that planes are appreciably safer than they were a decade ago. During the past ten years, US planes have averaged ten fatal accidents for every 2,000,000 departures.
Part of the problem is an unintentional consequence of deregulation. During the era of federal control, many companys exceeded minimum safety requirements. But today fewer companys exceed the standards because deregulation has intensified competition, thereby creating financial problems that have forced some airlines to divert resources away from safety.
But, more information about airline performance is now available, and it gives passengers new ways to choose safer airlines and increase their chances of surviving a crash.
How to choose safer airlines:
Rule #1:
If possible, don't fly an airline that's in financial difficulty. There's no certainty that a money-troubled airline will be less safe. But the FAA itself increases safety surveillance of such airlines on the assumption that they're under pressure to cut corners on safety and maintenance.
For similar reasons, think twice about flying an airline that's having severe labor problems, especially those that may disrupt maintenance operations. (especially during you're traveling)
Rule #2: Avoid small regional airlines whenever possible. Although some regionals have good safety records, statistics show that you're three times more likely to die in a crash on a plane with 30 or fewer seats than on a larger aircraft. Among other problems, regionals often use small airports that aren't as well equipped to guide planes in at night and in bad weather as larger airports are. Also, small airplanes often lack the more sophisticated instrumentation for bad-weather flying and regional pilots are generally not as experienced as those who fly for major carriers.
For a personal tip see Mark and Judy of MouseTours Travels They have traveled all over the world. With a click of your mouse, travel with them to the corners of the world for suggestions on where you might want to go. Travel adventure stories and helpful tips inspire you to take your dream trip! Answers to questions... Where to go? How to choose? Can custom tours be affordable? What to pack? Do you need shots? What is a visa? Do you need one? What about foreign money... and the language? Learn from their experiences! Happy travels!
Trap: Airlines don't always tell passengers that they're routed on a regional carrier for a particular leg of their trip. For that reason, always ask which airline you'll be flying on each leg. You may find that another major airline will fly directly to your destination or that you can rent a car and drive from a nearby major city.
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of specific planes, and these are available to the public. The accident data are difficult to interpret because problems may originate with the different kinds of engines that a single type of aircraft may use. And some aircraft that are flown over more dangerous routes may appear statistically less safe than other when they're really not.
Nevertheless, if for no other reason than peace of mind, travelers can avoid specific types of planes, particularly the DC-10 that's been involved in several recent disasters. And avoiding a certain type of plane is easier than most passengers realize.
When you make reservations, ask the ticket or travel agents what kind of plane is scheduled on your flight. If they balk, be insistent; agents virtually always have that information. If you have qualms about the plane, ask for another flight or make reservations with another airline.
Before you leave for the airport, check again with the airline to see if there's been a change in planes. If there has been, and if you don't want to fly on the craft, you again have the option of making other travel arrangements (unless you have a nonrefundable ticket).
Even with a nonrefundable ticket, don't give up. Go to the airport and use persuasion on the ticket agent. Unfortunately, you have no other power to ask him/her to switch your flight.
Agents are under no obligation to help travelers in that situation. But if you make it clear that the only reason you want to switch is to fly on another type aircraft, the agent may accommodate you to earn goodwill for the airline.
Choosing the safest seats:
Myth: That the safest seats on all commercial aircraft are those next to emergency exits.
Reality: Aisle seats close to the over-wing emergency exits are safer. These seats are commonly in the mid-front section of the plane. If you sit in the window seat next to an emergency exit, you may be worse off in the event of a crash that jams the exit. Aisle seats near several exits give you more escape options in a crash.
Lifesaving precaution. When you take your seat in the plane, count and memorize the number of rows to the nearest exits. Reason: If smoke fills the cabin after a crash, you may have to feel your way in the dark to an exit. This precaution is based on the tactics that crash survivors have actually used to get out of a plane.
For some protection against fire, wear fulllength clothing, suits or dresses made of wool or cotton, study shoes and eyeglasses with an attachable lanyard. Avoid wearing shorts or clothing made of such synthetics as polyester, which can melt to your body in a fire.
Women should not wear high-heeled shoes on a plane. They can cause you to trip, and they can snag on the emergency-exit slide.
If the plane fills with smoke, stay low, even if you have to crawl. Two or three breaths of toxic smoke can kill you. If there's enough warning before a crash, place a damp cloth over your mouth in order to breathe through smoke.
Get as far away from the plane as possible if you're lucky enough to escape it after a crash.
Learn how to open the exits by reading the emergency instructions soon after you get on the plane. That's something you don't want to learn as the aircraft bursts into flames.
Most of the big catastrophes involving major airlines have been attributed to either poor weather conditions or air-traffic controller errors. But most commuter airline crashes stem from pilot error. According to the watchdogs at the Aviation Consumer Action Project, you are three times more likely to be in a fatal accident on a commuter airline than on a large truck carrier.
