'I'm a flight attendant - there is 1 plane seat flight crews avoid and you should too'

Not all plane seats are equal, and some are best avoided altogether, especially if you want a quiet, clean, and comfortable flight. That's according to a senior member of cabin crew who's flown both long-haul and short-haul routes for over 15 years. Lauren Mitchell, 38, has worked for a major UK airline and says she always thinks twice before choosing where to sit as a passenger.

"If I'm flying off-duty, I look at more than just legroom," she said. "Flight attendants know how the cabin works, from airflow to hygiene, and that changes how we choose our seats." Travel experts at Alpine Elements also say many flight crews avoid one particular seat on the plane, and passengers might want to do the same. "It's not about being picky," the company said. "But certain parts of the aircraft are noisier, less clean, and more prone to turbulence."

So which seat is it?

Lauren said: "I avoid the back row, especially the last seat next to the toilet. It's louder, bumpier, and honestly, one of the dirtiest parts of the plane."

Experts say these rear seats are exposed to more foot traffic, as passengers queue for the toilets and touch nearby surfaces.

The back of the plane is also where odours and bacteria are more likely to settle.

"The airflow moves from front to back," experts at Alpine Elements explained. "That means any particles in the air tend to drift towards the rear of the aircraft."

Lauren added: "You've got people standing next to you the whole flight. Sometimes they're leaning over your seat or knocking into you during turbulence."

And it's not just about germs. The rear rows also feel more turbulence, especially during landing or in bad weather.

"The back of the plane is behind the wings, so you feel more movement," the experts at Alpine Elements said. "If you're a nervous flyer or get travel sick, it's not the best place to sit."

Instead, Lauren recommends seats just in front of the wings or near the emergency exits.

These areas tend to be more stable, quieter, and have better airflow. There's also less foot traffic and fewer queues.

And many people tend to agree with Lauren. One of them is Benita Ross, a 46-year-old teacher from Bristol.

She said she used to book the cheapest seats near the back, until she started feeling sick on flights.

"I never thought about seat choice until a flight attendant mentioned it," she said. "Now I always try to sit near the middle. It really does make a difference."

Experts say a small change in where you sit can lead to a much better flying experience.

"Flight crews know these planes inside out," the experts at Alpine Elements said. "If they avoid certain seats, it's usually for good reason, and it's advice worth following."