Top Airline Safety Questions- PART 1

The most important questions about airline safety answered in this easy-to-follow run-down:

1.      Where is the safest place to sit on an airplane?

The short answer is there is no safest seat.

In an aircraft accident where the plane is seriously damaged or one or more occupants are injured or killed, the severity of the injuries depends on many factors, some of which may not be apparent until an accident occurs.

For example, there have been many accidents involving heavy smoke or fire where survival depended on the ability of the passengers to not panic and to quickly remove themselves and others from the aircraft after landing.

2.      Which aircraft model is the safest?

In general, all aircraft in a particular class have to adhere to the same set of standards. When safety concerns arise because of one or more accidents associated with a particular model, the civil aviation authorities of the major industrialized countries will usually require that the issue be addressed in all relevant aircraft models.

For example, fatal airline accidents due to wind shear in the 1970s and 1980s in the U.S. led to a number of innovations in aircraft and ground wind shear detection systems and also in flight crew training which has led to a reduction in the risk of accidents from that weather issue.

While accidents of any kind are rare, you can get a better idea of how safe an aircraft model is by comparing how often passengers die in a plane crash involving that particular aircraft model.

Keep your loved ones informed of your flight by subscribing to www.arrivedok.mobi and if you are not a member of our fan club yet, check us out and join our community of travel lovers at www.facebook.com/arrivedok today!

Disabled Travel. PART 04

TIP 6: Carry medical alert information on your person: Always ensure that you carry your medical alert information, preferably in a place that a medical professional or anyone who assists you will find easily (wallet card, necklace, close to your identification).

TIP 7: Use a specialist travel agent: Some agents provide niche services and they may be invaluable for disabled travelers. Some agents are very experienced in working with hearing-impaired travelers, another with developmentally impaired travelers. Since the requirements for these varied travelers can be staggeringly different, it helps to find someone who knows the ropes and is able to help you as much as possible. If you are from America, you can check the agent search feature at the American Society of Travel Agents Web site.

When flying, remember to arrange for an aisle seat for your elderly family member so he/she can get up and walk around with ease. This holds true for car and train rides as well.  A quick pit-stop to stretch their legs to crucial both for their comfort and health. The elderly face a greater risk for blood clots, when sitting for too long in one place, so it is important that they take constant breaks to simply walk around to prevent DVT.

Schedule plenty of breaks and time out for snacks. See that your elderly relative or friend hydrates themselves. Because the elderly are more set in their way, try to maintain meal times and sleep schedules.

When traveling with an elderly person it is always wise to be prepared. Bring along a mild laxative in your overnight bag, as constipation can be more frequent than diarrhea in the older traveler. Remember to pack extra batteries for hearing aides and make sure they are turned to an appropriate volume. Bring along an extra pair of glasses., after all, accidents do happen on long trips.

If you are from the USA, the U.S. Department of Transportation has a toll-free hotline to assist air travelers with disabilities. The line is staffed from 7 am to 11 pm Eastern time, seven days a week. Call (800) 778-4838 (voice) or (800) 455-9880 (TTY).

When traveling with an elderly relative or friend, comfort is very important. Therefore make sure that you both take a few extra minutes to eat something, take any medication and go to the restroom once you have passed through security.

Check to see if the airline allows early boarding. The boarding process usually begins 30 minutes prior to scheduled take-off. Most airlines allow passengers needing special assistance to board the plane first, regardless of ticket class or seating. This will help avoid standing in a long line to board and give you time to get comfortable before the plane is filled with other passengers.

Drink plenty of water as the airplane air system can easily make you dehydrated. Make routine trips to the restroom even if it is just for movement, especially on long haul or even long flights. Carry a tube (not more than 100 ml) of soothing lotion or emollient as the cabin air is very drying. A small bottle of lavender or rose water face spray is also useful as it will not just hydrate yours and your companion’s skin, but the soothing aroma of the herbs will help you to relax, especially in the case of Lavender.

When checking in at the ticket counter you will probably be told that your relative and yourself will be allowed to pre-board the plane in order to get settled before the majority of passengers are allowed to find their seats. Take advantage of this extra time to get your mother/father secured and comfortable in his/her seat and squared away before you take your seat. The flight attendants will pay special attention to your needs and will call for a wheelchair upon landing and will assist you in disembarking at the end of your trip.

Traveling by train has much of the same options offered, from free wheelchair access to attendants ready to assist you and your relative up to your train seat. However, be aware that train rides are notoriously hard on sensitive backs due to the rocking motion and the length of most train trips, so anyone with back problems may want to consider other travel options.

A long cruise might seem like the answer to many health problems, but you have concerns there as well to tend to. Is there a qualified doctor on board? Is he/she prepared to deal with your relative’s medical condition? Is the ship equipped with all the pertinent equipment in case of an emergency? How fast can your mother/father be removed from the cruise ship and taken to a hospital in case of an emergency? These are all major questions you should ask your ticket agent before laying down the cash for a leisurely cruise.

Join us at www.facebook.com/arrivedok