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Is seat 11A the safest on a plane? Two aviation experts weigh in

Is seat 11A the safest on a plane? Two aviation experts weigh in

Independent14-06-2025

Vishwash Kumar Ramesh, seated in 11A, miraculously survived the Air India flight crash, sparking debate on the safety of his allocated seat.
Aviation experts caution that determining the safest seat is complex due to varying aircraft configurations and unique crash circumstances; survival depends on multiple factors.
Mitchell Fox of the Flight Safety Foundation emphasises that each accident is different, making it impossible to predict survivability based on seat location alone.
Ron Bartsch of AvLaw Aviation Consulting also noted that while Ramesh's proximity to an emergency exit aided his survival, seat 11A is not universally the safest, as it depends on the aircraft configuration.
Experts recommend paying attention to safety briefings, following cabin crew instructions, and being aware of evacuation routes to improve survival chances, highlighting advancements in aircraft design that enhance survivability in accidents.

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