Contrary to popular belief, air travel is one of the safest ways of travel. Apart from maintenance of the plane, there are other precautions one should take while on a flight.

1. Use the five row rule

You need to bear exiting the plane in mind when choosing a seat. Experts advise to sit at the back of the plane and to use the Five Row Rule. Though you cannot predict what kind of crash you will be in, your chances of survival are higher when you sit within five rows of an exit.

2. Remember the plus 3/minus 8 rule

Experts say that the 80% of plane crashes happen within the first 3 minutes of departure and last eight minutes of landing. During these periods you need to be extra vigilant. Make sure you aren't asleep at these times, secure your shoes and those of your travelling party, secure your seatbelt low and tight and go over your action plan. Here are some tips to enjoying your flight.

3. Assume brace position

Brace position/curling into a ball helps to reduce the velocity of force with which your head will hit the seat in front of you, which it will inevitably. Also make sure your seatbelt is securely fastened during this time.

4. Fly in bigger planes

Larger planes have more energy absorption in a crash which means you’re subjected to less deadly force, and that may equate to a better survival rate. If possible, avoid small, regional planes and stick to the big ones.

5. Dress appropriately

Due to the high chances of fire-related crashes, 68% of plane crash deaths are from post-crash fires — either from burn injuries or smoke inhalation. Hence, it is better to be dressed for the part. Wear clothes that do not easily burn.

6. Listen to the safety instructions

You might have heard it a lot of times, but listening to the instructions from the attendees at the beginning of the flight and during the flight is important. Also, read the safety card.