In recent months, it feels as though there have been more plane crashes than usual.

In fact, there have been 153 accidents so far this year, according to data from the US’ National Transportation and Safety Board, 23 of which were fatal.

On 29 January, an American Airlines passenger jet collided mid-air with a US Army helicopter near Washington, D.C., killing 67 people.

Just 48 hours later, a medical plane carrying six people plummeted to the ground and exploded into a fireball in Philadelphia, leaving all those onboard and one pedestrian dead.

A small chartered aircraft then crashed in Alaska on 6 February, killing 10 people.

Disaster then struck again when Delta Flight 4819, which had departed from Minneapolis, flipped as it touched down on the runway in Toronto, on 17 February.

Thankfully, the 76 passengers and four crew members survived – and have each reportedly been offered $30,000 (£23,800) in compensation.

Now, one expert has shared the four things you should do if you ever find yourself in a critical situation on board a plane.

What you wear on a flight could be important (Getty Stock Image)

Don’t wear leggings

Writing for Slate, journalist and air safety specialist Christine Negroni explained that wearing leggings isn’t advisable.

While they might be a hugely popular choice in order to remain comfortable on a flight, the chemically produced fibres can reach temperatures hot enough to melt into your skin.

“The Federal Aviation Administration in 1999 recommended that garments made of cotton, wool, leather, and yes, even denim were preferable over synthetics,” said Negroni.

“I wouldn’t trust every bit of fashion advice from 1999, but this tip remains true today.”

Choose your shoes wisely

While it can be tempting to arrive at the airport in your flip flops, if you need to get off the plane quickly and in the case of an emergency, you’ll want to be wearing shoes that make this as easy as possible.

Negroni explained they should also be on for take off and landing.

“The ground could be cold, wet, icy, or hot, or covered in glass, fuel, or airplane debris. You’ll want your shoes on for all of that,” she said.

Negroni recommends wearing a seatbelt throughout (Getty Stock Image)

Buckle up

Aside from the risk of unexpected turbulence, Negroni said that while many people focus on which seat to choose for their flight, what’s important is wearing your seatbelt throughout.

Pay attention to your gadgets

Negroni claimed that pilots ‘fret most about smoke and fire’ which is especially true due to the sheer number of lithium ion-powered gadgets travellers are carrying these days.

“Charging them, dropping them, or even getting them wet could cause the batteries to get hot and smoke or catch fire. So always pay attention to your device and the devices around you,” the expert added.