Flying safely involves a number things you as a passenger can do, although there is always a slight element of risk, due to the factors you cannot control. Let's look at the ones you can control:

1-Contact your airline for the restrictions on what you can bring with you in the cabin of the airplane. Currently there are restrictions on the amount of liquids you can bring with you, and the containers for these liquids.

If you don't want to lose your item at the security checkpoint, make sure you know what you can bring with you. I had the experience of losing several bottles of expensive nailpolish because of this rule.

2-Be courteous to the flight staff. They are there to help you and make your flight more enjoyable, so be nice to them. Don't be afraid to ask them for anything you might need, as they are there to help you.

3-Read the safety card for the aircraft you're flying on. You'll need to know where all the exits are and what other safety features that plane is equipped with.

4-Your seat assignment is also important. Get either an aisle seat or a seat in the bulkhead row, where there's extra room to move. If you need to move quickly, these two seat choices are the best options.

5-When sitting, keep you seat belt on at all times, as turbulence can happen at any time.

6-If you're on a flight that's longer than 3 hours, get up every hour or so to walk around. This is important to prevent blood clots from forming in your extremities.

7-Drink lots of water, but cut out the alcohol and caffeine. Keeping hydrated is important as airplanes are quite drying environments due to the recirculated air. Alcohol and caffeine are dehydrating liquids, so try to keep those to a minimum.

8-Keep your carry-on luggage in the overhead compartment. This will give you more room in your seat as your bag will be out of the way of your feet, and it's safer for everyone. Turbulence and the plane's natural movement can cause your baggage to move around or even become airborne, so stowing it in the overhead compartment is the best option for everyone.

9-Locate all the exits and try to remember where they are, so that if anything happens, you'll know which way to turn.

The last tip is an easy one, remain calm throughout the flight. This will make the flight pass much more smoothly and make it easier for you & everyone else on the flight have a better flight.

Happy travels!

Learn more about this author, Julia Borgini.
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