Have you ever sat there in your airplane seat, watching the flight attendants go over the safety procedures, and thought to yourself, “I hope I never need to use any of this”? Well, as much as we all hope it never happens, it’s important to be prepared for the worst-case scenario. Here are the top 10 essential cabin safety equipment items that every passenger should be familiar with.

1. Seatbelts 👨‍✈️

Seatbelts aren’t just for cars! In fact, it’s just as important to buckle up on an airplane as it is in a car. Turbulence can happen at any time, and seatbelts help keep you in your seat and safe. Make sure your seatbelt is fastened low and tight across your waist, and don’t unbuckle it until the seatbelt sign has been turned off.

A seatbelt fastened on an airplane seat

2. Oxygen Masks 🧑‍✈️

In the event of a cabin depressurization, oxygen masks will drop from the ceiling. It’s important to know where your nearest mask is located, and how to properly put it on. Make sure to secure the mask over your nose and mouth before helping anyone else, and breathe normally.

An airplane passenger putting on an oxygen mask

3. Emergency Exits 🔴

Knowing where your nearest emergency exit is located can be crucial in the event of an emergency. Take a moment to locate the nearest exit to your seat, and count how many rows away it is. In the event of an emergency, you may need to exit quickly, so it’s important to have a plan in place.

A plane's emergency exit door

4. Life Vests 🧍‍♂️

If you’re traveling over water, a life vest will be provided for you. Make sure you know where it’s located and how to properly put it on. Don’t inflate the life vest until you’re outside the plane and in the water.

A passenger holding a life vest on an airplane

5. Fire Extinguishers 🔥

In the event of a fire on board, flight attendants will use fire extinguishers to put it out. Be aware of where the fire extinguishers are located in case of an emergency.

A fire extinguisher on an airplane

6. Emergency Lighting 🔦

In the event of a power outage or emergency, emergency lighting will guide you to the nearest exit. Make sure to follow the illuminated path to safety.

An airplane emergency light

7. First Aid Kit 🏥

In case of a medical emergency, a first aid kit will be available on board. Make sure to alert a flight attendant if you need medical attention.

A first aid kit on an airplane

8. Communication Equipment 📞

In case of an emergency, communication equipment such as radios and phones will be used to contact ground crews for assistance. It’s important to let the flight crew know if you see something that doesn’t seem right.

A communication device on an airplane

9. Flotation Devices 🌊

In the event of a water landing, flotation devices will be provided to keep you safe and afloat. Make sure to know where they’re located and how to properly use them.

A passenger holding a flotation device on an airplane

10. Protective Equipment 🛡️

In the event of an emergency, flight attendants may instruct you to use protective equipment such as a smoke hood. Make sure to follow their instructions carefully.

A smoke hood on an airplane

So there you have it – the top 10 essential cabin safety equipment items that every passenger should know. In the event of an emergency, being prepared can mean the difference between life and death. Stay safe, and happy travels!

An airplane ready for takeoff