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Welcome Aboard And Thank You For Flying: How To Be Safer When Traveling

5 November 2014

Flenn Austin

It seems the world is resting on a razor's edge these days, with diseases, terrorists, global warming and other forces at work against common people just trying to go about their business. If you have to fly a lot, the world is an even scarier place. Your plane could mysteriously disappear like Malaysian flight 370, be shot down over a war-torn area like Ukraine or be taken over by the self-radicalized passenger sitting two rows behind you. Here are a few things you can do to be safer and to alleviate the apprehension of flying in today's New World Disorder.

Know What's Most Likely To Happen Aboard

While fear of Ebola has been over-hyped in the media, you're not likely to be exposed, even if you're flying with someone who has the disease. Unless you make close contact with them, and they're exhibiting active symptoms, such as fever and vomiting, you're not in danger of contraction. However, other conditions, less famous and more contagious, are common on airlines, thus practicing good hygiene is in your best interest wherever you travel to and from.

Statistically, airline safety is affected by more things that are not within your direct control, although your reaction may be crucial to the outcome. Consider the following occurrences and how you might handle them while hovering above the Earth at 35,000 feet:

•  Heart Attacks: Because it kills 680 Americans every day, sudden cardiac arrest is worth being prepared for. Half of the victims are younger than 65, so don't be surprised if the middle-aged man or woman next to you puts your automated external defibrillator (AED) training to the best use.
•  Unruly Passengers: Between the years 2007 and 2013, there were a staggering 28,000 cases of midair passenger disturbances. While it's always best to obey airline personnel, you might want to pay close attention to the number of drinks your fellow flyers are enjoying, listen for raised voices and watch for flaring tempers, too.
•  Turbulence: While a bumpy ride isn't likely to injure, it may cause panic. Keep cool, watch for hot liquids spilling and reassure others that the pilot can handle the situation. Don't bother mentioning though, that turbulence is expected to increase dramatically with the warming of the planet.

How Can You Be Prepared For Anything?

Short of turning yourself into some kind of James Bond superhero, there's really only so much you do. Most people don't react quickly, but training can change that for you. The fight-or-flight reflex within you is powerful, thus commanding control of your internal mechanisms will serve you, as well as others, the most.

Knowing how to help yourself or someone else in distress might mean the difference between life and death. You read about someone being called a hero by the media, simply because they knew what to do when a crisis hit. Not only will an education prepare your brain and reflexes, it will also help you feel safer, which is vital to traveling with less stress and worry. Here's what you should know, in general:

•  CPR And Simple First-Aid: Knowing how to help a fellow human with lacerations, broken bones and other trauma won't just make you the MVP of a transcontinental flight, it can score you points when looking for certain jobs too. Even in the comfort of your own home, children, spouses, in-laws and neighbors sustain injuries for which you could know the appropriate treatment. Get first aid and CPR training to boost those skills.
•  Basic Methods Of Self-Defense: Everyone ought to know how to knee a groin, gauge eyes or otherwise escape an attacker, although you're probably more likely to meet an assailant on city streets than aboard a 747. Still, training gives you confidence, puts you more at ease and may make traveling safer for you.
•  An Exit Strategy: Attacks in airports create instant chaos, and if you don't know where the exits are, you could be trapped and endangered. Being aware of exits is important everywhere, from clubs to skyscrapers to first-class seating. Remind yourself to take note of them no matter where your travels take you.

While you may prefer quiet anonymity and an uneventful flight, anything can and does happen on an airplane. However, increasing your basic knowledge and preparing yourself for any number of scenarios will keep you poised to react appropriately, and feeling much more comfortable in your flotation-ready seating device.

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