Do you really know what the pictures on airline safety cards mean?
As a frequent traveler, you’ve probably seen those airline safety cards thousands of times. You’ve probably just taken a cursory look or don’t even look at all, especially if you’ve flown the same type of plane for a while. The question is, do you really know what the pictures mean?
According to a government study, some of us don’t.
Matt Phillips of the Wall Street Journal writes in his blog that when the Federal Aviation Administration asked 785 people ranging from high school students to federal employees, “[t]he mean comprehension score was 65 [percent].”
For example, in the picture below:
The correct answer is “Be prepared to catch falling items when opening the overhead bin.”
Some have responded with “Something about luggage falling” as well as “Ask the person below where you want to put your bag [if] its okay or if it will fit.”
You can download the full report in PDF format here.
Keep in mind that even though you may be flying the same type or aircraft as the last time, it may be a different variation. For example, your aircraft may be certified for land only or it may be certified to fly over water. In the over water type, you may have a life vest under your seat. Do you know how to use one if you needed to?
The next time you’re flying, as our fellow blogger David Burns writes, pay attention to the safety demonstration or at least look over the safety information card for any new information. It could save your life.
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3 Responses to “Do you really know what the pictures on airline safety cards mean?”
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good advice, Stephen! I have always wondered about some of those pictures…..
Ha, ha. I don’t know how many times I’ve tried to find the ‘door open’ button on an elevator to hold it for someone, only to be befuddled by the arrows. By the time my brain figures out the one which is for ‘open’, the doors are closed and the person has to wait for the next elevator.
I brief at my exits and get the ususal,” I’m a frequent flyer” response from most of the passengers in that row. I do my briefing, word for word, but end with a question:
EVERYONE KNOW WHERE TO FIND THE “INFLATION HANDLE” FOR THE SLIDE?
Recently, I’ve had only ONE PERSON know that answer.
(it could save your life)