1) Which is the safest airline to travel on? It is best to fly on an airplane which carries thirty people and up because they must operate under strict guidelines set forth by the nation's civil aviation authority. Smaller capacity planes do not have to adhere to these strict rules. I only know of one airline that has never had a fatal crash and that is Southwest Airlines. All the other airlines have had fatal crashes in the past.

2) Where are the safest seats located on an airplane? As far as "collision" safe, there are no safe seats. Some sources say near the wing section, due to structural stability, while others say near the back to be away from the impact which is usually in the front of the plane. Being near exit doors will enhance your chances of getting out of the plane quickly before being overcome by smoke or fire. If you have a tendency to panic, please do the rest of the passengers a favor and do not sit by an exit door. They are depending on you to open the door in the event of a crash.

3) What type of emergencies am I likely to encounter? Turbulence and "air pockets" create the most common type of emergencies. Turbulence can range from mild to severe, causing the plane to bounce around in the sky, but you usually fly out of it soon. "Air pockets" cause the plane to unexpectedly drop straight down, which causes the passengers who are not wearing their seat belts to be propelled up toward the cabin roof. Most airline pilots ask that you keep your seat belt fastened at all times, unless it is necessary to get up such as going to the bathroom. I have experienced both turbulence and air pockets but have also flown many flights which were uneventful. Some emergencies are "precautionary" in nature and require passengers to exit by using the emergency slides or the overhead oxygen masks.

4) Are there more air crashes today than 15 years ago? Although you read/hear about more air crashes in the media, there has been no significant change! The statistics show that when the number of crashes in ratio to the number of flights fifteen years ago are compared in ratio to the number of flights now being performed around the world, it is basically the same.

5) Does everyone die when a plane crashes? Generally speaking, we all tend to think that if an airplane crashed it would be fatal to all on board. This is not so! While some crashes are 100% fatal to everyone on board, many are only fatal from 0 -100% of the passengers and less than 10% in a higher percentage than you would guess. The best way to insure your safety is to follow the rules listed in one of our publications. To view this information after you have reviewed all the following questions, click on: "Air Safe".

6) How many bags can I carry on an airline? Generally speaking (please check with your carrier), you can only travel with three bags. This includes your "carry on" baggage. You can carry as many as two pieces on the plane but they must be small enough to comfortably slide under your seat or fit in the overhead rack. The bag (or bags) which are checked into cargo must not exceed 70 pounds.

7) Since I am confined to a wheel chair, can I take it on the plane? No! You can use it to board the plane where you will then transfer to an airplane seat. Your wheel chair will then be checked into cargo. The flight staff will assist you to obtain your wheel chair again when you reach your final destination.

8) Can the airlines provide me with a special diet? Yes, if it is a major airline. Unless it is a very unusual diet, you can request it when you make your reservation.

9) Can I get someone to look out for my child who must travel alone? Yes, most of the major airlines have provisions for children from 5 to 12 years old to fly unaccompanied by an adult. For more information on this subject once you are through reading this page, click on: "Child Alone".

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DECLARATION: The information contained on this or any other page of the web site, Atlas Tour and Travel, is based on research of other sources, personal opinion and feedback from travelers. Although every effort has been made to be as error-free as possible, the information is not to be considered as being 100% accurate since facts can change and there must be an allowance for human error.