Flight safety is not usually top of mind when boarding an aircraft and trying to fit carry-ons and body into a cramped seat space. In fact, flying may, indeed, be the safest way to travel. Recent incidents in aviation, however, may point to a different reality.
Images of a flaming aircraft on a Tokyo runway and of a door blown off an Alaska Airlines flight seem to have undermined public confidence in air travel.
And there’s also this burning question: Could anyone have known this would happen?
Maybe.
As it turns out, there are some telltale signs for flight safety particularly when it comes to flying internationally or in a country with lax aviation regulations.
For flight safety in numbers, start here: Flying in the U.S. is actually safe. But be aware that while flying in the US is generally safe, there are many regions where that is not the case.
George Novak, president of the National Air Carrier Association, a trade group, says there are numerous safeguards in place to prevent an aviation disaster. So, for example, when Alaska Airlines 1282 suffered a midair blowout, the Federal Aviation Administration acted quickly to ground and inspect the aircraft.
“Flying in the United States is very safe,” he says.
Still, people want to know if you can tell if you’re boarding a dangerous flight. Experts say you might.
Flight Safety: Is This Plane Safe?
“Typically, there’s nothing the average passenger can see,” says Justin Maasdam, a pilot who runs a digital pilot app called Skymatrix. “Besides, historically, plane crashes have not had visible indications that something was wrong.”
How about a quick visual inspection or interviewing the crew? Not really an option, either.
“You can’t kick the tires, look under the hood of the flight you’re taking, or talk to the captain,” says Harding Bush, associate director for security operations at Global Rescue, a provider of security and travel risk management services.
But there are red flags that might indicate the plane isn’t airworthy. They might not apply to a commercial flight operating in the U.S., but for those traveling on a small charter aircraft, like a six-passenger plane touring the Grand Canyon, or in a country where there are fewer safety regulations, there is a checklist.
Bad smells:
Strong odors, fuel fumes, or burning smells could be a sign of a problem with the plane’s systems. If you smell raw sewage, it could be a sign of an improperly maintained aircraft.
Broken or loose parts:
If you see panels attached with duct tape or parts of your seatbacks, armrests, or overhead compartment doors falling off, that’s a red flag.
Lack of safety equipment:
Does the plane have all the necessary safety equipment, such as oxygen masks, life jackets, and fire extinguishers? If any of this equipment is missing, it could be a problem.
Stains or leaks:
Water stains could indicate a leak in the fuselage, while oil stains might point to an engine problem.
Visible damage:
Dents, scratches, or rust on the outside of the aircraft could be a sign of trouble. Minor cosmetic issues don’t necessarily indicate a safety concern, but significant damage should give you pause.
Worn-out interior:
Excessive wear and tear could also suggest a lack of proper maintenance and attention to detail.
Note that seeing any of these things doesn’t automatically make the plane unsafe. But passengers concerned about flight safety should mention concerns to a crewmember ahead of departure. If they’re dismissive, maybe it’s the wrong flight.
That said, it’s easy for safety concerns to become overblown. A dent on a plane doesn’t mean it’s not airworthy. An older interior doesn’t necessarily mean the plane is unsafe.
Flight Safety: It’s Never Guaranteed
Current worries about flight safety come amid an FAA investigation into several high-profile runway incursions that prompted the agency to form a safety review team last year. Travelers are now asking hard questions too, and they’re taking nothing for granted.
The message from passengers couldn’t be clearer: Air travel may be safe, but it can always be safer. Who can disagree with that?
Avoid the blacklist
The European Union has a list of airlines banned from operating in its airspace. So does the FAA. The airlines are restricted because they do not meet minimum safety standards and have insufficient government oversight. If you’re traveling to the developing world, it might be a good idea to review the list and avoid those airlines. They might be operating in an unsafe manner.
Fly the Tried and True: Flight Safety
Travelers are almost always better off choosing a flag carrier as opposed to a discount startup, especially when overseas, even if it costs a little more. Experts agree. “I would recommend flying on reputable carriers,” says Shem Malmquist, an aviation safety expert at Florida Institute of Technology. “They have strong oversight and do everything they can to ensure that the aircraft is airworthy prior to departure.”
Choose the Aircraft: Flight Safety
Travelers can use apps like Kayak or FlightRadar24 to get information about aircraft type – such as 737 Max planes. Some of the information is quite detailed, says Bush, the director at Global Rescue. “You can find out about recent flight history and additional information like the aircraft age, when required upgrades were made and its overall safety record,” he says. Then you can make an informed decision about whether to fly.
By Christopher Elliott
Christopher Elliott is an author, consumer advocate, and journalist. He founded Elliott Advocacy, a nonprofit organization that helps solve consumer problems.
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