An aviation expert has revealed tips that could help you survive a plane crash.

But as we’ve seen, from the disappearance of Malaysia Airlines flight MH370 to the fiery crash that killed Brazil’s Chapecoense football team, plane crashes do happen.

And according to one aviation expert, there’s a number of things you can do to increase your chances of surviving a plane crash. And some of them are quite surprising.

Christine Negroni has just released a book on the world’s most mysterious air disasters and told Sun Online getting on a plane was one of the least risky things you could do — as long as you took precautions.

These are her tips.

BE WARY OF CHEAP AIRLINES

Try to avoid airlines from countries that are lightly regulated, as their mechanics, controllers and inspectors are not likely to be as well-funded.

You get what you pay for in aviation, and people who pay the lowest fares have to understand cheap tickets mean that airline is undercutting — they have to pay for fuel, employees and maintenance just like every other company, so what is being cut?

This rule doesn’t apply to no-frills carriers as they are making their money elsewhere, such as with extra charges for luggage. Budget airline Jetstar was named among the world’s top 10 safest low-cost airlines by airlineratings.com this year, for example.

But it’s worth doing your research on lesser-known, dirt-cheap airlines from countries where the safety standards may not be as high as in Australia.

Even if you’ve heard it all before, make sure you tune into the safety demonstration. Picture: iStockSource:istock

LISTEN TO THE SAFETY BRIEFING

In an emergency situation, many people go through a type of paralysis called negative panic where they’re frightened but don’t do anything. In those cases, they often look around to see what others are doing.

But if no one paid attention during the safety briefing, you get a cascading problem of passengers who remain in their seats when they should get up, or who leave their seats back so the person behind can’t get out.

TAKE YOUR SLEEPING TABLET STRATEGICALLY

That is, don’t take it until after the seatbelt signs are off.

A plane is a safe method of transportation, so if you’re on an eight-hour flight and have to function the next day, I say take the sleeping pill.

But make sure you’ve listened to the pre-flight briefing, seen where your nearest exit is, and noticed the age and weight of your neighbour first.

WEAR YOUR SHOES DURING LANDING

The riskiest time on a flight is during landing and I think it should be a rule to have shoes on during this time.

If you escape an aircraft, the floor could be very hot or cold, it might be covered in oil or on fire, or in a cornfield — you won’t want to be barefoot.

If you must drink alcohol, stick to just the one glass. Picture: iStockSource:istock

DON’T WEAR YOGA PANTS

Everyone is wearing yoga pants on aeroplanes now, but I avoid all artificial fibres because they are more likely to burn and stick to you if there is a fire.

I’d say wear cotton clothes or anything made of natural fibres.

DON’T WORRY ABOUT TURBULENCE, UNLESS YOU’RE NOT WEARING A SEATBELT

With turbulence, there is often no warning, so when the pilot advises you to wear your seatbelt at all times on the plane, they really mean it.

HANG ON TO YOUR PHONE

If you’re going to want your phone during an evacuation, don’t store it in your bag. If there’s a crash, do not reach up and grab your bag from the overhead locker — leave it behind.

So if you know you’ll want your phone in the event of a crash, hold it with you.

STICK TO ONE ALCOHOLIC DRINK

Don’t drink heavily. Have one drink but any more and you could make judgment errors in an emergency.

DON’T WEAR HEADPHONES DURING TAKE-OFF OR LANDING

Don’t block out the sounds on takeoff and landing, because you need to know if the flight attendants are saying something.

The Crash Detectives: Investigating the World’s Most Mysterious Air Disasters by Christine Negroni is out now.

This article originally appeared on The Sun and was reproduced with permission.