Are seats over the wing noisier?

Are Seats Over the Wing Noisier? Debunking the Mid-Cabin Myth

Many flyers believe that sitting over the wing offers a quieter experience, imagining the wing itself acting as a sound barrier against the roar of the engines. However, this is a common misconception. While the wing does block some engine noise, the area immediately behind the wing tends to be the loudest part of the cabin.

Why? While the wing itself provides some sound dampening, the engines on most commercial aircraft are positioned either under the wing or slightly forward of it. This means the sound waves, particularly the lower frequencies, propagate rearward. Passengers seated directly behind the wing are essentially in the line of fire for this amplified engine noise.

For a quieter flight, prioritize seats forward of the wing. The further forward you are, the less intense the engine noise will be. This is especially noticeable on larger aircraft where the engines are significantly further away from the forward cabin. While bulkhead seats offer extra legroom, be aware they can be near lavatories and galleys, introducing different types of noise disruption.

Seats over the wing aren’t necessarily the loudest, but they're certainly not the quietest either. They offer a compromise, slightly less noisy than the back of the plane but significantly more exposed to engine noise than the front. So, if a peaceful flight is your priority, booking a seat closer to the nose of the plane is your best bet for minimizing engine noise disruption and enjoying a more tranquil journey.