Lykkers, have you ever felt nervous during a bumpy flight or wondered what to do if something unexpected happens in the air? Don't worry — you're not alone.

Even though flying is statistically one of the safest ways to travel, there are still things we can all do to protect ourselves and feel more confident every time we get on a plane. Let's talk about the practical steps we can take to make our journey as safe as possible.

Seatbelt: Your best protection

First things first — buckle up! We hear it every time we board a flight, but let's be real: how many of us stay buckled the whole time? The seatbelt isn't just a formality. It's there to protect us when the plane shakes due to turbulence or when something unexpected happens. According to China's Civil Aviation Administration, we should wear our seatbelts not only during take-off and landing but also whenever we're seated — especially during rough weather.

Why? Because turbulence can make the plane jump or drop suddenly. If we're not buckled in, we could get thrown upward or slammed forward. That's not only painful — it's dangerous. Some experts even say turbulence is getting worse due to climate changes, so keeping that belt fastened is becoming more important than ever.

Turbulence: Normal but not harmless

Turbulence feels scary, but it's a normal part of flying. British scientist Paul Williams said strong evidence shows turbulence is increasing because of changing weather patterns. Another expert, Mark Prosser, reminds us that turbulence is a natural part of the atmosphere — we can't avoid it, but we can prepare for it.

So here's the deal: if you're especially nervous about shaking or drops mid-air, just keep your seatbelt on the entire flight. It's a simple action that makes a big difference.

Where you sit: Does it matter?

Now let's tackle a question many of us wonder: is there a "safest" seat on the plane? Well, it depends. In emergency situations like a fire, sitting near the emergency exits can help us get out faster. Some older research from a U.S. magazine even found that passengers in the rear part of the plane might have a slightly higher chance of surviving a crash.

But the truth is, seat location matters less than following safety instructions and staying alert. The smartest thing we can do is be ready and informed.

Safety rules: Follow them seriously

Let's not treat the in-flight safety video like background noise. It's actually packed with useful tips that could help us during emergencies. For example, we should know how to use the oxygen mask and where the life vest is. It also helps to count how many rows there are between our seat and the nearest emergency exit — this way, if visibility is low, we can still find our way out.

Also, make sure we're not carrying anything that's not allowed, like large lithium batteries or flammable items. These rules aren't just regulations — they're for our own good.

During an emergency: What should we do?

If something serious happens and we have to evacuate the plane, every second counts. So here are some things we should all keep in mind:

• Remove anything sharp or hard like eyeglasses, pins, or headphones. They could hurt us during a rough landing or while sliding down the evacuation chute.

• Take off scarves or ties that could accidentally choke us.

• And most importantly — don't grab your luggage. Trying to take your bag could slow down the escape for everyone.

• Listen to the crew and follow instructions. They're trained to help us get out safely and quickly.

Flying is still very safe

After hearing about accidents on the news, it's normal to feel uneasy. But let's look at the numbers: air travel is still one of the safest ways to go anywhere. According to the International Air Transport Association, the global aviation accident rate dropped from 2.06 accidents per million flights in 2014 to just 0.8 in 2023. That's major progress. So while we stay alert and follow safety steps, we can still enjoy the amazing experience of flying.

Let's fly smart, Lykkers!

At the end of the day, being prepared doesn't mean being afraid — it means being smart. So next time you travel by air, think of these tips and fly with confidence.

Have you ever experienced turbulence or a sudden drop while flying? How did you handle it? Share your story with us — we're all learning together!