Have you ever heard this saying, “The more things change the more they stay the same?” It is certainly true of the safety information process when we fly. From the time you enter the airport to the time you board the aircraft; many savvy changes have been adopted to replace the ones we used many years ago.
We have seen upgrades to first and business class and even to coach. Some for the better. Others? Well… You might probably be sprinting ahead thinking of all the changes that have occurred. I suggest these: seating, baggage, boarding, TSA processing, etc. just to name a few.
One protocol that remains no matter how quickly the TSA lines are navigated, what boarding letter (A – E) assigned, what seat assignment given, or how well the two allowed pieces of luggage are stowed away, is the practice of – the safety demonstration. It must be done just before take-off.
Believe it or not, flying is not my favorite form of travel. Unlike driving my car, I am acutely aware that once I leave the ground I am no longer in charge. Therefore, attention to details and any safety instructions given becomes paramount for me. In the air, I trust that God will take me to my destination safely, but I pay strict attention to the Captain, Co-pilot and stewardesses whenever announcements are given while taxiing. However, to my dismay, many times I witness others preoccupied with all the on-board attractions/distractions. Hardly are the safety-cards in the seat pockets reviewed (this observation is not a blanket statement) as the cabin crew go over the safety regulations, but many are busy making themselves comfortable, chatting, eating, etc.
Even though most airline carriers are hi-tech and use the immediate seat-back screens to get their safety messages across, a stewardess must still stand in the aisle to demonstrate the process. From my observations, it seems what’s more important is flipping through the in-flight menu/catalog, looking out the window and generally not paying attention to the safety spiel.
Yes, it may be rote for the frequent flyer, but one that they certainly cannot afford to ignore, no matter how often they fly the open skies, and one that the infrequent flyer can’t dismiss. I cannot tell whether the technology is a more effective way to grab the attention of the traveler, but what I can tell you is I hardly ever see the safety cards in the seat pockets removed and reviewed by fellow passengers.
How seriously do you follow the instructions? Do you look around for the exit doors when pointed out? Do you check under the seats to see if the life-vest is there? Granted, the seating process becomes a bit harried at the end to prepare for the take-off. It is not the opportune time to poke around or pull the seat up to find the life-jacket, thereby delaying other passengers from sitting. However, you might find paying close attention may make the world of difference in an emergency.
Community Peeps, do you pay attention to the stewardesses’ safety methods? Do you prefer the directives given via in-flight entertainment screen or by person? Please share your thoughts in the comment box below. In closing, I think it is still a good idea to pay attention to the safety guidelines and demonstration, and be able to identify where the exit doors are if necessary. What are your observations?
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