Commercial pilot Jonny Knowlson — aka Jonny the Pilot — reveals his top tips for picking exactly the right seat for a comfortable flight.

Those people who are scared of flying may want to pay close attention to this part.

Jonny reveals the best place to sit of you want to avoid the worst of any turbulence during your flight.

Jonny said: “If you’re looking for the smoothest ride, did you know sitting over the wings on a big aircraft that flies at a higher altitude will work in your favour?

“Being closer to the centre of the plane’s mass while forces such as lift, torque, wind, gravity, drag and thrust act upon it will mean you’ll be well placed for a smooth ride.”

Sweet dreams

On an overnight flight getting a good night’s sleep may be your top concern and here Jonny also has some sound advice.

He said: “For the quietest seat sit as far forward and as far away from the engines as your budget allows, if you miss out on the front row then plump for an aisle seat.

“It will be marginally quieter than by the window, though the view is less appealing.”

Show some leg

Jonny also has advice for particularly tall people and even parents with small kids who need to move about a lot, saying which seat is best for them.

He advised: “Parents, with little chance of rest, should always try to nab a bulkhead seat but beware everything needs to be stowed for take off and landing.

“Let me recommend Seat Guru, a superb website that offers top advice.

“All you need is your airline name, flight number and date you plan to travel.

“For example, I recently flew to Geneva on an Airbus A319. According to Seat Guru row 10, Seats B, C, D and E are great as they have extra legroom due to the emergency exit — winner! Remember though that you’ll need to be prepared to store your hand luggage in overhead lockers in exchange for this space.

“Another example, if you’re flying aboard a Dreamliner (787), then any seat in row 30 is an extra legroom winner.

“However, challenges to consider include the tray table and video monitor in the armrest perhaps reducing the seat width, says Seat Guru.

“Also it can be frustrating if fellow passengers congregate around the loo in front of you.

“Be aware rows 12 and 13 in on the same aircraft have seats that may have limited recline, according to the website.

“If you’re flying business on the Queen of the Skies, a 747, then upstairs in 62a is great. Easy access, extra legroom and the service is superb.”

Making a sharp exit

Jonny also gave advice for those wanting to make a quick dash from the plane as soon as possible to avoid the lengthy waits.

He said: “If you’re a hand baggage passenger then overhead lockers are important.

“Communal, of course, but most airlines board back-to-front so being on first offers the chance to have all your belongings close by. Handy for a quick exit once you reach the gate.

“With that in mind, front left and back left on many short haul flights works nicely as we normally disembark from that side of the aircraft, front and back.

“And being by an exit on the left-hand side of the bigger planes is crucial if you want to avoid being at the back of that passport queue, especially on the whopping A380.

“Remember, airlines configure cabins differently so be sure to take that into account.”

The very best seat?

“Without question, the very best seat on the plane is mine. Don’t believe me? Come and say hello either before takeoff or when we’ve landed and you’ll see.”

Jonny blogs at JonnyThePilot.com and tweets @JonnyPilot.

This article was originally published in The Sun and is republished with permission.