As travel by air has become more and more affordable, travelers have begun looking for more ways to stay safe. While airplanes themselves are far and away the safest mode of transportation, keeping yourself healthy during the journey requires a little effort.

To that end, learning the tips for keeping yourself safe on an airplane can make a major difference in your travel experience. Learn everything you need to know to keep yourself and your loved ones safe. 

1.  Seatbelt Safety: The First Line of Defense

The first line of defense for staying safe on a plane is following all guidance related to the seatbelt. This means keeping it buckled at all times, even if the seatbelt light is off, so that turbulence doesn’t cause issues. 

Secure your belt low and below your waist, pulling it tight against your body. If you require a larger belt, speak with a flight attendant before the flight begins. Always secure your own seatbelt before assisting your children. While seatbelt laws can seem like a nuisance, they are in place to protect you during your flight in case of unexpected events. 

2.  Staying Safe During Turbulence

Turbulence is what most people fear on a plane, but few people know what it actually is. Turbulence is the irregular movement of air along currents that can disrupt the path of a plane and cause changes in altitude. Turbulence runs along a scale of light to extreme, but the bulk of passengers in the sky have only ever experienced light to medium turbulence for perspective. 

While certainly scary to some, rest assured knowing that planes are designed to withstand turbulence. Very few crashes are actually related to turbulence as a direct cause. The greater danger of turbulence is not being buckled in when it hits, as the sudden bumps can send you out of your seat which can lead to injury. 

Pilots and flight crew are apprised of turbulent air by air traffic control, but it’s also notoriously difficult to track. They can only take so many precautions which is why you are advised to stay buckled even when the seatbelt sign is off. 

3.  Emergency Procedures and Safety Briefings

One of the greatest safety mistakes you can make on a plane is ignoring the flight attendants during their safety briefing. The pre-flight demonstrations are invaluable, even if you’re a frequent flyer, as they tell you exactly what to do in an emergency. 

For example, during the demonstration you will learn where the emergency exits are located along with the evacuation routes, thus allowing you to take faster action in an emergency. Specifically, try to keep an eye out for the exits, life vests, oxygen masks, and flotation devices to keep yourself prepared. 

4.  The Role of Cabin Crew in Ensuring Safety

In an emergency, take solace in the fact that the cabin crew will be your best friends. The flight attendants handle passenger safety which includes guiding you in critical moments, so always be sure to listen to these professionals. Never feel uncomfortable sharing any concerns, discomforts, or special needs that you may have, as the flight attendants can work to accommodate you. 

In the event an emergency actually happens, you should be watching your flight attendants carefully and following all of their instructions to the letter. 

5.  Avoiding Common In-Flight Injuries

An emergency isn’t always what it takes to have an injury happen on a flight. You need to take action to protect yourself even on a standard route. Slip and fall accidents are quite common on planes, given the shakiness they have, so always hold on to seats as you walk up and down the aisles. 

Those who are frequent flyers or prone to blood clots may find that long-haul journeys aggravate their deep vein thrombosis, which is why moving around on your flight occasionally is recommended. You should try to stretch during this time as well. Also, don’t forget to drink water during your journey to prevent dehydration. 

Beyond this, many people are injured opening the overhead bins only to have something fall on their head. Always open these bins slowly when you land or if you open them while in the air to avoid a head injury.

6.  The Impact of Alcohol and Drugs on Airline Safety

Just because you can drink on a plane doesn’t necessarily mean you should. Alcohol impacts both balance and judgment, which can lead to injuries if you need to move around on the plane. Additionally, avoid starting new prescriptions or taking medications that you know will impact you during the flight. It’s important to stay alert so that you can react when in the air. 

How to Handle Safety Issues if They Arise

Planes are an extremely safe way to travel but that doesn’t mean they are perfect. If you have any safety concerns whatsoever on your flight, you should report them immediately. Anything ranging from malfunctioning seatbelts, issues with the emergency exit, equipment issues, or other items should be reported to the nearest flight attendant.

If you do happen to be injured on a plane, consider contacting an accredited lawyer who can identify whether the airline was in the wrong. Personal injury is a serious matter, and if the cause of your injury was negligence on behalf of the airline, you may actually be entitled to compensation for your injuries. 

Stay safe while in the air 

From engaging in proactive behavior to staying informed and being prepared, there’s no shortage of ways in which to stay safe in the air. All of the above tips can help you to stay safe and comfortable on your next plane ride. Remember that, above all else, travel by plane is the safest way to get from one place to another. However, accidents can always happen, and if you find yourself injured then reach out to an accredited personal injury lawyer who can see if you have a case on your hands.