Each day, 8.3 million people around the globe board some 93,500 flights. They almost always land safely. But in the rare chance of a crash, there are things passengers can do to improve the odds of survival. British Airways offers these tips:

» 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 that 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 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.

» Inflate life vests outside the plane. They can limit mobility in a tight space.

Scott Mayerowitz, Associated Press