(page 2 of 5) View Entire Story

In fact, the National Transportation Safety Board found in 2000 that among all domestic major airline accidents over a 17-year span, 95.7% of occupants survived . So that old "all-or-nothing" attitude is harmful and counter-productive and needs to be jettisoned.

That said, there are certain times when your awareness should be heightened. An exhaustive study by Boeing in 2010 confirmed that overwhelmingly most airline accidents occur during the initial and final stages of flight, since take-offs and landings pose the most statistical risk. Only 11 percent of fatal accidents occur during cruise, which represents the most flight time on many trips, and this segment grows exponentially on longer journeys.

Here are some simple steps to make flying infinitely safer-for you as well as those around you.

• Reconsider booze and meds. Experts assert that alcohol acts as a diuretic and will exacerbate dehydration effects when airborne.

Previous | Next Page