| How often do we discuss issues like safe air | | | | Tokyo. Consider flying nonstop. Fly directly |
| travel, maybe just around the time we're | | | | from Los Angeles to Tokyo or with the least |
| getting ready to fly either, on business or | | | | possible stops. Some airlines might offer |
| for leisure? The other day, some of us had a | | | | overnight layovers in New York, London, |
| lively discussion over coffee, on this very | | | | Dubai, New Delhi, or Beijing before you |
| topic. Not because any of us are on that | | | | disembark in Tokyo! Choose a larger and |
| anticipated spring-break vacation. One of my | | | | spacious aircraft over the smaller ones. |
| colleagues was reading an article in the | | | | Boeing and Airbus have a reputation for being |
| morning paper. | | | | the best and safest in the business. |
| | | | |
| Aviation safety has many dimensions and is | | | | Whether you're taking off to a business |
| such an interesting topic today! Remember the | | | | meeting or a weekend getaway, it's always |
| 1920s, when the barnstormers gleefully flew | | | | good to stay alert and pay attention to |
| over our grandparent's roof? Perhaps, most of | | | | pre-flight updates. Also, be sure to research |
| us still consider it as the 'romantic period' | | | | the destination you're visiting, it will keep |
| in aviation history. The barnstormers flew | | | | you inspired to board that plane relaxed and |
| into small towns across the US, flaunting | | | | ready to unwind. |
| their flying abilities and taking paying | | | | |
| passengers for rides. Our grandparents and | | | | Many of us tend to dump our carry-on luggage |
| their peers couldn't fly during those days. | | | | into the overhead bins. Even though you might |
| Maybe just a couple or more flew across | | | | have a huge list of items to carry-on, try to |
| Ontario or California. However, in the | | | | keep the weight of your carry-on as light as |
| aftermath of WW II, civil aviation was to | | | | possible. |
| undergo a full scale commercialization. | | | | |
| | | | Many a times, I've seen passengers removing |
| Through the years, we've seen sweeping | | | | their seatbelts after take-off. It's always a |
| changes in air travel in the US and the rest | | | | good idea when in your seat to stay buckled |
| of the world. Imagine those days, when | | | | up. If the plane hits unexpected turbulence, |
| aircrafts were built entirely of wood and | | | | the seat belt keeps us safely in our seats. |
| canvas! Only the daredevils could fly during | | | | |
| those days, no? However, today, we have | | | | For those of us who love a good cocktail |
| airports in New York, alone, handling over | | | | should consider not overdoing it. The high |
| 100 million passengers annually. Here's where | | | | altitude and cabin pressure makes the alcohol |
| trust comes into play. Over its hundred years | | | | affect us more strongly. Moderation is always |
| of implementation, aviation safety has come | | | | good, no? Water and fruit juice are always |
| of age. And with the co-existence of major | | | | ideal in-flight beverages, especially if |
| aircraft manufacturers, Boeing of the United | | | | you're taking a flight to a destination where |
| States and the European Airbus, aviation | | | | you'll have to deal with jet lag. If you |
| safety is a billion-dollar industry today. | | | | haven't brought your Ipod or magazines, take |
| | | | out the in-flight magazines offered on the |
| Even though there is a huge emphasis on the | | | | airline you're flying and watch a little TV, |
| use of aviation safety equipment, many of us | | | | listen to some music or the movie. |
| still don't want to take the chance. But | | | | |
| flying is fun, no? Our dream of flying dates | | | | In the end, safety first, of course, but, if |
| back to the mythical days of Dedalus and | | | | you are a nervous flyer, remind yourself that |
| Icarus! So, what do we need to do in order to | | | | you're bigger than your fears and wherever |
| play it safe? | | | | you're jet setting to, it will be well worth |
| | | | the adventure. |
| Suppose you're flying from Los Angeles to | | | | |