One of the safest and efficient ways to travel is on a commercial airline. The odds of being on a flight that crashes and has at least one fatality is about 1 in 4.25 million, and the odds of that one fatality being you is about 1 in 6.3 million. That being said, one should still be interested in increasing their odds of survival by playing a role in your own safety. You can take responsibility by taking an active role in your interest of survival by following a few simple guidelines.
Even before you go to the airport you should be preparing for your safety during the flight. Consider the clothing you are going to wear. Long pants and long sleeve shirts, made of natural products such as cotton are preferred. Flammable fabrics such as polyester should be avoided for obvious reasons. Your shoes should be closed toed and have laces or be able to be secured in another fashion. With the current security processes, many passengers wear slip on shoes and sandals to save time at the security checkpoint. Consider wearing shoes that you would be comfortable in evacuating a crowded aircraft in. Also consider the path of the flight you are going to be flying on. You may prepare differently for a flight over mountainous terrain, desert terrain or an oceanic flight
While packing, pay specific attention to your carry-on baggage. Most airlines allow one or two carry-on bags. Ensure the bag will fit in the over-head compartment or completely under the seat. Many unnecessary injuries are caused by flying debris from unsecured carry-on luggage.
After boarding the aircraft, pay attention to the safety brochure provided for each seat and the safety briefing given by the flight attendant, there may be differences in the aircraft you are flying in today from the aircraft you may have flown in the past.
Mentally note at least two exits on the way to your seat. Count the seats to your primary exit door. After a crash, the visibility in the cabin may be poor. There has been much debate in the past regarding the best seats for survivability in an aircraft. Many believe that the aft third of the aircraft has the best survivability; others believe it is the center third, over the wings is best. Statistics have shown us that the survivability of your specific seat is different in each accident scenario. What should be considered is whether your row of seats has an emergency exit and whether or not you have the physical capability of removing and discarding that door.
While in flight, remain in your seat as much as possible. While in your seat, always have your lap belt fastened. This will not only protect you from unexpected turbulence, it will be one less thing you need to concentrate on during an emergency.
Leave your shoes on. As tempting as it is to get as comfortable as you can during the flight, evacuating an aircraft and surviving the elements after will be significantly more difficult without shoes and your chances of injury are much higher.
If you are going to use your carry-on items during the flight, ensure they are packed in the bag that fits under the seat in front of you for easy access. Try to avoid accessing the over-head bins as much as possible. Accessing them requires you to release your lap belt and open the bin, possibly creating a hazard of things falling to yourself and others while opening the bin.
The probability of you being involved in an aircraft crash is remote. In the event that it does happen, stay calm. You have mentally and physically prepared for it. Remain in your seat until the aircraft has come to a complete stop. Maintain your situational awareness as much as possible. After the aircraft noise and movement has stopped, assess your surroundings. Determine whether your primary exit is available. Calmly exit the aircraft.
The majority of survivable aircraft crashes occur at airports where emergency equipment will probably be there before you egress from the airplane. Stay as close to the aircraft as safely possible and wait for assistance from emergency crews.
In the event that you are a survivor on an aircraft that crashes in a remote area, it is important that you stay close to the aircraft. Ensure that you are a safe distance from the aircraft, yet close enough to see and be seen by rescue crews. It could be minutes, hours or days until your rescue. Immediately begin preparing for the worst case. Administer first-aid to those in need, muster all survivors and determine immediate needs for the environment you are in.
If your aircraft has ditched in water, locate a flotation device. If time allows, don a life preserver. Egress the aircraft over the wings if possible. Locate and swim if necessary to a life raft and board it.
The survival rate of a major airline crash is 60%. It is a safer method of transportation than driving a car. However, if you do become involved in an aircraft crash, your chances of survival are significantly higher if you have mentally and physically prepared yourself. Take the small amount of time to prepare yourself and you may save your life or the life of others.
