If you’re someone who tends to get motion sickness while flying, choosing the right airplane seat can make all the difference in your comfort. According to a British Airways flight attendant with seven years of experience, passengers who are sensitive to turbulence should always avoid sitting at the back of the plane.
The rear of the aircraft, she explains, tends to experience more noticeable movement, making it the worst area for those prone to feeling queasy mid-flight. Instead, she recommends aiming for a seat located in the middle section of the cabin, particularly near the wings. This part of the aircraft offers more stability and is generally less affected by turbulence. In addition to seat location, she advises choosing an aisle seat. Not only does this minimize feelings of anxiety related to heights since you’re not staring out the window, but it also provides easier access to the aisle if you need to get up and stretch or head to the restroom. For people who suffer from claustrophobia, this bit of mobility can help ease discomfort during the flight.
Another helpful tip? Make use of the air vent above your seat. Keeping the cool air flowing not only improves ventilation but also helps reduce the likelihood of motion sickness. That small blast of air can make a big difference, especially when you’re starting to feel warm or a little dizzy. The flight attendant also suggests taking full advantage of the entertainment options provided by the airline. While watching a screen can sometimes aggravate motion sickness, many planes offer audio-only entertainment like music, podcasts, or guided relaxation programs, which can be a useful distraction and may calm your nerves. Dr. Danielle Qing, an internal medicine physician, adds her own recommendation to the conversation.
If you’re feeling unwell, the best thing to do is remain seated with your head down and eyes closed. This keeps your center of gravity low and can help stabilize your body, reducing the sensation of spinning or dizziness. Moving around during turbulence or while feeling nauseous may make symptoms worse, so staying still can offer some relief. Meanwhile, another seasoned flight attendant shared her personal pick for the best row on the plane. Rosie Awad, who has worked with Virgin Australia for over a decade, says row five is the sweet spot for travelers—especially during vacations. This row typically offers great views, including a clear look at the wing, and it often provides extra legroom. It’s also far enough from the emergency exits that you’re not responsible for safety procedures but close enough to disembark quickly after landing.
Plus, it’s usually one of the first rows to receive inflight service. However, she did mention one small downside to row five: it often faces the main cabin, which can lead to awkward moments when you’re making eye contact with other passengers who are also staring forward. Still, many find that to be a small tradeoff for the other perks. On the other hand, when it comes to seats you should avoid, both Awad and her British Airways counterpart agree—the last row of the plane and any seats located near the lavatories are the least desirable. The back row typically doesn’t recline, is located close to noisy and often smelly restrooms, and is usually the last to receive food or drink service. Add to that the heavier turbulence in the rear, and it’s easy to see why those seats are often considered the worst. In the end, a little bit of planning can go a long way toward having a more comfortable flying experience. If you’re prone to motion sickness, try to book a seat over the wings, opt for the aisle, use the air vent to your advantage, and keep some audio entertainment handy to distract your mind. Avoiding the rear of the plane and staying seated with your head down if you feel queasy can help minimize symptoms. And if you’re lucky enough to grab a spot in row five, you might just get the best of both comfort and convenience.
