Brits are more likely to survive airplane crashes more than other nationalities, expert says

An expert has revealed exactly why Brits are the most likely to survive in an airplane crash.

The chances of being involved in an airplane crash are statistically low - one fatal accident every four and quarter million flights to be exact, according to a 2022 Civil Aviation Safety review.

But it's always best to be prepared in case that one accident does happen.

So, to ease many jet-setters' fears - here's a handy tip that you're going to want to hold on to.

According to Vance Hilderman, CEO of one of the world's largest aviation safety service companies, Afuzion Inc, flyers should adopt a certain part of British 'culture' to maximise your chances of making it out of a plane crash alive.

Pixabay / Pexels

And who would have guessed that this particular cultural trait could potentially be a life-saver, rather than a time-waster.

Speaking to the Sun Online Travel, he said: "A lot of countries don't have the same queueing culture like you have in the UK, but queueing efficiently is one of the best ways in which we can get more people out alive.

"It's not just about thinking about yourself, you have to think about your fellow passengers and everyone rushing at the same time will cause problems in the aisles.

"Queueing and moving efficiently is what you hope for in that incident, it doesn't always happen."

There you have it, queues can actually be life-saving.

Yelena Odintsova / Pexels

Vance says that people often panic and ignore the safety messages from the crew in an attempt to grab their belongings, which he says you should leave.

"It holds people up and it causes problems in the cabin that you don't need."

"Additionally," he advised, "you should be paying attention to the plane while you're taking off and landing."

He also explained that passengers should work out where their nearest exit is, because it 'could make a big difference'.

Even after having travelling on over 'thousands of miles every year', the CEO stills pays attention to such safety messages 'pretty regularly'.

"It's always good to refresh your mind and know what you're meant to be looking out for." he said.

And Vance's last pearl of airplane wisdom revolved around choosing the 'right seat', as he revealed that the safest spot to settle down is over the wing, right next to the emergency door.

Pew Nguyen / Pexels

"But also, if you go down, you're right by the emergency exit and you can be one of the first out the door, you're not caught up in the cabin trying to get out," he added.

Plus - think of the lush extra leg room.

Vance was also quick to assure passengers that planes are safer now than they ever have been, saying: "An airplane is the safest place to be. The only thing safer is staying in your home and not going out at all.

"You're much more likely to have an accident out cycling, walking or in a car."

Topics: UK News, Travel, Weird

Rhiannon Ingle

Rhiannon Ingle is a Journalist at LADbible Group. She graduated from the University of Manchester in 2021 in English Literature. Alongside her studies, she was the Lifestyle Editor of The Mancunian, the largest student newspaper in the United Kingdom. Her favourite topics to write about include sex and relationships, bizarre lifestyle trends and all things travel.