These aviation and cruise heads identify some of the common hazards in the skies and seas, and what can be done to lessen the risks involved
AIRLINES AND AIRPORTS
What are the silliest things passengers do that they don’t realise can harm?
Leslie Thng
Chief commercial officer, Scoot and Tigerair
Imagine reaching for a life vest underneath your seat aboard an airplane in the unlikely event of an actual emergency – only to find that there’s none there! Stealing life vests might seem like a joke but really, it’s the silliest crime that people don’t realise could put other passengers’ lives in danger. Some items on board are obviously for guests to keep – you can be my guest when it comes to our in-flight magazines, which I’m sure is more entertaining than reading the aircraft safety card… Oh, and please leave that alone too! – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
Alexander Lao
Vice president commercial of Cebu Pacific and president of Cebgo
Some people think that a bomb scare joke is funny but it’s not. And if you are on the plane, it is pretty serious. You will go to jail.
Another issue is passengers not heeding local regulators’ call to turn off their Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones when on a plane (to avoid the risk of explosion). The US’ Federal Aviation Administration just released an emergency order to ban all Samsung Galaxy Note 7 phones on all airplanes in the US; I think we won’t be far behind (Note: Cebu Pacific and Cebgo have since expanded the ban to all their flights). – Rosa Ocampo
Nick Naung Naung
General manager, Singapore, Malaysia and Indonesia, Finnair
Passengers get excited when the plane lands and stand up before the seat belt sign is turned off. Some like to walk around excessively when it is safer for them to be seated with their seat belts fastened. During the flight, some passengers may reach for things they have stowed in the overhead bin. –
S.Puvaneswary
Chapman Fong
General manager, Terminal 1, Airport Authority Hong Kong
Travellers love taking selfies, especially in front of interesting backdrops at Hong Kong International Airport. Popular selfie spots include destination poles at boarding gates and art and culture exhibitions. Many others like to take close-up shots of airplanes. However, sometimes passengers could become so focused on taking photos that they expose themselves to hazards like tripping over or falling on stairs and escalators. Some may miss their flights or end up at the wrong boarding gates. – Xinyi Liang-Pholsena
CRUISES
What are the silliest things passengers do that they don’t realise can harm?
Buhdy Bok,
President, Costa Group Asia
Unexpected severe weather such as typhoons and tropical storms can cause strong winds and huge waves, bringing threat to passengers onboard whilst at sea. Costa Cruises always places the safety of guests and crew members as our top priority and we work closely with related authorities to keep track of potential inclement conditions. Once in a while, if adverse weather does affect our scheduled itinerary, we will need to modify – or even cancel – some port calls to ensure the safety of all our guests. In this regard, we seek guests’ understanding that we only do this in the interest of their safety and would appreciate their utmost cooperation. – S Puvaneswary
Sean Treacy
Managing director, Singapore and South-east Asia, Royal Caribbean Cruises
Fire is probably the biggest concern for any cruise ship, which is why on our fleet, we have tight fire safety measures and regular fire drills – the safety of our guests and crew are our top priority. Activities involving open flame are limited and only conducted with close supervision and with fire extinguishers on standby. Items that generate heat or produce an open flame and that may create a fire hazard e.g. candles, incense, coffee makers, clothes’ irons, travel steamers and hot plates are also prohibited. – Paige Lee Pei Qi
This article was first published in TTG Asia December 2016 issue. To read more, please view our digital edition or click here to subscribe.
