FlyerTalk Forums - View Single Post - New argument in the aisle vs. window debate - you just might survive a crash in aisle
Old Jun 26, 2008 | 7:35 am
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CPRich
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I can't say that much of the findings are really eye opening.

Sit in the exit row, you have a good chance.
Sit 2-5 rows from the exit, an average chance.
Sit further away, a worse chance.

Sit in the aisle, with easy access to move the exit, have a better chance than the middle seat, which has a better chance than the window - because they have to follow the aisle sitter out.

Bottom line - easier/faster access to the exit gives you a better chance of survivability.

The higher probability of safety in the front is the only other variable - I suspect it's because the fuel/fire will start mid-plane and given that the plane is probably in motion, will be blown towards the back.

1A bulkhead next to the door exit is probably the safest of all.

From a purely statistical standpoint, I would think that elderly and small children in the exit/aisle/front would create an impediment and lower the overall average number of survivors.
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