//
Sultan Kiani
Traveling by commercial airplanes is considered one of the safest modes of transportation. Although we learn about harrowing news of plane crashes now and then, the overall safety record of air travel is quite good. Here are some tips to make your air travel even more safe and secure.
According to the United States National Safety Council, the odds of dying in a commercial aircraft crash are 1 in 11 million. While plane crashes remain rare, with most flights safely completing their trips, there are other underrated safety hazards and security issues that need to be addressed to stay safe. Following these key precautions can make your flight safe, secure, and comfortable:
Pre-Flight Preparations: Leaving for a journey well-prepared reduces stress and helps manage potential hazards. Always wear comfortable clothes and footwear. Avoid wearing overly tight pants, as they can restrict blood circulation, causing discomfort and even deep vein thrombosis (DVT), a painful medical condition. Similarly, wearing inappropriate footwear like flip-flops, pointy shoes, and high heels on a flight is a bad idea. Only wear shoes that do not cause discomfort or restrict your ability to walk or run. Pointy shoes or high heels are not only bad for you but may also cause serious injuries to others in case of an emergency evacuation.
Pack your travel bag wisely. Keep all essentials in the bag in an organized manner, and avoid carrying unnecessary items. For example, bringing many suits, shoes, and other items for a short trip adds unnecessary burden and can leave you feeling exhausted. However, necessary medicines, minimal personal hygiene items, a first aid kit, and a nightdress should always be in your bag. If you are traveling to a colder destination, carry a jacket while boarding the plane.
Watch out. Over the counter (OTC) medicines in their original packaging are allowed in limited quantities. However, a passenger must provide a valid physician's prescription for other medicines, particularly psychotropic drugs. Homeopathic or herbal medicines are NOT allowed on international flights, as such medicines are considered illegal and may be confiscated. Also, ensure you do not carry any prohibited items when checking in. Ask your airline for the list of restricted objects. Other than firearms, flammable and explosive materials, and sharp knives, some items like cigarette lighters and battery-powered vapes may also be banned.
While it is good to pack your bag a day before, it is even more important to leave for the airport on time. Being late for a flight could also result in a road accident. It also makes you more prone to losing your belongings due to added stress.
At the airport: Once you check in at the airport, it is time to exercise some more precautions for personal safety. Do not leave your luggage unattended. Do not accept food, drinks, or anything from strangers. Be extremely cautious while passing through security checkpoints. Professional smugglers have been known to use innocent travelers for drug trafficking by sneaking illegal substances into their bags. Be alert if someone suddenly becomes too friendly and acts as though you are their family member or friend. That seemingly friendly traveler may be carrying drugs or illegal items, and you could end up in trouble if they are caught by airport security.
Safety during the flight: You have boarded the plane. Now, pay close attention to the safety demonstrations, even if you are a frequent flyer. Know where you are seated and where the nearest emergency exits are. Most air crashes happen during takeoff and landing, so you need to be alert during these critical phases of a flight. There is no need to be paranoid, but being prepared for an emergency could maximize your chances of survival in a worst-case scenario.
Turbulence is another potential flight hazard, and its effects can be minimized simply by fastening your seatbelt. On May 21, 2024, a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore encountered severe turbulence, injuring more than 70 passengers. The plane safely landed in Bangkok, but one passenger died. A Korean Air flight in Asia faced a similar tragedy in August 2024, with 14 passengers injured due to turbulence. This is why it is advisable to keep your seatbelt fastened, even when the seatbelt sign is off.
Stay hydrated by drinking water frequently during the flight. Avoid strong caffeinated beverages and steer clear of alcohol. Use hand sanitizer after using the lavatory and before eating. Also, avoid overeating or consuming anything that could make you feel unwell.
Important: If you have a serious pre-existing medical condition, seek permission from your physician before planning a trip to ensure you are medically fit to fly. Keep necessary medications in your handbag during the flight. If you suddenly feel unwell, do not board the flight. If you feel ill during the flight, immediately inform the cabin crew so they can assist you.
Things to do in an emergency: Although the likelihood of a crash or in-flight emergency is very slim, you should still be prepared and know what to do in the worst-case scenario. Do not panic and follow the cabin crew's instructions—they are trained professionals who will do their best to keep you safe. If oxygen masks drop, and you have a child, handicapped person, or disabled individual traveling with you, make sure to put your mask on first before helping others. If you pass out due to lack of oxygen, you will not be able to help anyone.
Do NOT take your luggage during emergency evacuation. It not only slows down the evacuation process, wasting precious time, but your bags may also cause injuries. Remember, nothing is more valuable than your life.
Crash landing on water is different from landing on the ground. You must put on a life jacket during a water landing, but NEVER inflate it until you are outside the plane. Wearing an inflated vest inside the plane could slow down evacuation and make it more difficult.
Once you have evacuated the plane, watch out for potential hazards like sharp metal objects, downed power lines, and fuel-fed fires. Move to a safer location, help others if possible, and wait for the rescue team. Do not interfere with the rescuers unless asked to help. If the plane crashes in a forest or deserted area, it is generally advisable to stay near the crash site, as you could get lost or attacked by wild animals while searching for help. Modern-day planes are equipped with GPS, which can be used to track their location.
Minimizing the risk of a plane crash: While preventing an air crash is beyond your control, there are still ways to reduce the risk. Choose an airline with a better safety record, if possible. Some airlines are stricter in following flight safety protocols than others. You may need to pay a higher fare, but it will give you peace of mind. Larger aircraft are generally safer; a Boeing 777 or Airbus A350 is better than a Boeing 737 or Airbus A320, and a Boeing 737 is safer than an ATR-42. So, choose the safer aircraft model.
Also, check the weather forecast for the flight's takeoff and landing locations. Fog, thunderstorms, and torrential rains are known for causing fatal air crashes worldwide. Poor weather conditions contributed to the crashes of Air Blue Flight 202 (2010) in Islamabad and Bhoja Air Flight 213 (2012) near Rawalpindi. You may want to postpone your journey if weather conditions are poor in either location.
Comments