Top 7 Airplane Travel Safety Tips

Written by: Eli Misel • Edited by: Jason C. Chavis
Published Nov 22, 2010 • Related Guides: Airplanes

Traveling by airplane is a very safe way to travel. However, there are a few things you can do to make your airplane traveling even safer. Follow these airplane safety tips for the safest flight possible.

Nonstop Flights

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Typically, most accidents on airliners happen during the take off and landing portion of the flight. By purchasing tickets for a nonstop flight, take offs and landings are reduced. Purchasing a nonstop flight will also make for an easier and faster trip to your destination. The bonus of not having to switch planes makes this one of the great airplane safety tips.

Always Wear Your Safety Belt

One of the simplest airplane safety tips, is wearing your safety belt at all times. Properly wearing your safety belt will ensure you will travel without injury if the plane were to hit turbulence or get caught in less than perfect weather. Try to wear your safety belt during the entire flight with the exception of using the restroom.

Passenger Safety Briefing

Shortly after boarding the airplane, a passenger safety briefing will follow. This briefing will instruct you with important information for staying safe while aboard the airplane. Pay close attention to evacuation methods, location of exits and how to properly use your oxygen mask. Having this information ready for quick response will ensure your safety if an emergency were to occur. If the airplane is equipped with phones, familiarize yourself with how to use them. Knowing your way around the airplanes environment ranks as a very high airplane safety tip for traveling.

Request an Isle Seat

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If possible, request a seat that is close to the isle. If you find yourself in an emergency situation that requires evacuation, sitting close to the isle will allow you to exit quickly. This may or may not be possible depending on ticket purchases, but it is worth checking into. Being able to evacuate quickly will ensure your safety in an emergency situation.

Don't Drink in Excess

When traveling by airplane, some people choose to relax and have a few drinks. Keeping your alcohol intake to a minimum will keep your senses aware in case an emergency situation were to occur. If a situation were to occur when you were inebriated, you might not be able to act in a quick and safe manner. A good airplane safety tip is to limit yourself to one or two drinks during your flight.

Don't Put Heavy Items In Overhead Storage

Keeping the overhead storage bin free of heavy items will reduce the risk of injury if the airplane hits turbulence. If a heavy bag or suitcase stored in the overhead storage bin were to fall out, it could cause serious injury. Keeping light bags in overhead storage will ensure your safety during your flight. This a very simple airplane safety tip that is often overlooked.

Remain Calm

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If you find yourself in an emergency situation, try to remain calm. Panic can increase the risk of injury to yourself and other passengers. Staying calm and listening to the flight attendant and crew members will help you safely evacuate the airplane in an emergency situation.

Learning these airplane safety tips for when you travel can help save you time and possibly your life in an emergency situation. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, both you and your travel partners will be safer and able to face a variety of potentially hazardous incidents.

Reference

AirSafe: http://www.airsafe.com/ten_tips.htm

MadeMan: http://www.mademan.com/mm/10-airplane-safety-tips.html