Sensible Clothing
- Shirt-long sleeved, natural fabrics
- Slacks/Pants-Long, natural fabrics
- Shoes-Leather or canvas and low-heeled.
Child Safety Seat
On Board the Aircraft
- Safely stow carry-on baggage.
- Wear seat belt snug and low across the hips.
- Keep your seat belt fastened at all times.
- If you take your shoes off, put them on before landing.
- Review the passenger safety card before each takeoff and
each landing.
- Listen carefully to the safety briefing.
- Ask questions if safety information is not clear
- Make a mental plan of the actions you would take in an
emergency.
- Be familiar with all exits.
- Count seat rows between you and at least two exits.
Exit Row Seating
- Listen to the safety briefing and/or read the written
instructions for aircraft specifics.
- You must be physically capable and willing to perform
emergency actions. If not, request another seat.
- You must know your responsibilities in the unlikely event
of an emergency.
- Asks questions if instructions are not clear.
- Consider the effects of alcoholic beverages.
Make Your Safe Trip Even Safer
When you fly on the commercial airlines of the United States,
you are flying on the safest, most efficient form of
transportation. When the rare accident does occur, more and more
people survive because of advances in aircraft manufacturing and
design, air traffic control technology, emergency planning, and
cabin safety. Aviation manufacturers, air carriers, and the FAA
are proud of their contributions to aviation's impressive safety
record. You, the air traveler, play a very important role in
aviation safety. You can take responsibility for your own
safety.
- Listen to the safety briefing
- Keep your seat belt fastened.
- Obey carry-on baggage restrictions.
- Wear sensible clothing.
Fly Smart.
Be responsible for your safety and make your safe trip even
safer.
Listen to the Safety
Briefing
"Fly Smart" travelers always listen
to the safety briefing because they know that every aircraft is
different. The following are some tips to ensure that you are
familiar with the aircraft you are on:
- Take the passenger safety card out of the seat pocket and
follow along while you listen to the safety briefing.
Always take a moment to review the card before subsequent
takeoffs and landings.
- One of the best things you can do to be prepared is to
mentally plan the actions you would need to take in an
emergency. As part of this plan, count seat rows between
you and at least two exits.
- If you have any questions about the safety procedures,
ask the flight attendant. Flight attendants are
professionals; they know about the safety procedures of
the aircraft.
Fasten Your Seat Belt
Of all the safety features aboard the aircraft, one of the
most important is right at your fingertips-your seat belt. In a
recent study, nearly 300 turbulence-related serious injuries to
passengers were reported over a 10-year period. None of the
injured had their seat belts fastened. To prevent
turbulence-related injuries, "Fly Smart"
travelers should always:
- Keep their seat belts fastened at all times.
- Make sure their seat belt is secured snugly and low
across the hips.
Obey Carry-On Baggage
Restrictions
"Fly Smart" travelers should be
aware of what they bring on board.
- Most airlines restrict carry-on baggage to two pieces per
passenger.
- carry-on bags must be small enough to fit under the seat
in front of you or in the overhead bins. It's a good idea
to put the heavier items under the seat.
- carry-on items could become flying projectiles during
turbulence. Heavy items and baggage with sharp corners
can be hazardous.
- Some hazardous materials are restricted. They can be
dangerous if carried (or checked) on an aircraft.
Following is a partial list of common articles from the
home, workplace, or garage which, because of their
physical or chemical properties, can pose a danger when
transported.
- Mace, tear gas, and other irritants
- Aerosols containing flammable material (hair spray,
deodorant, repellents)
- Loaded firearms
- Loose ammunition
- Gasoline and other flammable materials
- Propane, butane cylinders or refills, and lighter refills
- wet-type batteries, e.g., used in cars
- Fireworks and flares
- Safety or "strike-anywhere" matches (in checked
baggage)
- Paint and paint-related materials (thinners and cleaners)
- corrosive(acids), poisonous, infectious, and
- radioactive materials
The above list is not all-inclusive. There are certain
exceptions for personal care, medical needs, and equipment to
support physically challenged passengers. There are also
provisions for sporting equipment. When in doubt, check with your
airline.
- In the unlikely event of an emergency evacuation, leave
everything behind.
Wear Sensible Clothing
For ease of movement and protection in the unlikely event of
an evacuation, "Fly Smart" travelers
should follow these guidelines:
- Wear clothes make of natural fabrics such as cotton,
wool, denim, and leather. They offer the best protection.
Synthetics may melt when they are heated.
- Wear clothing that allows freedom of movement. Avoid
restrictive clothing.
- Wear low-heeled shoes or boots. (Shoes with laces or
straps are recommended. Avoid sandals.)
- Arms and legs should be as fully covered as possible.
(Long sleeves/pants are recommended.)
In the unlikely event of an emergency
you should be aware of the following:
Evacuation Slides
- Jump feet first into the center of slide.
- Do not sit down to slide.
- Place arms across chest, elbows in, and legs and feet
together.
- High-heeled shoes can damage slides.
Rapid Decompression
- Pull oxygen mask toward you to start oxygen flow.
- Put your oxygen mask on as quickly as possible.
- Help children and others with their masks.
Flotation Devices
- Know where they are and how to use them.
- Life vests (under seat, if available), life rafts, and
some seat cushions and evacuation slides can be used as
flotation devices.
Evacuating the Aircraft
- Follow instructions of crew member, if possible.
- Stay calm and proceed quickly to exit.
- Leave all your possessions behind.
Fire or Smoke
- Inflight-
- Use wet paper towel or handkerchief over nose and
mouth.
- Move away from the source of fire and smoke.
On Ground-
- Stay low.
- Proceed by your predetermined count of seat rows
to exits and/or follow floor proximity lighting
to an exit.
- Exit the aircraft.
- Leave all your possessions behind.
Outside the Aircraft
- Move away from aircraft, fire, and smoke.
- If possible, help those requiring assistance.
- Remain alert for emergency vehicles.
- Never go back into a burning aircraft.
"Fly Smart" travelers use this Air Travelers Checklist
To receive a printed copy of "Fly Smart An Air Travelers
Guide"
brochure from which these pages are based, write:
- FAA/ASY-20
- 400 7th Street, S.W.
- Washington, D.C. 20590
You may also leave your request with an automated telephone
answering service by dialing:
- 202-267-7770
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Last Updated: 1/6/96
U.S. Department of Transportation
Federal Aviation Administration
Last Updated: 12/22/95
