Everyone is seated. Seatbelts are on. The stewardess begins to give flight safety instructions, and the majority of passengers are talking and adjusting their headphones. The stewardess continues with the demonstration, not only because it’s their job, but because they are giving the blueprint for safety and precaution while flying 33,000 to 42,000 feet in the air. Safety instructions provide more than instructions in case of an anomaly. It provides guidance for emergency landings, teamwork assignments, and operations related to restrooms, food, and trash.

Flights to different areas of the world provide various instructions to address issues that may occur over water, land, or in an emergency. Therefore, it’s best to listen to instructions on every flight. However, the instructions below are relevant for any flight. In case you need a refresher, here’s what you need to know:

Seat Belt Operation: Passengers are instructed on how to fasten, adjust, and unfasten their seatbelts. They are reminded to keep their seatbelts fastened whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated and, ideally, at all times while seated due to the possibility of unexpected turbulence.

Emergency Exits: Flight attendants point out the location of all emergency exits on the aircraft. Passengers are encouraged to locate their nearest exit, which may be behind them, and count the rows to it in case visibility is reduced.

Oxygen Masks: Instructions cover how to use oxygen masks, including when they will drop from the overhead panel, how to secure them over the nose and mouth, and the importance of securing your mask before assisting others.

Life Vests and Flotation Devices: On flights over water, passengers are briefed on the location and use of life vests or flotation devices, including how to retrieve them from storage, put them on, and when to inflate them.

Brace Position: Passengers may be instructed on the brace position (also known as the safety position) to adopt during an emergency landing, depending on the airline and region.

Carry-on Baggage: Carry-on items must be stowed securely either under the seat in front of you or in the overhead bins, and nothing should block the aisles or exits.

Smoking Regulations: Passengers are reminded that smoking, including the use of electronic cigarettes, is strictly prohibited on all flights and in the lavatories.

Electronic Devices: Instructions may include when and how electronic devices may be used.

Evacuation Procedures: In an emergency evacuation, passengers are instructed to leave all carry-on baggage behind and follow the illuminated floor path lighting to the nearest exit. 

Passenger Safety Cards: Passengers are directed to review the safety information card located in the seat pocket, which provides detailed diagrams and instructions specific to the aircraft model.

Special Briefings: Passengers seated in exit rows or those needing assistance receive additional, individualized instructions regarding their responsibilities or the best way to assist them in an emergency.

These safety instructions are essential for preparing passengers for both normal flight operations and rare emergencies. Paying close attention to them is a critical part of in-flight safety.