Do you really need to turn on Flight Mode before takeoff? We asked the experts.
From celebrity appearances to massive flash mobs, airlines are doing everything they can to ensure passengers hear pre-flight safety briefings.
Still, many of us pass out quickly after boarding a plane, and some simply ignore the rules.
To remind you why airline safety guidelines are important, we spoke to airline crew members and safety experts to find out some of the reasons behind them.
Why do I have to hold my seat upright during takeoff and landing?
There’s nothing worse than sitting in an airplane seat just for the sake of it. Man Recline immediately.
Not only is this bad form, it can also be dangerous. Airlines staff ask passengers to keep their seats upright during takeoff and landing. This is because takeoff and landing are the times when emergencies are most likely to occur, with little time to prepare.
In case of emergency landing, evacuationLeaving your seat upright allows the person behind you to get out of the seat faster.
Similarly, ensuring your tray table is stowed away will help clear passage for yourself and others. passenger in your line. This is also why you need to put your luggage under the seat in front of you.
Why do I have to open the window blinds during takeoff and landing?
The reasons for opening window blinds during takeoff and landing are less obvious, but the point is the same.
These phases of flight are the most important dangerousOpen shades allow flight attendants and passengers to quickly spot problems such as engine fires and alert the flight deck.
In case of emergency evacuationit also allows flight attendants to check whether it is safe to use an exit, or for employees outside to assess the situation inside the cabin.
Additionally, it allows your eyes to adjust to outside light, so you can see better during an evacuation.
Why do the lights dim before takeoff and landing?
In the event of an emergency landing, the plane may be plunged into darkness.
“Lighting has been dimmed to aid night vision during evacuations,” safety emergency procedures trainer and purser Jody Jarvis told Euronews Travel.
Adapt crew Passengers can see more clearly in low light conditions and evacuate the aircraft quickly.
When should I use the “brace” position?
Some in-flight safety demonstrations show a “brace” position, which you must adopt if directed to do so by the flight crew. Most commonly, you plant your feet firmly on the floor, lean forward with your head as close as possible to the surface you are likely to hit (usually the seat in front of you), and place your hands on either side of your head.
“The brace position is used during exercise. emergency Landing is primarily to prevent inertial damage caused by rapid acceleration or deceleration of the brain,” Jody explains.
Usually there is no need to immobilize the body during turbulence Unless it’s very serious.
“You’ll know to brace yourself because the flight attendants will start yelling ‘brace yourself’, otherwise you’ll instinctively feel the need to protect your head and lean forward,” Jodi says. say.
Fasten your seat belt during turbulence. Since evacuations are not anticipated, there is no need to erect seats or put away tray tables, but you may need to ensure safety. liquid Spills and objects may fall.
Why should I put my phone in airplane mode?
Before 2013, devices such as mobile phone It had to be completely switched off during takeoff and landing.
Requirements have since been relaxed to allow cell phones to be used in airplane mode.this rule This was originally introduced because telephone signals could interfere with flight deck radio signals and onboard communications with air traffic control.
Rigorous testing has been conducted and the flight system is designed to overcome this threat. However, this requirement still applies as airlines operate with extreme caution.
May be new and untested technology Passengers are still advised to follow the “flight mode” rules for safety reasons, as there may still be consequences.
Why should I not take my bag with me during an emergency evacuation?
Apart from the obvious need to evacuate as soon as possible, there are other reasons why you shouldn’t evacuate within exactly 90 seconds. bag Other things to take with you in case of an emergency on the plane.
“During the evacuation, handbag It can take up space that could be used by others, and you can get tangled up and trip over someone or run into someone and puncture or damage the slide in some way,” Jody said. say.
Passengers wearing high heels will also be asked to remove them in case of emergency evacuation, as there is a risk of puncturing the slide. Flip-flops are not very durable as evacuation shoes, so it is not recommended to wear them on an airplane.