In-flight safety demonstration

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Image:DeltaSafetyDemo1996Masks.jpg

The in-flight safety demonstration (also known as a pre-flight briefing or simply the safety video) is a detailed explanation given before take-off 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. 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 or an on-screen signer.

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 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
the brace position (not typically included on U.S. flights, as it is not required by FAA regulation)
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.)