Why You Should Start Every Flight with These Pilot-Approved Safety Tips

Ensuring your safety onboard an aircraft is crucial, even though air travel is considered one of the safest modes of transportation. To be prepared for emergencies, pilots unanimously recommend one simple yet important tip: locate the nearest emergency exit as soon as you board the plane.

According to Hans Mast, a former pilot and now a travel agent, counting the number of seat rows between your location and the emergency exit is a critical step that passengers often overlook. In the event of an emergency, impaired visibility might make it challenging to locate exits. Having a mental map can be life-saving. Additionally, in situations where the cabin is filled with smoke, colored lights along the aisle can guide passengers to the exits.

It is essential not to wait until takeoff to identify the nearest exit. Former pilot Nick Eades emphasizes that awareness of safety should start the moment passengers enter the aircraft, as emergencies can occur even before the engines start. Eades recounts an incident where a fire broke out on an air conditioning truck attached to a 747. Only a handful of passengers reacted quickly to the evacuation alarm. Prompt reactions are crucial in potentially catastrophic situations.

Booking seats in the exit row can also enhance safety if passengers are willing and able to assist in emergencies. A study by the University of Greenwich found that those closest to an exit row have a higher chance of surviving a plane crash due to faster evacuation. However, it’s important to ensure physical capability to open emergency exits. Carrying bags during an emergency can hinder evacuation and lead to more injuries or deaths.

In addition to selecting seats near exits and knowing the location of emergency exits, there are other ways to prepare for potential emergencies. Former pilot Dan Bubb advises against overstuffing carry-on bags, as heavy and large bags can pose a danger if they fall on someone or block the aisles. Wearing closed-toe shoes is also recommended to prevent foot injuries during emergencies.

Remaining attentive during the safety briefing performed by flight attendants or shown on video screens is crucial, regardless of one’s flying experience. It’s essential to pay attention to each demonstration and review the safety card in the seat-back pocket. Different aircraft have varying layouts, exit locations, and methods of opening emergency exits. Refreshing one’s knowledge ensures familiarity with specific safety protocols.

While the probability of being in a plane crash is low and survival rates are high, it is wise to be prepared and increase the chances of survival. Remembering these pilot-approved safety tips helps to prioritize safety and be ready for any unexpected situation that may arise during air travel.