I don't fly very often, and haven't for a few years, but when I do I ask for the seat next to the emergency exit and pay attention to all the safety instructions. Read the book and pay attention to the presentation.

A friend asked me once if I did that because I was afraid, and I said "No. It's because I want someone who's responsible and paid attention to be in charge of this, not someone who's not going to have a clue and panics." I don't rely on someone else to do it. I've never thought of it before, but interestingly, I've never challenged or been challenged for the responsibility of the seat.