EVEN the most seasoned flyers get the occasional pang of concern about whether their flight will crash, but according to the experts, that should be the least of your worries.
The most likely cause of serious injury on a plane is far more likely to come from leaving your seat belt unbuckled.
According to Amanda Pleva, a flight attendant with 14 years of experience and a column on FlyerTalk, staying unbuckled can cause serious injuries when turbulence strikes.
Here, she explains why it infuriates cabin crew when passengers ignore advice and unstrap themselves during the flight:
“Most of the passengers who fear the plane potentially falling out of the sky tend to overlook a far more real scenario, and it’s so frustratingly avoidable – turbulence-related injuries.
“Speak to any flight attendant, and they would be able to recount personal tales or tales of coworkers who’ve sustained serious injuries from clear air turbulence.
Amanda Pleva, a flight attendant with 14 years of experience, has explained why it’s important to wear your seat belt even when the signs have been turned off
“Last week, there were reports of an Air Canada flight from Shanghai to Toronto in 2015 that experienced an emergency landing in Calgary due to severe turbulence.
“Pilots were warned of impending rough air by Air Traffic Control, and advised passengers to buckle up.
“But of the 21 passengers injured, most admitted to being aware of the seat belt sign and ignoring it.
“Last year also saw several turbulence events as well, like the JetBlue flight from Boston where 22 passengers were injured.
“Or, the Avianca 965 flight crew and passengers travelling to Buenos Aires who received medical attention after their plane suffered from severe turbulence.”
Debris on the floor of the Avianca flight after it suffered severe turbulence
“I could bore you with many similar stories, but you get the point.
“It’s really boring to hear, and even more boring for us to repeat several times a flight, but of all the rules we enforce on the plane, that’s the one to take the most seriously.
“We prepare for so many potential scenarios, but turbulence happens often and it doesn’t take much to cause injuries.
Even if the seatbelt signs are off, passengers should stay strapped in
“I get it when people come bouncing down the aisles for the bathrooms when they just can’t wait anymore, although we don’t advise it.
“But it’s not uncommon to be going through fairly strong turbulence just to have a passenger or two struggle to the galley just to ask for a drink.
“There’s no excuse for behavior like this, and seatbelts are not so uncomfortable that you can’t keep one loosely on.
“Air pockets can sweep you right off of your feet and can occur without warning. So leave your seat belt on while at your seat.
“It’s a lot more comfortable than a dislocated shoulder.”
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