In-flight safety demonstration

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A Lufthansa flight attendant performing an in-flight safety demonstration
A Lufthansa flight attendant performing an in-flight safety demonstration

The in-flight safety demonstration (also known as a pre-flight briefing or simply the safety video) is a detailed explanation given before takeoff to airline passengers about the safety features of a commercial aircraft.

Traditionally, this was a live briefing performed by flight attendants standing up in the aisles, while another flight attendant narrated over the public address system. With the introduction of in-flight entertainment systems on many larger aircraft, most safety demonstrations now take the form of a video, which typically lasts 2 to 6 minutes. In consideration for travellers not speaking the airline's official language and for the passengers with hearing problems, the video may feature subtitles, an on-screen signer, or even be repeated in another language.

Safety demonstrations are required by the basic international air safety standards set by the International Civil Aviation Organization.

A safety demonstration typically covers all these aspects, not necessarily in this order:

  • a reminder to review the aircraft safety card
  • the use of the seat belt
  • the requirement that passengers must comply with lighted signs, posted placards, and crew members instructions
  • the location and use of the emergency exits, evacuation slides and emergency floor lighting
  • the use of the oxygen mask
  • the location and use of the life vests, life rafts and flotation devices (not typically included if the flight does not overfly or fly near vast masses of water)
  • the brace position (not typically included on U.S. flights, as it is not required by FAA regulation)
  • generally, a reminder not to smoke on board, including the toilets
  • the precautions to take before take-off and landing:
    • to stow luggage under a seat or in an overhead compartment
    • to return folding trays and seat backs to the upright position
    • to turn off most electronic devices (laptops, mobile phones, etc.)

If a real emergency happens once airborne, flight attendants will once again brief the passengers with the safety features if it is practical to do so.

[edit] External links

[edit] Airline safety videos

[edit] Live demonstrations

[edit] Script

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