consider booking the earliest flight available in the morning.”