Air travel is one of the safest and most convenient modes of transportation available today. This is due to the strict security rules and procedures that are followed by the airlines and aviation authorities. Before takeoff, pilots and ground crew perform a series of checks to ensure that the aircraft is in proper working order. These include instructions ranging from turning off the phone to keeping your seats straight, but how do these things make air travel safer? How does keeping your window shades up and dimming the airplane lights during takeoff and landing relate to the safety of passengers and the aircraft?
To answer all these questions and explain the relevance behind these strict rules, we caught up with Swiss International Airlines flight attendant Ashish Arora to discuss some of these common safety myths, interesting facts and other details , which will help you to fly. Peace of mind the next time you board a plane.
Why can’t you put a laptop in checked-in baggage?
Ashish explains that this regulation came a few years back when some power banks had blasted in cargo flights and as a result the aircraft had to make an emergency landing. However, if the same battery explodes in a passenger plane, we cabin crew can take necessary action. From extinguishing the fire to alerting the pilot about it in case of emergency landing. But there’s nothing you can do about it on cargo flights, so it’s not recommended to keep these electronic items in checked-in baggage.
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Why is the tray table closed during takeoff, landing?
“Keeping the tray table up during take-off and landing is certainly related to safety regulations,” Arora said. He explains that when the plane is on the runway and if takeoff needs to be cancelled, and in that case the tray table is open, the passenger will not be able to get up from his seat because the tray table is open. This way 2-3 more seconds will be wasted and this will delay the withdrawal process.
Why are electronic devices put in airplane mode?
“Mobile networks contain radio waves and these radio waves can interfere with cockpit radio waves. The cockpit is always connected to ATC (Air Traffic Control) and that is why we ask passengers to either switch off or put their phones away. asked to be kept on airplane mode so that these radio waves do not interfere with the cockpit instruments.
Why are window shades open during take-off and landing?
Arora explains that keeping window shades up is essential during take-off and landing and is directly linked to the safety of passengers and the aircraft as it should be visible what is happening outside the aircraft. He explains this with an example where Arora said that “during landing or take off, if the aircraft’s engine catches fire and the window panes are down, it would be impossible to alert the pilot about it. Therefore, we need to keep an eye on what is happening around the aircraft in case of any fire or structural damage, to keep the pilot and pilot alert and well aware of the situation.
Why are passenger seats kept in the upright position?
“Why the seatback needs to be straight is linked to the evacuation process. If there is an emergency and we have to evacuate the aircraft but the seatbacks are reclined, the rear passengers will not be able to stand up from their seats,” Arora said. he said.
He further explained that the evacuation process needs to be finished within 90 seconds using 50 per cent evacuation, but if the seats are not in an upright position, it may delay the evacuation process and be unsafe for passengers.
How do dimming lights help with take off and landing?
Arora said that it takes some time for our eyes to fully adjust to the dark environment. Dimming the lights helps passengers adapt to the low light. This can make a significant difference in case of an emergency at night if everyone needs to be evacuated. The eyes have to be comfortable in the environment to see what is happening outside the aircraft as a safety measure.
Tell us about the 100ml liquid rule in the cabin?
Arora explains that if there is more than 100 ml of liquid, the passengers will have to throw it away. The reason is that if a passenger says it is water but it turns out to be transparent fuel, it can be dangerous in flight. However, if the fuel is 100 ml it may not be that dangerous.