Nowadays, it is more and more common for people to travel by air. One of the responsibilities of cabin crew is to ensure the safety of passengers during the flight, preventing injury, and preventing the escalation of an abnormality into an emergency.
However, it is important to keep in mind that safety is also the responsibility of passengers. That means following the cabin crew’s directives at all times as well as behaving in a safe manner. Let’s take a look at the important rules for passengers in order to ensure their security during the flight.
1. Put your tray table up before takeoff and landing
Takeoff and landing are two of the most critical phases of a flight. A 2017 report conducted by Boeing says 61 percent of fatal accidents from 2007 to 2016 occurred during the takeoff, initial climb, final approach, or landing. A secured tray table would clear a path for you and other passengers to evacuate in an emergency. “It’s actually a [Federal Aviation Administration] (FAA) regulation that all tray tables must be moved to the upright position before movement on the tarmac,” Morgan Johnston, JetBlue’s corporate communications manager, told Travel + Leisure.
2. Electronic devices should only be on airplane mode during the flight
Since October 31, 2013, the FAA has allowed the use of electronic devices like phones and tablets on U.S. flights. Still, passengers aren’t allowed to call or text via a cellular connection, because the cell signal could potentially disrupt the airplane’s navigation instruments. Even though there’s little evidence of any danger, most airlines and the FAA continue to enforce this precautionary measure. “Aircraft electronics are designed and shielded with interference in mind,” Patrick Smith, a U.S. pilot and author of Cockpit Confidential, told the Telegraph. “To date there are no proven cases of a phone adversely affecting the outcome of a flight. But you never know.”
3. Only able-bodied adults can sit in the emergency exit row
Emergency exit seats typically have the most leg room to stretch out in. But with great comfort comes great responsibility: You’ll be tasked with helping other passengers get out of the plane in an emergency before you do. Plus, you need to meet the eligibility criteria to sit there. “Only healthy adults are allowed to occupy these seats, they are also required to read the safety card for emergency exits to make them prepared in case of emergencies to help the cabin crew,” aviation safety officer Saran Udayakumar told Quora users. Parents of little kids, children younger than 15, and people with a physical handicap are just a few of the passengers who don’t make the cut to sit in the emergency exit row.
4. Travel with pets
Traveling with your furry friend or pet is possible. Today more and more airlines are making arrangements for passengers to take pets especially dogs and cats on board.
But in addition to adhering to the IATA Live Animals Regulations, some countries and airlines have their own specific requirements for the carriage of live animals. This why it is very important that you check the specific procedures that will apply to your trip with the airline directly.
