This post relates to the back seat drivers out there. I needed no clarification re: you comment chris, though perhaps you do and therefore should go back an read your own comment. 1 If it were deemed that smokehoods were a vital part of our safety equipment we would have them. Closed topic, safety is not left to the airlines alone rather the aviation safety authority in which a given airline resides. 2 A PBE whilst being useful for short times when fighting fires is also dangerous when used by inexperience people. Incorrect fitting = oxygen leak = fuel = passengers faces exploding. 3 those annying bits of cloth hanging from your headrest are not there just to irritate you. They are designed for the specific purpose of being breathed through to prevent smoke inhilation. Those are my thoughts, I may be an emotional flight attendant but I have never stooped to visiting other forums to make personal attacks on thier occupants. Oh and yes, I swim very well and may even save someones life one day. Yes we do have life jackets, will we always have time to put them on? And as far as misspent millions, as far as I and many other Safety Professionals are concerned, if a lifejacket works once it is totally worth the expense.