As passengers, we’ve all experienced the routine of boarding a flight, finding our seats, and tuning out the pre-flight safety demonstration. We assume that we know the procedures in case of an emergency because we’ve seen it all before. However, recent airline incidents have shed light on the importance of paying attention to these demonstrations. It’s time to recognize the significance of flight attendant safety information and instructions, both before and during an accident.
In just the first week of this year, two airline incidents occurred that emphasized the need for passengers to be alert. One involved a Japan Airlines Airbus 350-900 that collided with a Japanese coast guard plane, resulting in the burning of the aircraft. Despite the chaos, all 379 passengers managed to escape safely. Another incident involved an Alaska Airlines Boeing 737 Max 9, where a door plug blew out during the flight, causing oxygen masks to deploy and creating a hole in the 26th row. Fortunately, no one was seriously injured. These near-catastrophes serve as reminders of the potential risks of air travel and the importance of being attentive to safety demonstrations.
The low attention rate during safety demonstrations is not a new phenomenon. Even before the distraction of smartphones, passengers were not giving their full focus to these briefings. Sara Nelson, president of the Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, attributes this trend to the reduction in flight attendant staffing over the years. Airlines have increased the number of seats on each plane while decreasing the number of flight attendants. With fewer attendants directly engaging with passengers, there has been a decline in the overall level of attention during safety demonstrations.
Airlines have made various attempts to capture passengers’ attention during safety briefings. Some airlines pause seatback screen entertainment during critical announcements, while others enhance video presentations to make them more engaging. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) mandates that airlines provide pre-flight safety briefings but does not dictate how they should be presented. Therefore, airlines have the flexibility to employ creative methods to ensure passengers receive the necessary safety information.
One critical aspect of safety demonstrations is the importance of leaving baggage behind during an evacuation. The recent Japan Airlines incident demonstrated the benefits of passengers adhering to this instruction. The safety briefing for this airline includes clear animation illustrating why passengers should not bring their luggage during evacuations. In contrast, incidents like the 2016 American Airlines Flight 383 revealed that some passengers still attempt to take their carry-on bags with them during evacuations, despite being explicitly instructed not to do so. This interference can hinder the speed and efficiency of an evacuation, potentially endangering lives.
Following flight attendants’ instructions to fasten seatbelts is vital for passenger safety. Seatbelts provide protection in case of turbulence or other sudden events. On Alaska Airlines Flight 1282, where the door plug blew out, passengers were likely seated and belted in. This adherence to safety protocols helped ensure that injuries were kept to a minimum. It is crucial for passengers to recognize the importance of wearing seatbelts even when the seatbelt sign is off.
Passengers must recognize their role in prioritizing safety during air travel. Flight attendants work diligently to ensure our well-being, but they cannot do it alone. Anthony Brickhouse, a professor of aerospace safety, highlights that the flying public needs to do better. Despite heightened attention after high-profile incidents, passengers often return to their lackadaisical ways within weeks or even days. It is crucial for travelers to remain attentive and vigilant throughout the entire flight, from the moment they step onboard until they reach their destination.
Paying attention to in-flight safety demonstrations is more important than ever. Recent airline incidents serve as reminders of the potential risks and dangers associated with air travel. While airlines have made efforts to capture passengers’ attention, ultimately, it is the responsibility of individuals to prioritize their own safety. By actively engaging in safety briefings, following instructions, and being alert during the flight, passengers contribute to the overall safety and well-being of everyone onboard. Let’s make a conscious effort to be attentive and vigilant, ensuring that air travel remains one of the safest modes of transportation.
Leave a Reply