Ex-pilot reveals the golden rule for flying that ‘can be lifesaving’ in an emergency

A former pilot has revealed his golden rule for flying that he vows can save lives in the event of an emergency.

Hans Mast says one of the simplest ways travellers can ensure in-flight safety is by familiarising themselves with their surroundings before take-off. 

Mr Mast, who now works as a travel agent, says locating the nearest exit and having a ‘mental map’ of how many rows away it is ‘can be lifesaving’ in an emergency.

More than 25 million trips abroad are expected to be made from the UK this summer, with most Britons travelling by air.

While flying is considered to be the safest mode of transportation, there are still precautions passengers should take to ensure they are prepared just in case any issues do arise.

Former pilot Hans Mast (pictured) says one of the simplest ways travellers can ensure in-flight safety is by familiarising themselves with their surroundings before take-off

Mr Mast, who now works as a travel agent, says locating the nearest exit and having a ‘mental map’ of how many rows away it is ‘can be lifesaving’ in an emergency

‘As soon as I board a plane, I always take note of the nearest emergency exit, counting the number of seat rows between my location and that exit,’ Mr Mast told Travel & Leisure.

Pilots and cabin crew encourage passengers to locate their nearest emergency exit while boarding. They should not wait for the flight attendants begin the safety demonstration.

While unlikely, a pilot may have to initiate an evacuation before the plane’s engines have even started.

Mr Mast says that the often overlooked step of counting rows is incredibly important, especially if the cabin were to fill with smoke.

‘In the event of an emergency, visibility could be impaired, and having this mental map can be life-saving,’ he added.

Additionally, if cabin visibility is reduced, passengers can look for coloured lights along the aisle that indicate where an exit row is located.

Passengers seated closest to exit rows are also more likely to survive in the event of a crash because they are able to evacuate quicker than those seated further away, a 2008 study by the University of Greenwich revealed. 

Travellers who are willing to assist in an emergency should also consider booking their seat in an exit row, but experts warn not do so if you are not physically able to open the emergency exit door.

Checking the location of the exit row, is not the only way passengers can prepare themselves for a safe flight. Travellers are advised to never try squeezing bags in spaces, as they will come flying out if the bin pops open – which sometimes happens on landing

It is also important for passengers to keep their seat belt fastened, especially during turbulence

Checking the location of the exit row, is not the only way passengers can prepare themselves for a safe flight.

A commercial pilot of 10 years, who spoke to Daily Mail anonymously earlier this year, revealed the safest spot to sit on a plane is in the last two thirds of the aircraft because it is the ‘strongest part of the aircraft and therefore more likely to survive an impact’.

He reiterated that it is important for passengers to keep their seat belt fastened, especially during turbulence, and said the brace position – which is designed to limit the impact on the body in case of a collision – does save lives.

He added that passengers should try to avoid the galley as much as possible, before mindful of sharp edges in the toilet and try to drink a glass of water with every alcoholic beverage.

The pilot also said travellers should never try squeezing bags in spaces, as they will come flying out if the bin pops open – which sometimes happens on landing. Loose items should also be stored in one bag and duty free items, such as bottles of alcohol, placed securely under a bag in the overhead bin.