Flight expert’s guide to surviving a plane crash
By and large, air travel is incredibly safe. In fact, you’re more likely to be struck by lightning or attacked by a shark than be killed in a plane crash. Despite this, many of us still get jittery before and during flights, so it’s better to be safe than sorry and learn exactly what to do in the event of an incident.
Aviation and travel writer Christine Negroni, who recently released a book about the world’s most mysterious air travel disasters, tells The Sun there are a few precautions everyone can take to lower their chances of being involved – or killed – in a plane crash.
1. Stay away from budget carriers
When it comes to air travel, you get what you pay for. Budget airlines are often based in countries with less strict aviation regulations, meaning their workers (the people responsible for securing your safety) aren’t as well funded. However, this rule doesn’t apply to no-frills carriers who save money by charging extra for carry-on luggage and other in-flight extras.
2. Pay attention to the safety briefing
You may have heard it all before, but it doesn’t hurt to have it drilled in to your brain one more time – and encourage others to do the same. After all, in the event of an emergency, you don’t want everyone to be scrambling around wondering what to do.
3. Time your sleeping tablet carefully
For many long-haul travellers, sleeping pills are a necessity. However, Negroni warns you should wait until after the seatbelt signs are switched off. “Make sure you’ve listened to the pre-flight briefing, seen where your nearest exit is, and noticed the age and weight of your neighbour first.”
4. Wear your shoes when landing
It might sound strange, but landing is the riskiest part of your flight. So, if the worst happens, the floor may end up extremely hot (or cold), covered in oil, on fire or land on rocky terrain. You wouldn’t want to be barefoot then, would you?
5. Avoid leggings
Activewear and stretchy clothes are comfortable, yes, but also dangerous. Because they’re made of artificial fibres, they’re more likely to burn and stick to you in the event of a fire. Stick to cotton and other natural materials.
6. Don’t panic during turbulence
Turbulence is unlikely to cause a crash, but it can be dangerous nonetheless. Wearing your seatbelt could protect you from injury, so when the pilot says to keep it on at all times, they mean it.
7. Don’t over-indulge
A glass of wine or a beer with your in-flight meal is fine, but any more than this and your judgement and reflexes are likely to be compromised, which could lead to disaster in the event of an emergency.
8. Don’t wear headphones during take-off and landing
Nervous flyers might want to listen to some tunes or an audiobook to distract themselves during take-off and landing, but it’s important to listen to every announcement at these crucial times during your flight. Wait until the seatbelt signs are off before you pop in those earbuds.