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6. Safety on Board - Be informed, be aware and be prepared
7. Safety on the ground

Safety on the ground

Boarding and deplaining
Boarding and deplaning the aircraft requires your attention. As you move to and from the aircraft, you may be in a busy area full of other passengers and cargo, moving vehicles, other aircraft, slippery walkways and/or stairs.

To board and deplane safely you should:

• follow airline staff instructions;
• refrain from smoking;
• remove headsets or earphones connected to a portable electronic device so you can hear instructions from ground personnel and the crew;
• watch for hazards; and
• keep your children close to you.

Crew members

Crew members create and maintain a safe environment, and are highly trained to get you out of the aircraft quickly in an emergency. Listen to and obey their instructions.

*Safety is everyone's responsibility. If you have any safety concerns, please speak to your crew immediately.



Safety briefing

The passenger safety briefing before take-off is an important part of every flight. It includes key safety information that will help you in an emergency. Unprepared passengers can cause delays during an evacuation.

The crew makes safety announcements on each flight and often show you how to use safety equipment. After many flights, this information may seem repetitive; but since aircraft are different, pay attention every time you fly.


Seat belts

Aircraft seat belts work differently than those in your car. Make sure you can fasten it, adjust it tightly and release it quickly. Check that it is fastened securely around your hips and not around your waist. If your seat belt includes a shoulder harness, you must wear it.

You must wear your seat belt during taxi, takeoff, landing and when the seat belt sign is on. For added safety, keep your seat belt fastened during the entire flight, in case of unexpected turbulence.

If you are travelling with children, make sure that they know how to operate their seat belts.

*Most passengers injured during turbulence did not have their seat belts fastened.


Exit-row seating

There are rules about who may sit at an exit row. That is why the crew must sometimes ask passengers to change seats. There are also some responsibilities attached to sitting in an emergency exit row. Since you may be required to open the exit in the event of an accident:

• listen carefully to the safety briefing;
• review the safety features card and ask questions if the instructions are not clear; and
• ask to be moved to another seat if you are unable to open the exit or do not want the responsibility.

*Be part of the safety team!



Safety features card

The safety features card at your seat will show you:

• where to find the exits;
• how to operate each exit; and
• how to use on-board equipment such as life preservers and oxygen.

The locations and operation of the emergency exits may not be the same as on your last flight. Review the card before every take-off and landing, even if you have been on the same type of aircraft before.

*Keep in mind that the nearest exit could be behind you!


Portable electronic devices

Some electronic devices cannot be used on board aircraft because they may interfere with the aircraft navigation and communication systems. Others may be used with permission from the crew. Before using any electronic device, check with a crew member to find out if / when you can use it on board.

Remove headsets or earphones connected to a portable electronic device for boarding, taxi, take-off, landing, deplaning and while walking to and from the aircraft. Why? Headsets and earphones make you less aware of safety hazards and less able to hear crew and ground personnel instructions, especially during an emergency.

*Next time you fly, listen to the announcements, review the safety features card, and be responsible for your own safety.

Date modified:

2010-06-30

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