How to Survive a Plane Crash
FAA's Tips for Air Travelers
Sometimes, passengers and crew get some advance warning. The JetBlue passengers had lots of time to prepare as their plane burned off fuel for hours before making the emergency landing.
If time is on your side, make the most of it. Review safety information about bracing for those landings, says Corbett.
The brace position depends on where you're sitting, she says. For passengers with a seat in front of them, the suggested brace position is to cross your hands on the seat in front of you and rest your forehead on top of your hand, says Corbett.
"That way, you don't have as far forward to flail if you didn't have your head there," she explains. "Also, it's more difficult to get way down and hug your knees when you're in a seat that has another seat in front of it."
If you don't have a seat in front of you, bend over as far as you can, grab your legs behind your knees, and keep your head down until the plane stops, says Corbett.
Sharp objects shouldn't be in your pockets, due to security rules. Airlines may have their own standards about whether eyeglasses should be removed, says Corbett. Take pens and pencils out of your pockets.
Protect Your Legs and Feet
"We've also recommended that you try to get your feet planted as far back as you can …. simply because of the way that the legs and feet tend to fly out," says Corbett, noting reports of broken bones from poor foot positioning.
"We also recommend that carry-on baggage be put under the seat and not in the overhead [bin]. That gives a block there, so the feet and legs can't go up under the seat in front," says Corbett.
Follow Instructions if Available
If a flight attendant is able to give directions after a crash, obey them. But sometimes, flight crews aren't able to do that.
"That's why it is important to know what to do, even without the orders," says Corbett. "Some people sit and wait for orders and if they don't hear any, then they sit right through the disaster."