The Secret to a Smoother Flight: The Best Seats on a Plane

Chop and turbulence are unavoidable aspects of flight. While pilots and frequent fliers may be used to it—and may not even notice it when the bumps are light—other passengers want to do everything possible to minimize its effects. Whether you’re a nervous flier, dislike turbulence, or are prone to motion sickness, knowing where to sit on a plane for the smoothest ride can make a big difference, according to experts in the aerospace and travel industries.

The seat that offers the smoothest ride

You may have heard that midship cabins are the stateroom of choice for cruise ship passengers looking to lessen the effects of rough seas. These rooms are ideal for reducing motion for the same reason over-wing seats tend to be the calmest spot on an airliner: They’re closest to the vessel's center of gravity. 

Consider the analogy of a seesaw on a playground. The people seated on each end experience the most vertical movement. But if someone sat at the fulcrum—right in the center of the plank—they’d still move, just not as much as those seated on the ends.

An aircraft operates under similar principles. If you’re wondering where to sit on a plane to feel less turbulence, aim for a seat near the center, over the wings. On a seat map, look for the rows near over-wing exits. If you don't want to pay extra for the exit row—which typically comes with an added fee and requires passengers to assist in an emergency—select a seat a few rows in front of or behind those seats.

Also, avoid window seats, especially if you’re prone to motion sickness. While a window seat offers views, it can also make turbulence feel more pronounced, especially visually. An aisle seat over the wings may feel more stable and allow easier access to the restroom, too.

Aircraft type matters, too

It’s not just where you sit on the plane that matters; the type of plane you’re flying matters, too. When booking your flight, check the listed aircraft type. A little planning can go a long way in helping you maximize comfort in the air.

Larger planes often provide smoother rides than smaller ones. Smaller planes typically weigh less, have shorter wingspans, and may fly at slightly lower altitudes. All of this can make turbulence more noticeable. While all commercial aircraft are built for safety, including withstanding rough air, the experience of turbulence tends to be more pronounced on smaller regional jets.

For example, you’ll likely feel more movement on an Embraer 175 than on a Boeing 737-800. The 737, which seats twice as many passengers, offers a more stable ride thanks to its larger size and greater mass.

Regardless of your aircraft type or seat, pilots, along with their support teams on the ground, actively monitor weather conditions and adjust flight paths to avoid storms and known areas of turbulence whenever possible.

Go nonstop when possible

Another way to increase your odds of a smoother flight is to choose nonstop flights instead of those with a connection. You might notice that longer flights tend to feel calmer. This is because planes spend more time at cruising altitude, where the air is typically more stable.

On shorter flights, a plane may spend only minutes at its cruising altitude before beginning its descent for landing. That means much of the journey is spent climbing or descending through lower, bumpier air. Opting for a nonstop flight can reduce the number of takeoffs and landings (the phases most prone to turbulence), and increase your time spent in calmer skies.

Fly earlier in the day, too

Flying earlier in the day not only reduces your chances of a delayed flight but also reduces your chances of a turbulent flight. Turbulence tends to be less frequent in the early morning. As the day progresses, heat from the sun can create thermal currents and instability in the atmosphere, especially over land, which can make afternoon and evening flights a bit bumpier. 

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For extra peace of mind, consider all these elements when planning your next flight. Booking smart can translate to a less turbulent and more enjoyable ride.