The Pre-Flight Routine That Could Save Your Life

When you board a flight, you have a routine: stash your carry-on, claim your armrest, and wipe down your seat. But there’s one habit that could make a life-or-death difference in an emergency—and most passengers overlook it.

Before takeoff, take a moment to count the number of rows between your seat and the nearest emergency exit. It’s a simple step—maybe the simplest safety move you can make on a flight—but it could be one of the most important.

In an emergency evacuation, especially one involving smoke, darkness, or a loss of power, visibility can drop to zero. You might not be able to see the floor lighting, the exit signs, or even the passengers around you. But if you know how many rows stand between you and the nearest exit, you can feel your way there, even in complete darkness, saving precious seconds when every moment counts.

Just as important: note whether your closest exit is in front of you or behind you. In a high-stress evacuation, heading in the right direction from the start can make all the difference.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requires that all aircraft be capable of a complete evacuation within 90 seconds, even if half of the emergency exits are unusable. This regulation stems from the danger of a flashover, a fast-moving fire that can engulf the cabin within minutes after a crash landing. In such high-stress situations, every second matters.