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空难逃生秘笈

Study shows that the odds of being killed on a single airline flight are one in 4.7 million, 95.7 per cent of people survive an accident on a plane and even in more serious aviation disasters, more than 76 per cent of passengers survive.

But if you do find yourself in an accident, there are certain things you can do to up your chances of making it home alive, say experts.

★★★PAY ATTENTION

It often seems unnecessary to read the safety card in your seat pocket, but experts say you'll be the most likely to survive if you are able to recall the location of exits and emergency equipment, such as life jackets and oxygen masks. However, surviving the initial impact isn't everything. Passengers are then at risk of fire and smoke inhalation as well as water in the case of a water landing, meaning often the best way to save yourself is to exit the plane as quickly as possible.

★★★DRESS DOWN

Avoid wearing clothes of highly flammable synthetic fabrics, choosing for cotton or wool. The initial impact is one thing, but following that there is a serious risk of fire in the plane.

And make sure you slip on a comfortable pair of flats rather than high heels, which can puncture evacuation slides and will slow down your exit. Flip flops are also considered footwear that could slow you down in an emergency.

Other experts advise passengers not to kick off their shoes during the flight as, in the event of an accident, debris on the floor could reduce your chances of making a speedy exit from the aircraft if you are barefoot.

★★★DITCH YOUR BELONGINGS

Survey reveals 68 percent of passengers killed in plane crashes died due to post-crash fires, not injuries caused by the impact of a crash. With as little as 90 seconds to exit the plane before the fire spreads in it, the time spent reaching for your carry-on luggage could be the difference between life and death, as well as holding up other passengers trying to leave the aircraft.