In-flight safety

For your own protection, Transport Canada recommends that you always stay in your seat with your seat belt fastened during your flight, even when the seat belt sign is off. You can leave your seat temporarily when the seat belt sign is off.

Although they are rare, incidents involving air turbulence are the leading cause of injuries to both passengers and crew members. Air turbulence is caused by atmospheric pressure differences, cold or warm fronts, jet streams, mountains or thunderstorms. It can occur without warning and may last just seconds.

Your seat belt must be fastened during takeoff, landing, during turbulence and any time during the flight that crew members think it is necessary.

Aircraft seat belts work differently than those in your car. Make sure you can fasten it, adjust it tightly and release it quickly. Make sure it is fastened securely around your hips and not around your waist. If you need a seat belt extension, please let your airline know before you arrive at the airport.

The safety features card at your seat provides you with safety information about the aircraft on which you are travelling, such as how to operate each exit on the aircraft and how to use the equipment provided for you to use in case of emergency, such as life preservers and oxygen masks. The operation of the exits can differ from one aircraft to another and even from the front to the back of the same aircraft, so it is important to read the card and make sure you are familiar with the safety features before an emergency takes place.

The safety features card also includes instructions on how to adopt the “brace for impact” position, which can significantly increase your chance of survival and lower your risk of injury during an airline emergency.

To brace for impact, you pre-position your body against whatever surface you are most likely to strike during an impact, which will reduce the force of the impact and any resulting injuries.

The best brace for impact position depends on a number of factors, including your size and physical limitations, the interior layout of the aircraft, the type and scale of the emergency, and the direction and sequence of the crash forces.

In the event of decompression, an oxygen mask will automatically appear in front of you in most commercial aircraft. To start the flow of oxygen, pull the mask towards you. Place it firmly over your nose and mouth, secure the elastic band behind your head, and breathe normally. Although the bag does not inflate, oxygen is flowing to the mask. If you are travelling with a child or someone who requires assistance, secure your mask first, and then help the other person. Keep your mask on until a crew member advises you to remove it.

The location of the emergency exits is different from one aircraft to another. Check where your seat is located in relation to the two nearest exits, so that if there is an emergency you will be able to follow the instructions of the crew members and leave the aircraft as quickly as possible.

If you are sitting in the row next to an emergency exit, you are responsible for opening the exit if there is an accident. Make sure you listen carefully to the safety briefing, study the instructions and ask questions if you don’t understand something. If you don’t think you can do it, ask to be moved to another seat.

The pre-flight briefing may also include information on carry-on baggage, smoking, the oxygen system and life preservers.

In the event of an emergency evacuation, every second counts. Always leave all carry-on baggage and personal items behind and follow crew member instructions. Trying to get your carry-on baggage from under the seat or the overhead bin delays the evacuation. This puts you and others at risk.

Dress appropriately for the conditions you may encounter before, during and after your flight.

The clothes you are wearing can play a significant role in your safety. For example, synthetic blend fabrics ignite quickly, shrink, melt and continue to burn even after the heat source is removed.

• Natural fibres such as cotton, wool, denim and leather offer the best protection during an evacuation or fire.
• Synthetic fibres (rayon, poly/cotton and nylon found in pantyhose, wigs, hairpieces, scarves, ties and underwear) can become very hot, melt and cause severe burns.
• Avoid leaving large areas of your body uncovered. Shorts and skirts leave your legs bare.
• Non-restrictive clothing allows you greater movement.
• Keep your shoes on during the flight.
• Wear enclosed low-heeled shoes or boots that have laces or straps.