Even before the plane leaves the tarmac, flight attendants have already analyzed a multitude of elements that most passengers are completely unaware of. These reflexes are part of their daily routine and address very real safety and comfort concerns. Two former crew members detailed their pre-flight habits to Travel + Leisure. Simple tips, but ones that could truly alter your manner of traveling.
Spotting the emergency exits before takeoff
The vast majority of travelers settle into their seat, stow their luggage, and wait for departure without paying attention to the rest of the cabin. Yet, for cabin crew, the location of the emergency exits is a top priority from the moment boarding begins. This vigilance can become essential in an evacuation carried out in the dark or in a smoky environment.
Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant who worked for ten years at US Airways and Virgin America, explains in Travel + Leisure that crews are trained to memorize the cabin layout quickly. “My friend who survived US Airways Flight 1549 (which had to perform an emergency water landing on the Hudson in New York in 2009) always says to count the number of rows separating you from the exit”, he says, referring to the Hudson River landing in 2009. “If you are in row 14, that does not necessarily mean you are 14 rows from the front, because numbering varies between aircraft”, he notes.
Even when they travel as ordinary passengers, former crew members keep this reflex. Catherine Parker, a former flight attendant turned travel journalist, explains to Travel + Leisure in turn: “I always check where the exits are at the window level. I also look behind me to spot the rear exits”.
These habits also remind us of the importance of the safety demonstrations performed before takeoff. Often overlooked by travelers, they contain information that is directly used by industry professionals.
Spotting the “able-bodied” passengers
The cabin crew do not merely greet travelers with a smile. From boarding onward, flight attendants also evaluate profiles likely to respond effectively in case of trouble. In aviation jargon, these passengers are referred to as the “A.B.P.” or “able-bodied person,” meaning people capable of assisting during an emergency.
“Flight attendants are trained to identify people they could call on for help based on their attitude, conversations or other cues that show they could remain steady in an emergency”, explains Bobby Laurie.
According to him, certain very simple details immediately draw the attention of the crew. “How quickly do they respond when you say hello? Do they ignore the crew? Do they wear headphones during the safety video?”, he details in the magazine. “Those are things flight attendants notice.”
But this observational ability can also be useful to travelers themselves. Bobby Laurie explains that passengers can borrow from this vigilance to spot around them people who seem attentive, calm, and capable of reacting effectively in the face of the unforeseen. In a stressful or emergency situation, quickly identifying travelers who keep their cool can help you stay calm yourself and manage the situation more effectively.
Choosing the right outfit
Aviation professionals also pay particular attention to their attire. The goal is not aesthetics but practicality. Catherine Parker explains: “I always wear functional clothing when I travel, such as pants and athletic shoes.”
For flight attendants, an appropriate outfit must first and foremost allow mobility and comfort for the entire journey. Shoes that make it difficult to walk quickly or to stand for long periods are avoided. The crew favors clothing that is easy to wear for several hours while seated, especially in the event of delays or long waits on board.
Temperature variations are another factor professionals consider. In a cabin, heat can swing rapidly between boarding, takeoff, the flight, and landing. Wearing several layers therefore helps to adapt more easily and avoid discomfort during the trip.
The choice of fabrics also matters. Synthetic fabrics are often less comfortable on long journeys, as they can quickly become sticky and uncomfortable. Conversely, natural and breathable materials help better tolerate temperature fluctuations and the many hours spent on the plane.
All of this helps find a balance between comfort and mobility throughout the journey, from departure to baggage claim.
In the same series “Our Travel Tips”
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