Airplane Crash Survival Skills: A Flight Attendant’s Advice on How to Stay Alive

From the moment the flight takes-off, airline passengers should use all of their senses to be aware of what’s going on around them. They should also have a plan of action mapped out, of what they will do in the event of an emergency. Following this advice during the flight could save their lives

Be Vigilant During the Critical Phases of Flight

Most airline crashes happen below 10,000 feet or during the critical fazes of flight (taxi, take off, and landing). This is the time passengers should be looking, and listenaing for anything that doesn’t seem to be normal. During the critical phases of flight passengers should:

• Avoid sleeping during this time.
• Stay seated, with their seat belts fastened
• Keep shoes and jackets on.
• Remove noise canceling headsets, earplugs, and headphones, in order to hear announcement
• If passenges hear or see anything strange they should alert the flight crew immediately.

Stay Calm

Passengers should consider the evacuation to be a team effort by assisting others and evacuating in an orderly fashion. Pushing and shoving only creates pandemonium and increase the chances of injuries.

The passengers of US Airways flight 1549 are a good example of how to evacuate an airplane. The passengers were calm, they listened to instructions, and assisted one another. Due to their team effort there was only one reported injury.

Leave Belongings

Passengers should leave laptops, luggage, and purses behind. Retrieving personal belongings wastes valuable time. All of personal possessions can be replaced, human lives cannot.

This means only taking things off the aircraft that will help passengers with survival. Seat cushions or life vests can be taken if the airplane lands in water, and everyone should grab a few blankets. Blankets are also flame retardant and can be wrapped around passengers in a fire.

After The Airplane Stops

There will be several jolts and bumps after impact. The aircraft shoudl not be evacuated until it comes to a complete stop.

• Keep the seatbelt fastened until the aircraft stops.
• Listen for the crew’s commands or instructions.
• Evacuate the aircraft. if there is no communication from the crew.
• Look before opening any exit, to make sure you are not going into a more dangerous situation.
• Quickly get far away from the aircraft.
• Do not smoke

After the successful evacuation of USAirways Flight 1549 many passengers had a new interest in airplane safety. All airline passengers should be prepared for the unexpected on every flight they take. Following this advice during the flight, could save their lives..