As you settle into your seat and prepare for take-off, one of the most familiar sounds is the voice of the cabin crew coming over the loudspeaker. These announcements play a crucial role in ensuring passenger safety and comfort, but have you ever wondered exactly what the cabin crew say before take-off and why?
In this article, we’ll explore the common pre-flight announcements made by cabin crew, why they are important, and how they vary between airlines. Whether you’re a frequent flyer, an aspiring cabin crew member, or just curious, this guide will break down everything you need to know about those pre-flight briefings.
The welcome announcement
The first thing passengers hear once everyone is seated and the aircraft is ready for departure is the welcome announcement. This greeting is essential because it sets a friendly tone and informs passengers that the crew is there to assist.
A typical welcome announcement might go something like this: “Good [morning/afternoon/evening], ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard [Airline Name] flight [Flight Number] with service to [Destination]. We are currently boarding all passengers and preparing for take-off. Please ensure your seatbelt is fastened, your seat back is in the upright position, and your tray table is stowed. In just a few moments, our flight attendants will be demonstrating the safety procedures of this aircraft. We kindly ask for your attention at that time. Thank you for choosing to fly with us, and we hope you enjoy your flight.”
- Purpose: The welcome announcement serves to make passengers feel comfortable, informed, and ready for the journey ahead. It also reminds everyone to follow safety protocols from the start.
Safety demonstration or video
Before take-off, cabin crew will either perform a live safety demonstration or play a pre-recorded safety video. This is one of the most crucial parts of the pre-flight routine, as it ensures that passengers know what to do in the event of an emergency.
The safety demo usually includes:
- How to fasten and unfasten your seatbelt.
- The location and use of oxygen masks.
- Instructions on life jackets and emergency exits.
- The importance of keeping your seatbelt fastened at all times.
During the safety demo, you might hear something like: “In the event of a loss of cabin pressure, oxygen masks will drop down from the overhead panel. Pull the mask toward you, place it over your nose and mouth, and breathe normally.”
- Purpose: This announcement is a legal requirement, ensuring that all passengers are informed of emergency procedures, regardless of how frequently they fly.
Cabin securing and seatbelt instructions
Once the safety demonstration is complete, the cabin crew will make a final cabin securing announcement. This is when they check that all passengers are seated, tray tables are stowed, and overhead bins are closed. They’ll also ask passengers to ensure their seatbelts are securely fastened.
You may hear: “Please ensure that your seatbelt is securely fastened, your seat back is in the upright position, and your tray table is stowed. All electronic devices should now be switched to airplane mode.”
- Purpose: These instructions ensure that passengers are seated and prepared for take-off, minimising any potential hazards during the most critical phases of the flight (take-off and landing).
Pre-departure checks and final announcement
Just before the aircraft begins to taxi to the runway, the crew will perform their final checks. This is also when they announce that the cabin is secure for take-off. You’ll often hear the captain or lead flight attendant give one last announcement before take-off, usually thanking the passengers for choosing the airline and ensuring everyone is ready for departure.
A final pre-departure message might sound like: “The cabin crew will now be seated for take-off. Please remain seated with your seatbelt fastened. We’ll be airborne shortly.”
- Purpose: This announcement provides a final check that everything is in order and lets passengers know that take-off is imminent.
Emergency instructions for specific flights
In certain cases, additional emergency instructions are given, particularly if the flight has any special considerations such as unusual weather, technical issues, or a high-risk destination. These instructions are usually delivered in a calm and professional manner to avoid alarming passengers, but they ensure everyone is prepared for any situation that might arise during take-off.
A more detailed announcement might include: “In the event of turbulence, please ensure you remain seated with your seatbelt fastened until the captain turns off the seatbelt sign.”
- Purpose: These announcements are meant to keep passengers informed and ensure safety, particularly if the flight may encounter rough conditions or specific challenges.
Cabin crew seating and safety checks
As the aircraft begins to taxi, the cabin crew will take their assigned seats. At this point, you’ll hear an announcement reminding everyone to remain seated with their seatbelt fastened. Although this may seem routine, it’s a critical part of the take-off process to ensure everyone’s safety.
Typically, you’ll hear: “Cabin crew, please take your seats for take-off.”
- Purpose: This signals that the cabin crew are now seated and ready for the take-off sequence, which is one of the busiest and most critical parts of the flight for both passengers and crew.
Ready for take-off? Share your thoughts below!
The pre-flight announcements from cabin crew may seem repetitive, but they serve an important purpose: ensuring that everyone on board knows the safety procedures and is prepared for a smooth flight. If you’re an aspiring cabin crew member or a frequent flyer, we’d love to hear your experiences! What pre-flight announcements do you find most useful or surprising? Share your thoughts in the comments section below, or join our cabin crew forum to connect with others in the industry.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the purpose of the welcome announcement?
The welcome announcement greets passengers, sets a positive tone, and provides essential information about the flight, such as the destination and flight duration. It also reminds passengers to follow safety protocols like fastening seatbelts.
2. Why is the safety demonstration important?
The safety demonstration, either live or via video, ensures that passengers understand what to do in case of an emergency. It covers critical topics like seatbelt use, oxygen masks, and emergency exits, ensuring everyone is prepared for unexpected situations.
3. What are the cabin securing and seatbelt instructions?
This announcement ensures passengers are seated correctly, tray tables are stowed, and seatbelts are fastened. It prepares the cabin for take-off by minimising any risks during critical phases of the flight.
4. What is the final pre-departure announcement for?
The final pre-departure announcement is made after the cabin is secured, letting passengers know that take-off is imminent and reminding them to remain seated with seatbelts fastened. It also serves as a last check that everything is in order.
5. Are there additional emergency instructions for specific flights?
Yes, if there are special considerations like bad weather or technical issues, additional emergency instructions may be given. These announcements are meant to prepare passengers without causing alarm.
6. What happens during the cabin crew seating and safety checks?
As the aircraft begins to taxi, the cabin crew takes their seats and conducts final safety checks. Passengers are reminded to stay seated with their seatbelts fastened. This ensures both the crew and passengers are ready for take-off, a critical part of the flight.
7. Why do cabin crew remind passengers to use airplane mode?
Cabin crew ask passengers to switch their electronic devices to airplane mode to prevent interference with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems, ensuring a safe and smooth flight.
8. What happens if there’s turbulence during take-off?
If turbulence is expected during take-off, the cabin crew may give additional instructions, such as asking passengers to remain seated and keep their seatbelts fastened until the captain turns off the seatbelt sign.