Due to the latest tragic air accident of Air France Flight 447, travelers are now in doubt about airline safety and how safe it is to travel by air. Here are some tips to avoid, if not prevent, air travel accidents:

1.    Avoid connecting flights, if possible, or lessen them if you need to. By flying nonstop routes, you avoid the four major phases of aircraft flying: take-off, climb, descent and landing. This doubles the malfunction rate than flying straight to and fro.
2.    Get to know the aircraft you are going to board. Seniors should do their research and get to know the aircraft. Some information you should search for is the model and its accident rate, if any. Apparently, larger aircrafts are much safer to board than smaller ones and they hold better passenger survival rates, in case of accidents.
3.    Every time a plane takes off, there is always a preflight briefing. It is important that you pay attention to what the flight attendant is talking about each time because every plane has their own emergency exits which will also depend on your seat location. Take note of the suggested routes to use in case you will need the emergency exit. You can also count the seats between yours and the exits in case there will be heavy smoke and you couldn’t see very well.
4.    Do not place heavy items inside the overhead storage bins. They might fall off directly into your head during turbulence and minor disturbances. You can put it securely under your seat so it will not roll off and disturb other passengers. Don’t try to hand-carry big luggage because they don’t belong inside the passenger area. They will only cramp your space and will limit your range of motion.
5.    Seat belts are meant to protect you; maximize its use every time you board a plane. Take note of its mechanism to avoid fumbling with it during an emergency. If you are having some problems with your seat belts, ask your flight attendant about it and they will gladly assist you. Taking off your seat belts during the flight is not encouraged so it is best to stay seated during the flight, if possible. Do some leg stretching only if necessary to avoid DVT or deep vein thrombosis during long flights.
6.    It is also advisable to wear sensible clothes that will allow you to move however you please. High heeled footwear may injure you especially if you are having trouble with your balance. Try not to wear synthetics because they catch fire easily, instead wear cotton.
7.    Stay away from booze. Alcoholic drinks can impair your judgment in case of emergency thus will take precious time better spent on saving yourself and helping others. It was also said that alcoholic drinks, when taken onboard, can affect a person more strongly.
8.    It is always great to be prepared at all times. By creating an emergency plan, you will be able to move and exit without so much of a fuss.
9.    There is a passenger safety card provided to all passengers aboard. Take time to review them for your own safety.
10.    Don’t smuggle hazardous materials. Surely you don’t want the accident to start from your own baggage right?