
where is the safest place to sit on a plane? Is an airplane really safe? Read and discover the answers in this blog.
Fear of flying, also known as aviophobia, is common. Many people wonder, "What if something bad happens during my flight?" As a flight attendant on the Boeing 737, I am eager to share information on how passengers can contribute to their own safety during air travel.
The odds of a tragic plane accident are 1 in 11,000,000. So extremely small. However I still give you some tips to prepare for a possible emergency landing and increase your chances of survival in the event of a plane crash.
1. Fly with confidence
By being aware of simple steps and preparations, you can not only reduce your fears but also build a sense of control and confidence during your flight.
The chance of a plane crashing is 1 in 11 million, while the likelihood of dying in a car accident is 1 in 6,000. Despite this, we drive cars daily without worry, even though flying is statistically much safer.

Earlier this year, an Airbus A350 crashed, and all 367 passengers and 12 crew members safely evacuated before the flames engulfed the aircraft. All occupants survived the crash because they knew exactly what to do. In this article, you discover the golden tips to prepare for emergencies.
2. Know your surroundings
Take the time to explore your surroundings once you board. Identify the nearest emergency exits and count the rows to them. This information can be invaluable in the event of an emergency landing.
During a crisis, such as a crash, the conditions on board can change rapidly. The cabin may fill with smoke, hindering visibility and making it challenging to locate emergency exits. In such stressful situations, you may need to navigate to the exit by touch.
Knowing the location of the emergency exit and the number of rows between you and it can significantly contribute to a quick and effective evacuation.

3. Understand safety instructions
You may have heard them a hundred times, but it's essential to pay attention to the safety instructions from the cabin crew. The location of emergency exits and the content of the safety card can vary on different aircraft types. Not every Boeing 737 or Airbus A320 has emergency exits in the exact same location.

Additionally, knowing how to use an oxygen mask is crucial. If the masks fall from the compartments above your head, the oxygen flow does not start automatically. You need to pull the mask towards you.
Because of that light snug on the mask, the oxygen flow from your row will start. Interestingly, there is an extra mask in each row, for example, for a baby traveling on a parent's lap.
Cabin crew always ensure that there are no two babies in the same row because there are only four oxygen masks, not five.
Lastly, remember to put on your own oxygen mask first before assisting others. Keep in mind that you have only about twelve seconds to put on your mask before losing consciousness.

4. Be prepared
Prepare your space for impact by securing loose objects. Additionally, ensure your seat is upright, and your armrest is down. If an emergency landing is inevitable, take the brace position as indicated by the cabin crew and explained on the safety card. Don't be afraid; the cabin crew will clearly announce when to take the brace position.

Place your feet flat on the floor, bend forward, and place your hands behind your head, ensuring your head is facing downward. This minimizes the risk of injury. Did you know that cabin crew members take the brace position during every landing and take-off? They sit in the opposite direction to passengers, making their brace position slightly different.
As they face the opposite direction, the impact is not forward but backward. Cabin crew place their heads against the headrest of the crew seat and also place their feet flat on the floor. Interestingly, they sit on their palms to prevent injuries.
5. Dress appropriately
An airplane trip is not a fashion show. Choose comfortable clothing that allows easy movement. Wear responsible footwear, as wearing slippers and sandals can lead to toe injuries from, for example, broken glass.
Moreover, high heels are not allowed on the evacuation slide, as they may puncture it or get stuck behind loose objects. So, wear sturdy shoes to protect your feet when leaving the aircraft.

6. Wear your seatbelt (always)
Wear your seatbelt tightly around your pelvis, as every inch of slack increases the impact of a potential crash. Keep your seatbelt on, even when sleeping. If something happens, such as encountering turbulent weather, I don't have to wake you to ask you to fasten your seatbelt; you can continue sleeping peacefully.

7. Stay calm and focused
In stressful situations, it's essential to remain calm. Panic can impair your ability to make the right decisions. Trust the cabin crew's training and stay focused on the necessary steps to ensure your safety.
Assess the situation yourself and try to determine the terrain where the airplane will land. If the emergency landing will be on water, know that your life jacket is under your seat. The life jacket will automatically inflate when you pull a simple cord, but do this only after leaving the aircraft. An inflated life vest will cause significant hindrance inside the plane!
8. Leave your baggage behind!
Once the plane comes to a stop, immediately follow the instructions of the cabin crew and emergency responders. Leave the plane quickly but in a controlled manner through the nearest exit and move to a safe distance.
Leave your baggage behind! Human lives are at stake, and every second counts. Leave your belongings and make sure to exit the plane as quickly as possible from the start of the evacuation.

It is important to emphasize that airplane accidents are extremely rare, but taking preventive steps to ensure your safety contributes to a flight full of confidence. Fly safely and confidently with these tips in mind. Curious about the safest seat on a plane? Read: The safest seat on the plane: 13A or 18C?
Don't forget to enjoy your flight!
By: Rico Valkenborgh | February 15, 2024
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