How to Survive an Airplane Crash

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In the unlikely event you're ever in a plane crash, these tips will dramatically improve your odds of walking away from it alive.

Step 1: Book a good seat
Book a seat in the exit row or within five rows of it. People in those seats have the highest survival rates.

Tip
Aisle seats are safer than windows seats, unless you're sitting next to an exit door.

Step 2: Dress for escape
Wear pants and a long-sleeved shirt made of non-flammable material, like denim or cotton, and flat, sturdy, closed-toe shoes. You want clothes that don't restrict movement, but also offer some protection from flames, flying debris, and the elements.

Step 3: Bring a smoke hood
Bring a smoke hood, or even just a wet washcloth sealed in a plastic bag. Most crash victims survive impact, but die of smoke inhalation.

Tip
If you don't have a smoke hood or wet cloth, breathe through your clothing.

Step 4: Memorize the layout
Once aboard, count the seats between you and the nearest front and rear emergency exit. You want to be able to feel your way should the cabin fill with smoke. Note where the flight attendants sit, so you'll know where to turn for instructions.

Step 5: Brace yourself
When instructed, brace yourself for an emergency landing. With your feet on the floor, cross your arms on the seat in front of you and lower your head onto them. If there is no seat in front, hug your knees. Try to remain that way until the plane comes to a complete stop.

Tip
Remove any sharp objects from your shirt and pants. If you wear glasses, take them off.

Step 6: Know how to undo your seatbelt
It may sound stupid, but remind yourself that airplane seat belts open by lifting a buckle, not pushing a button. Research shows that many flyers forget this when they're panicked, delaying their exit.

Step 7: Stoop, don't crawl
If the cabin fills with smoke, forget what you learned about staying close to the floor in a fire. In a commercial jetliner, you want to stoop, not crawl. You'll still get air, but you won't run the risk of being trampled.

Tip
Exit the plane immediately and find your loved ones outside. Trying to find them inside will delay everyone, including those you're trying to help.

Step 8: Run like heck
Once off the plane, run for your life -- literally. You want to get away from the plane in case it explodes.

Did You Know?
Research shows that passengers who sit near the back of the plane are 40% more likely to survive a crash than those in the first few rows.