Out of all of the different forms of travel, flying is statistically one of the safest. Airlines around the world are required to comply with strict regulations and maintenance standards designed to minimize risk, allowing the vast majority of flights to go off without a hitch. That said, as passengers, it’s still a good idea to do our part to stay safe and be prepared in the unlikely event an emergency does arise. Read on for some safety tips you may not be aware of.
Practice Safe Seating
Obviously, not everyone can sit near the back, but if flying makes you nervous and you don’t have to rush to catch a connection, know that the rear area of the plane is usually the safest in the event of a crash. During an impact, the nose of the aircraft will typically absorb the most force, and passengers seated near the tail tend to have higher survival rates than those in the front.
Stay Awake
As tempting as it might be to take a catnap during takeoff and landing, these are actually the phases of the flight when accidents are most likely to occur. By staying awake, you’ll be better prepared to respond quickly in the event of an emergency. With that, it’s also important to keep your shoes on, your seatbelt fastened, and your bag tucked neatly under the seat in front of you.
Wear Close-Toed Shoes
Speaking of keeping your shoes on, close-toed styles are the best choice for both comfort and safety should you need to exit the plane at a moment’s notice. Depending on the nature of the emergency, it may be necessary to climb around certain objects, or there may be pieces of debris on the floor of the aircraft, and closed shoes will allow for easier movement as well as minimize the risk of injury.
