Flying Safely

Just a few days ago a colleague in the airline industry sent me a funny spoof about passenger safety while flying. As I laughed and of course sent it to other colleagues I could not help but think about passengers who did not take the safety information seriously.

Unfortunately a day later an article appeared describing the paralyzing injuries of a woman in her mid forties while on a flight in Texas. All reports stated there had been turbulence and the captain had illuminated the "fasten seat belt" sign. The injured woman chose to ignore the indicator and went to the lavatory. It was in the lavatory she was injured while standing. Aircraft personnel did what they could to stabilize her, but her condition is most likely permanent.

For those flying frequently, the safety information can become mundane. However, it is important still to understand the procedures are in place to protect the passenger.

When you board a plane, immediately survey the area. Look around....don't be shy. Spot the emergency exits (both doors and windows). Count the rows in front of you to the nearest exit and the rows behind you.

Place your bags in the overhead compartment. Keeping all of your things at your seat will not get you off of the plane any faster than the person who has placed their things overhead. If you must have a bag with you, then be sure it can fit under the seat ahead of you. When you are not using the bag, keep it securely stowed under the seat. In the event of turbulence, your bag can become a flying object and cause injury.

When you are not going anywhere and sitting in your seat, keep your seat belt fastened, even loosely. If the flight does hit a sudden air pocket, you will be very glad you had that belt around you. Once the seat belt sign is illuminated, stay in your seat. There is a reason the captain lit the sign. Not only can you injure yourself by walking the aisle during a turbulent time, but you can also injure others. You do not want to become a flying object.

Most of all, do read the information in the seat pocket. It won't hurt to refresh your memory even if you fly frequently. Also, if you take a look, then the person sitting next to you may not feel uncomfortable reviewing it as well.

The unfortunate injury sustained by this passenger is in deed very sad. Even sadder, it is an injury which could have been avoided.

I hope your next flight is uneventful and smooth. Even so, try to follow just some of the simple rules to make your flight that much better.

Adrienne Sasson, DS, CSS
Rubinsohn Travel - Virtuoso
The Pavilion
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Jenkintown, PA 19046
Office: 215-886-5200, ext. 65
Tollfree: 1-800-501-8519, ext. 65
Direct: 267-879-8250
www.atravelspecialist.com
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adrienne@rubinsohntravel.com
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