Tips for surviving an airplane crash

* During the safety demonstration, count the number of rows to the nearest exit. Then count the number of rows to the second nearest exit, remembering it might be behind you.

* Next, practice putting on and taking off your seat belt to build muscle memory.

* Check where your life vest is and touch it.

* Learn the proper brace position: Bend forward as far as possible, keep your head down. Place your feet flat on the floor and slide them back. Your dominant hand goes on the back of your head. Protect that hand by placing the other hand over it. Do not interlock the fingers. The goal is to ensure that the bones in the stronger hand aren't broken so you can eventually unbuckle the seat belt.

* Red lights always signal an exit because the color cuts through smoke the best.

* Once an evacuation order is given, seconds count. Move quickly to the nearest exit and jump down a slide. If you hesitate, the flight attendants will push you out.

* Always inflate life vests outside the plane. They can limit mobility in a tight space. Or, if water fills the cabin, passengers with inflated vests can be pressed up against the ceiling, unable to swim down to the door.

-- Source: British Airways