‘It’s Worse’: Florida Pilot Demonstrates the Best Place to Sit on a Plane to Avoid Turbulence — and It’s Not in the Back
ORLANDO, FLORIDA — For nervous flyers who grip the armrests every time a plane hits rough air, a Florida-based pilot has shared a tip that might make your next flight a little less stressful. Pilot Joey Miuccio (@joeymiuccio on TikTok) has gone viral after demonstrating — with nothing but a pen — how turbulence feels different depending on where you sit on the plane.
In his video, which has already been viewed by millions, Miuccio answers one of the most common questions passengers ask pilots: Where is the best place to sit if you don’t like turbulence? His answer is clear — and maybe surprising.
“Definitely not in the back,” Miuccio says in the clip. “The back is the worst spot.”
The “Pen Trick” That Explains Turbulence
To illustrate, the Florida pilot holds a pen horizontally and shakes it gently. The back of the pen moves wildly, while the center — where he holds it — stays relatively still.
“This is how an airplane moves in turbulence,” he explains. “The center of gravity is usually near the wings, which means that’s the most stable part of the aircraft. If you sit near the wings or a little bit forward, you’ll feel less of the shaking.”
The analogy makes sense: the plane moves up and down through air currents like a seesaw — meaning the farther you are from the pivot point (the center of gravity), the more motion you’ll feel.
Where Should You Sit?
According to Miuccio, passengers who want a smoother ride should choose seats over or slightly ahead of the wings, typically in rows near the middle of the aircraft. He notes that while turbulence might feel scary, it’s rarely dangerous.
“The whole plane is going through turbulence,” Miuccio adds, “but it’s worse further from the center of gravity. If you can, sit closer to the wings — or just relax, watch a movie, and remember it’s normal.”
The pilot’s calm approach has resonated with viewers who struggle with flying anxiety, with hundreds thanking him in the comments for offering a visual explanation.
@joeymiuccio Best place to sit on an airplane? #pilot #airlinepilot #pilotlife #travel #flying
The “Jell-O Theory”: Another Way to Think About It
The discussion around turbulence sparked another popular analogy — the “Jell-O Theory.” TikTok influencer Anna Paul previously described turbulence by comparing a plane to an object suspended inside Jell-O.
“There’s pressure on all sides,” she explained. “Even when the Jell-O moves, the object doesn’t drop — it stays supported.”
Experts agree this is a good mental exercise for nervous flyers: while turbulence can jostle a plane, it’s not capable of pulling it from the sky.
Viewers React
Hundreds of commenters praised Miuccio’s demonstration for easing their flight fears.
“You’re amazing for sharing this — it really helps calm anxious flyers,” one viewer wrote.
Another added, “Just realized I’ve been sitting in the worst seat all these years. The last row explains everything!”
The viral video is the latest example of aviation professionals using social media to help passengers understand what really happens during flight — and why turbulence, while uncomfortable, is rarely something to fear.
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I’ve lived in Naperville long enough to see how quickly our community changes — from new developments downtown to sudden shifts in our Midwest weather. Reporting on Naperville news and daily forecasts gives me the chance to keep neighbors informed about what really matters. My goal is simple: deliver clear, timely updates so you always know what’s happening in our city and what to expect from the skies above.