Scary reasons: Many commuter pilots are inexperienced, hired fresh out of flight school with very little -- and sometimes no -- bad weather or emergency training. For economic reasons, these pilots get most of their hands on training late at night or on weekends, after they've already put in a full day of flying. Most of them are never trained in simulators -- standard for the big airlines -- because the commuter lines operate on a shoestring budget.
What's in your control:
Even seasoned travelers often don't realize that commuter airline passengers have much more control over flight operations than do passengers on the big truck carriers. Strategy: Assume that you and the pilot are the only ones on the plane, even if you're surrounded by other passengers. Commuter pilots have more leeway than you'd think and, according to our sources, are often willing to act on passenger suggestions, as long as they're reasonable and don't jeopardize safety.
Whether you're flying in a 20-seat jet or a two-seat air taxi, there are a few things you can do to increase your personal safety. Some of these steps might cost you time or money, but they could save your life.
Make sure the pilot checks the plane
thoroughly before takeoff. For example, does the pilot take fuel samples?
Ask about weather conditions. If the skies are cloudy, ask whether the pilot is instrument rated, whether he/she is up-to-date on the navigation equipment and whether a flight plan has been filed to allow the plane to be navigated based on instrument readings rather than on visual information. If the answer to any of these questions is "no," you are in great peril, especially at night. If at all possible, skip this flight.
If every seat is full, ask if the plane is too heavy for takeoff, especially on a warm day or when you're taking off from a short runway. Many small planes are dangerous if every seat is full.
Once in the plane, watch the pilot get ready for departure. He should be using a checklist and checking everything methodically. Don't trust anything to his memory. (even in a war-zone)
Once aloft, watch weather. If you hear the pilot talking about thunderstorms with an air traffic controller and the plane's not equipped with radar or a Stormscope, tell the pilot that you're in no hurry. He can take a longer -- and -- safer -- route.
If you see ice forming on the plane, suggest that the pilot take a rest room stop. (it sounds odd, but it's more common than most people think.)
If the pilot is flying visually (by sight, not instruments), and it appears that he can't see a good distance, tell the pilot that you'd prefer to discontinue this flight. Other reasons to discontinue: Clouds below the plane, rain, snow and flying low.
If the pilot tries to entertain you by flying low, making steep bank turns or pulling the plane in for a closer look at something on the ground, calmly insist that he take you back to the airport.
If an approach and landing are being tried in bad weather, tell the pilot that it's okay with you to land at another airport.
If fuel gauges appear low or the pilot says he's streching it, suggest a refueling stop sooner, not later.
Warning: Commuter airlines are not governed by the same stringent rules as the large truck carriers. If your trip requires a change of plane, the second leg of your journey could be on a commuter plane. Option: Consider renting a car or taking a train or bus.
Go to the passport office in person. Bring your airline ticket, two passport pictures, proof of citizenship (an old passport, voter registration or birth certificate). A piece of identification with your photo on it and the fee ($55 for renewal). Give the passport office a good reason why you are rushed. Result: A few days versus a few week's wait.
If your passport is lost or stolen when you're traveling abroad, notify the local police and the US embassy or consulate immediately. Good news: An overnight replacement is sometimes possible in an emergency. To hasten the process: Know your passport number: This speeds up verification of the original application. Next best: Have a valid identification document with you. Shrewd: Take a Photostat of your passport on the trip.
Easy way to save big on airfare: Study a map before purchasing tickets. Make a list of cities within driving distance of your destination and then ask your travel agent about the fare to those cities. Example: A recent roundtrip fare from Chicago to Cincinnati for a family of four was $1,228. But by flying instead to Louisville, an air route that offered a "friends fly free" program and a city that is about an hour's drive from Cincinnati, the cost was $206.
Cheaper airfares:
Airfares are usually cheapest on Tuesdays and Wednesdays, highest on Monday and Fridays. Rates are discounted most often on midday and late-night flights, rarely during morning and evening business commuting hours.
Overlooked airfare saver:
Many airlines will reimburse you for the amount of any drop in the price of an airline ticket that occurs after you buy it but before you use it. But you won't get a reimbursement if you don't ask. Advice: Before getting on your flight, ask the ticket agent to check his computer for the current price of your ticket, and see if you are entitled to a refund.
Frequent air travelers generally believe Lufthansa and Scandinavian Airlines are tops for their adherence to schedule and their excellent service. But truly seasoned travelers know that Asian airlines are also great on price and service. Recommended are Taiwan's China Airlines, Philippine Airlines and Singapore Airlines.
These three have in-cabin service that's superb. flight attendants go all out to put passengers at ease and make the flight as pleasant as possible. Cabins are clean and comfortable. Food is excellent. flights usually depart on time, and luggage is handled smoothly.
On a trip abroad you can encounter problems you might never have though of. It's important to make adequate preparation and to be aware of how American embassies abroad operate.
