In any situation, being aware of potential dangers and having a plan for what to do if the potentials are realized is a good idea. Typically the most dangerous situation any of us find ourselves in is driving or riding in a car. But if you ask people what is the most dangerous thing they have done they will usually say flying in a plane. So, because I care about you here is an article with 10 tips that could save your life in a plane crash. Click on the link and go read the whole thing (or RTWT as we say in innernet lingo). Or if you don’t want to I’ll give you the best three out of 10.
- You’ve only got 90 seconds to get out. Here’s the scenario – the plane’s crashed and your still in one piece. Good. You’ve survived the crash and if you don’t want to die in a fire then you’ve got 90 seconds before smoke and/or fire makes it impossible for you to escape. Forget your luggage, haul ass to the nearest exit. And to that end…
- Remember the 5 row rule. If at all possible never sit farther than 5 rows from the exit. When you buy your ticket, if the airline allows you to choose your seat pay attention to where the exits are on the diagram and get within 5 rows of one. If flying on a “cattle call” airline (i.e. Southwest) you may wish to consider paying the extra $20 or so for guranteed early check in. This will usually get you close enough to the front of the boarding line so that you can get within 5 rows of an exit, Personally I always try to sit in an exit row, as I am willing to help others out in exchange for being right there at the exit. Also I feel better knowing that my wife will be the first one out the door. Bonus – exit rows are usually a few inches wider and so more legroom.
- Overcome the “normalcy bias” by having an action plan: Look around and imagine what you will do if sh*t gets real. Know where the exit is and have a plan for how you will make it to the exit if you can’t see because of darkness or smoke. Be ready to take immediate action and don’t expect much help from the flight crew, chances are they will be in as bad or worse shape than you. Also you are less likley to panic if you have a plan and execute it.
Seven more good tips at the link. So happy flying! In the event of a crash you will probably be killed instantly anyway (just kidding!). But seriously, according to an NTSB Report, from 1983 to 2000 the survival rate of crashes was 95.7%. Remember, you survive your daily commute so you can survive a plane ride as well!