The tragic Air India flight AI-171 crash in Ahmedabad has had an unexpected ripple effect: a surge in demand for seat 11A, even if it means paying extra. This unusual phenomenon stems from the fact that Vishwashkumar Ramesh, the sole survivor of the crash, was seated in 11A, next to the emergency exit.
Travel agents have reported a significant increase in requests for seat 11A and emergency exit row seats in general. Passengers are operating under the belief that these seats offer better odds of survival in the event of an accident. Anil Punjabi, a member of the Travel Agents Federation of India, confirmed the rise in queries, noting that some passengers are requesting seat 11A even if it is not next to the exit.
Until recently, many travelers were hesitant to choose emergency exit row seats due to their limited recline and the responsibility of assisting in an emergency. However, Ramesh's miraculous escape has seemingly reversed this perception. People are now willing to pay extra for the perceived safety and mental comfort associated with these seats. Jitender Singh Bagga, a business owner, stated his willingness to "fork out any extra amount" to secure a seat next to an emergency exit for his upcoming trip. Rajesh Bhagnani echoed this sentiment, stating, "After watching Viswashkumar's great escape, I want to be next to the emergency exit."
Aviation experts, however, urge caution. While exit row seats offer more legroom and quicker evacuation in some scenarios, they don't guarantee survival. Mitchell Fox, a director at the Flight Safety Foundation, emphasized that "each accident is different, and it is impossible to predict survivability based on seat location." Jeff Guzzetti, a former accident investigator, attributed Ramesh's survival to "luck of the draw" and the unique circumstances of the crash. He stated that no seat on a plane is inherently safer than others. Dr. Guy Gratton, Associate Professor of Aviation and the Environment at Cranfield University, noted that seat 11A was forward of the wings (where all the fuel is) and next to an emergency exit which may have led to the seat and/or some immediate structure around it being thrown clear of the main wreckage and the fuel explosion. He further added that it's hard to put numbers on it, but it is very unusual to have only one survivor in a plane crash.
The specific location of seat 11A can also vary depending on the aircraft configuration. On the Boeing 787-8 Dreamliner, where Ramesh was seated, 11A is located in the first row of economy class, directly behind the emergency exit. However, on other aircraft, such as the Airbus A310, 11A may be located a few rows ahead of the emergency exit.
Beyond seat selection, the Air India crash has triggered broader anxieties among air travelers. A recent survey revealed that 41% of respondents now check the aircraft type before booking flights, a significant increase from just 10% in 2022. Concerns about safety have risen due to a combination of the crash, flight delays, cancellations, and mid-air turnarounds involving Boeing 787-8 aircraft. The survey also indicated that 56% of respondents supported grounding the Boeing 787-8 until all technical issues are investigated and resolved.
The aftermath of the crash has led to disruptions for Air India, with additional safety inspections causing flight delays and cancellations. The airline has curtailed wide-body aircraft service by 15% until mid-July due to these inspections and airspace restrictions in some Middle Eastern countries. Despite these challenges, some experts believe that Air India's ambitious growth plans will not be derailed in the long term.