Before you leave:
Check your health and accident insurance to see if you're covered for illness or injury abroad. Also: Will your policy pay for transportation home if you're on a litter and need more than one airplane seat? Although a number of companies will pay for treatment, transportation is rarely covered. Recommended: Fill in the section provided in your passport for a contact in case of emergency. Keep it accurate and up to date for each trip. Don't list your spouse if he/she is going with you. It can delay notification of your next of kin by the Department of State
Carry a copy of the prescriptions for any medications you're carrying. Don't take large amounts of any prescription drug, as you might come under suspicion by foreign customs.
If something happens:
US embassies or consulates all have consular sections to assist. American travelers who encounter emergencies abroad. If you're in any trouble, don't hesitate to use their services. Call or visit the embassy. Consuls are responsive to the needs of Americans traveling or residing abroad. However, they must devote the majority of their priority time and energy to those Americans who are in serious trouble (legal, medical, etc.).
Lost passports and credit cards:
If your passport is lost or stolen, contact the nearest embassy or consulate immediately. A consul will interview you, and if he/she is satisfied with your US citizenship and identity, a new passport can be quickly issued. Will he believe you? Most Americans are able to satisfy the consular officer on the basis of a personal interview and presentation of identification that was not stolen or lost with the passport. In some cases, however, the consul may find it necessary to wire the Department of State to verify that you had been issued a previous passport. (A sign of the times)
The consul will be able to refer you to any local offices of the major credit cards or travelers check. If you lose all your money, the embassy will assist you in having funds transferred from a friend or relative in the US through State Department channels. What it won't do; Lend you money.
Missing persons:
The State Department often receives emergency requests to locate a friend or relative who has disappeared abroad. If you're worried about someone who's abroad, call the Citizens Emergency Center in Washington, D.C. It maintains a 24-hour line at (202) 647-5225. The center will provide a liaison between the concerned person in the States and the appropriate embassy, which will try to locate the missing traveler. If you contact the Department of State for assistance in locating someone abroad, provide as much information as possible about the itinerary of the person you wish to locate. (This is one reason travelers should leave a detailed itinerary with a relative. Note: Under the Privacy Act of 1974, the consul cannot provide information about a US citizen without the authorization of that person)
Medical care:
The embassy or consulate has lists of local English-speaking doctors, some of whom were trained in the US, and lists of the better local hospitals.
In a sample year, 3,000 Americans were arrested in 97 foreign countries for offenses ranging from narcotics and disorderly conduct to murder. If arrested, you should ask to contact your embassy. Be polite but persistent in making this request. American embassies are usually informed when Americans are arrested in foreign countries. A consular officer will visit an American in prison as soon as possible and provide him/her with a list of local attorneys, including their specialties and qualifications. The consul can also call an attorney for the American if he isn't able to make a call, notify friends or relatives at home, help wire for funds, make sure basic health and safety needs are being met and make sure he's not being discriminated against because he's an American. What the embassy can't do: Get someone out of jail. Americans are subject to the laws of the country in which they are residing or visiting.
Dangers:
Auto accidents. In many foreign countries, you can be arrested or imprisoned for driving while intoxicated or held criminally liable for an accident in which someone is injured. Drive carefully!
Narcotics. Those convicted of possession or trafficking in drugs usually spend from two to ten years in jail, often with long waits in jail for a trial. Bail is generally not possible for narcotics offenses or other serious offenses in most foreign countries. Important: If you get a call from abroad saying your youngster has been arrested, confirm the arrest with the Citizens Emergency Center before sending money. The call could be an extortion attempt.
Black marketeering. This is a very serious offense in many countries and is often punished by a prison term. Also: Beware of blackmarket currency transactions. You could be robbed or wind up with counterfeit currency.
Personal exemption: $300 ($600 from Guam, American Samoa or the Virgin Islands). The next $600: A flat rate of 10% duty (5% from the US Islands). Above this: Individual assessments are made on goods.
Sending gifts: Such gifts are duty-free if marked unsolicited gift, value under $25. Gifts cannot be sent to yourself or to a traveling companion.
Sending goods home. Duty must be paid on major items. They do not count as part of a personal exemption.
Liquor and tobacco. You are allowed one liter of alcohol, 100 cigars and 200 cigarettes. (State laws take precedence over federal regulations.) Drugs: Medication obtained abroad could be seized.
Pretrip jitters hit many travelers, even veterans. Remedies: Since the cause of jitters is often anxiety over things left undone, pack a few days early and make checklists. Always allow plenty of time prior to leaving. Extreme solution: Pretend your departure is an hour earlier than it actually is. Arrive at the airport two hour early, and you will have time for a leisurely glass of wine or a cup of coffee before the trip.
When you travel, avoid putting pressure on yourself: Don't rush to the boarding gate the moment your flight is announced. Relax in the waiting room until the rush is over -- your seat is reserved. Similarly, wait in your seat after the plane lands. Those who push for the exits end up standing for long periods. Unless absolutely necessary, don't run to catch a bus, cab or subway. When commuting by car, occasionally take the less-traveled routes.
