This Is the Seat to Book If You Hate Turbulence, According to Aviation Experts

A pilot's TikTok demonstration, featuring an unlikely feline assistant, has shed light on a simple trick for a calmer flight. Other aviation insiders have since weighed in with advice of their own.

Turbulence can be terrifying, especially for anxious travelers or unsuspecting first-time fliers. What many people may not realize, however, is that where they sit on a plane can make a difference — at least according to experts.

Passengers who are particularly worried about turbulence should aim to sit closer to the front of the aircraft. According to several reports and airline pilots, that is the best spot for those whose anxiety is triggered by a bumpy ride.

To reassure nervous fliers, airline pilot Jimmy Nicholson shared a video on TikTok explaining that passengers seated toward the front of the plane will experience less turbulence, since the rear of the aircraft tends to swing more.

For his demonstration, he swiveled the back end of a cat he was holding. "So if you are scared of flying or feel sick when you experience turbulence, sit at the front of the aircraft. That would be my hot tip," he said.

For those prone to feeling sick mid-flight, Nicholson recommended finding a visual reference. "Look outside the window and stare at the horizon, and hopefully it will help you as well," he added. He also assured viewers that any turbulence is unlikely to last long.

According to Nicholson, the pilot will always steer the plane in an effort to get passengers out of the rough air. He continued, "Remember, the aircraft is not going to fall out of the sky. You're all good. It's just an annoying thing. But hopefully it will only last for a matter of minutes."

American Airlines pilot Capt. Dennis Tajer said seat choice isn't something he has heard people discuss much, though he agreed that "often the ride in the back of the airplane feels less stable but depending on the movement of the air, the ride may feel different."

Sitting near the wings may also help, he said.

"The wings are more closely located to the center of gravity of the airplane, therefore, the ride while sitting near the wings may feel less turbulent than near the tail of the aircraft where vertical input is felt the most," Tajer told Fox News.

However, David Slotnick, senior aviation business reporter at The Points Guy, pointed out that the "difference is mostly for more mild turbulence, and can be helpful if you get anxious or motion sickness."

Ultimately, no matter where passengers sit, "having your seat belt on will be the difference between safety or injury. It's just that simple," Tajer said.