Flying first class seat might be the ultimate goal in air travel, but if you’re prone to motion sickness, you may actually want to book an economy seat. Though commercial airlines are built to withstand turbulence, there are still certain spots on the aircraft that are a bit bumpier than others. So, what seat should you pick to ensure a smooth ride?
A seat directly over the wings (typically found in rows 10 to 30) is your best option to reduce the sensation of turbulence, saysDr. Quay Snyder, the president of theAviation Medicine Advisory Service. Why? The wings are the more stable part of the plane, closer to the center of mass; the tail end tends to wiggle around the most. The nose and front—all those first class seats—is fairly stable as well, but can get bumpy in the case of a bad landing when the front wheels hit first.
Unfortunately, it’s getting harder and harder to pick a seat prior to your trip. Southwest is notorious for not assigning seats, and other major American carriers are following suit.Delta launched "Basic Economy" faresat the beginning of this year, which assigns passengers a seat at check-in, andUnited and American have both announcedthey will do the same.
Not to worry though. If you’re unable to pay the premium fares or simply get airsickness no matter where you sit, there are some helpful rules to follow. Avoid heavy, fatty, greasy, heavily spiced or salted meals 24 hours before flying; wear an acupressure bracelet; avoid staring at your handheld device; open the air vents for circulation; and stare at the horizon. You may be tempted to grab a quick co*cktail in flight to calm your nerves, but avoiding alcohol can actually help you avoid motion sickness.
