The miraculous outcome of the recent US Airways emergency landing in the Hudson River provides the opportunity to reflect on safety issues when flying.  When flying, have travelers become complacent? It appears that the first major airline incident of 2009 has heightened awareness of the importance of airline and travel safety.

TripAdvisor® just announced the results of its airline safety awareness survey of more than 2,100 U.S. respondents, conducted from January 16 – January 20, 2009. Sixty-eight percent of U.S. respondents said they frequently pay attention to the in-flight safety presentation, with of this compilation nearly a third said they always do. Of the 32 percent who said they rarely or never pay attention to the in-flight safety presentation, 81 percent said it is because they already know it by heart, according to TripAdvisor’s survey results.

Half of travelers surveyed said they have read the seat-back instruction card in the past, but following last week’s “Miracle on the Hudson,” 62 percent are more likely to read it in the future, TripAdvisor’s survey reveals. Seventy-three percent of respondents said they always check the locations of the exits on the plane, while 20 percent often do.  

Related to the US Airways “Miracle on the Hudson,” 31 percent of travelers said they had concerns about bird strikes even before this incident.

According to TripAdvisor survey respondents, the two best ways to recognize the heroic efforts of the US Airways pilot and crew are with monetary compensation, and medals of honor.

“The events of last week gave us all–even frequent flyers– a renewed awareness of the importance of airline safety precautions and procedures. It’s clear that the majority of travelers are paying attention,” said Michele Perry, vice president of global communications for TripAdvisor.

As reported in an official US Airways statement, “US Airways is extremely proud of the professional Crew of Flight 1549. All five of these outstanding aviation professionals performed in an exceptional way under extraordinary circumstances.”

Other TripAdvisor survey findings include:

  • Twelve percent of travelers avoid booking in the emergency exit row because they don’t want the responsibility of opening the doors and assisting the crew in an emergency.
  • Sixty-seven percent of respondents said that during a flight, they feel prepared in the event of an emergency. In the event of a water landing, 75 percent of travelers believe they would know what to do.
  • Fifteen percent of travelers said they have experienced an emergency landing. Five percent of travelers said they have been on a flight where the oxygen masks were deployed, and two percent have had to pull the life jacket out from under their seat.
  • Ninety-one percent said they always keep their seat belt fastened for the journey.

When flying with children, other issues arise. Louie Delaware, the Home Safety Guru, provides a few helpful hints to keep kids safe when flying.

  1. Bring Your Own Car Seats - It is tempting to have a child that is under 2 years of age sit on your lap during your flight.  But it is much easier and safer for everyone if the child has their own seat.  “It is very difficult, and most likely physically impossible, to hold a child during turbulence,” Delaware says.  All children less than 40 pounds should be a car seat and older children in a booster seat.  Make certain that yours has the designation “This restraint is certified for use in motor vehicles and aircraft” as many car seats do not have this.  For best fit in aircraft seats, use a car seat that is less than 16″ wide.  Follow the manufacturer’s instructions to make certain that the seat is properly installed with the airplane buckles.  It is a requirement on many international flights that every child have their own seat. 
  2. Consider Using an Aviation Child Safety Device (ACSD) Strap - This is a restraint device that is allowed on airplanes for children between 22 and 44 pounds.  It attaches to the back of the seat works in addition to the lap belt.   These are much easier to carry as they are just straps.  And they install very easily.   You can order these at www.KidsFlySafe.com. 
  3. Booster Seats – Also, be aware that booster seats are not allowed on many airlines.   
  4. Oxygen Masks – If during your flight the oxygen masks drop from above, put yours on first as you will quickly loose your ability to deal with the emergency.  Once yours is properly on, put one on your child.  What is not communicated is that if there is a sudden loss of cabin pressure that your will possibly lose consciousness within 15-20 seconds without oxygen.  So it is very important that you can get yours on before dealing with your children’s mask.  You will not be of any assistance to them if you pass out after putting theirs on before yours. 

Take time to prepare for a dreaded “what if” scenario occurs when traveling to ensure you are ready if a crisis arises. Next time you board an aircraft, give proper attention to exit rows, safety information and demonstrations. You never know when you might need to employ these life-saving tips.