Since we have already been inundated with stories about the U.S. Air flight that 'belly' landed in the Hudson River, I won't bore you with senseless drivel. However, this is an opportune time to talk about aircraft safety and people's needs when flying.
My first suggestion is that unless you fly 3-4 times per month and WELL KNOW the 'ditch the plane' rules, LISTEN when the attendants go through their safety dog and pony show. I used to ignore them, having flown enough to think I would always know what to do but in the panic of realizing you are about to crash land, I wonder how much of what you THINK you know comes back to you? My guess is very little. So now I WANT to know which are the exit rows, where the flotation devices are and how to use them. It's just good common sense, no matter how infrequent a plane goes down.
I talk with FA's daily who remark about how people act on a plane. Despite the instructions, they try to get up to use the bathroom when taxiing for takeoff. Or press the attendant button as they zoom down the runway for takeoff or landing. Unbuckling the seat belt and standing up while taxiing to the gate. This may not be you, but these people MAY be on your next flight and I for one certainly would like to know who the (excuse my French) idiots are on the plane so I can avoid them. They are going to be the first to scream for help or get in the way because they don't seem to have an abundance of the common sense gene apparently.
Much of being prepared means to think ahead - even to when you reserve and choose your seat. Don't choose an exit row if you aren't prepared to be the last off and help others out first. Once aboard, I mentally count the rows to the nearest exit (like I do in a hotel corridor) in case the hallway or cabin was engulfed in smoke and you can't see a foot ahead of you. And remember: you can't help put an oxygen mask on someone else if you pass out first. So ALWAYS put your mask on first and then help another. More thoughts to follow.
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