Your safety checklist: Here’s what to remember for in-flight emergencies

The news of MH720’s mid-flight emergency can teach us a lot about in-flight safety and preparedness—here are some key things to keep in mind during an emergency, as shared by a retired pilot with over 30 years’ of flying experience

Following the recent Malaysia Airlines flight MH720 incident, where a cargo fire alarm prompted a mid-flight emergency and ultimately, a safe landing at Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA), we are reminded more than ever about the importance of in-flight safety protocols and knowing what to do in these tense situations—even if you’re not the one in the pilot’s seat.

While the Jakarta to Kuala Lumpur flight landed safely with all passengers unharmed, the incident brings up important conversations about preparedness during air travel emergencies. How do you react in those situations? What’s the first thing you should do?

According to a retired Malaysian pilot with 36 years of flying experience, aviation emergencies comprises specific extreme scenarios such as fire, smoke, or similar critical situations.

Modern aircraft are designed with multiple redundancy systems, making many technical issues manageable. Even situations like engine failure are categorised as “abnormal situations” rather than emergencies, with pilots able to navigate safely to their destination with just one engine in some cases.

Above Pay attention to safety briefings and familiarise yourself with the safety equipment on board (Photo: Unsplash)

Pay attention to safety briefings and familiarise yourself with the safety equipment on board (Photo: Unsplash)

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So, most importantly, how should we as passengers react in an emergency situation on-board a plane? Are there precautions we can take beforehand to ensure we’re prepared?

A look at luggage

We’ve heard these instructions at check-in counters and are often reminded by airline staff to avoid packing batteries and power banks in our checked luggage. While it may seem a trivial matter to us, these items can spontaneously catch fire in the cargo hold due to environmental factors like temperature or pressure changes. A cargo fire alarm, like the one in the recent MH720 flight, can trigger an emergency situation which may warrant an emergency landing.

Your In-flight safety checklist

Pay attention to pre-flight safety briefings: Even frequent flyers should listen carefully to these “revisions” of crucial safety information. Be sure to note your nearest exits and make a habit of immediately identifying and counting the rows to your nearest exit when seated.

Follow crew instructions promptly: Cabin crew are extensively trained for emergencies and coordinate directly with pilots. When an emergency situation happens, don’t panic—listen for their instructions on what to do. In situations involving disruptive passengers, crews are prepared to manage these tense situations, sometimes with assistance from other passengers if necessary.

Know oxygen mask procedures: Put your own mask on first before assisting others, ensuring you remain conscious to help.

Stay vigilant after landing: Emergencies can occur even after a safe landing, as happened recently with an American Airlines flight where an engine caught fire post-landing. Be vigilant always, even after an emergency landing and follow the instructions from the cabin crew till you are safely transported to the main terminal.

Evacuate calmly when instructed: Use emergency slides if necessary and move away from the aircraft quickly but orderly.