The miraculous landing of the aircraft on ‘Hudson River’ by the experienced pilot saved so many lives – we all unconsciously applauded the pilot but watching the clip a few times also gave me a chill running down my spine. It brought to focus that when traveling by air this is indeed a distinct possibility.

Travel the ‘coach class’ (economy) on some of the airlines in India – e.g. Jet Airways and experience the discrimination on safety of passengers. For business class no problem they provide life jackets but if you travel coach class (economy) use your seat as flotation device if the aircraft lands on water. Although no such accidents have taken place in India and we pray nothing like this happens but imagine if it does happen and you are traveling Jet.

How safe are the cushion seats – surely only relatively safe when compared to Life Jackets. Is there a whistle with flotation device – No. With life- jackets you do have one to attract attention. On scale of 10 life jackets will score 10 but the cushion seats only 3 to 5. With the seats you can’t use your hands very much to move – you can only float around – you can’t paddle your way to safety if available unless an expert or if you have practice using it.
So next time you travel such an airline protest or if you are smarter bring a PIL (Public Interest Litigation) against such carriers.