Why do armrests have to be down?

The reason why flight attendants tell you to put the armrests down during takeoff and landing is because they can cause serious injury if the plane comes to a sudden halt. This was explained in detail by former cabin crew safety trainer, Sebastien Bouevier.


Why do armrests need to be down?

If the aircraft was to come to a sudden halt, the armrest would swivel forward at the same speed as the aircraft was at prior to halting. I.e, the armrest could slam into your side with a force as if it was travelling at more than 135 knots."

Do armrests need to be down for takeoff?

While it is not a regulatory requirement for armrests to be down for takeoff (actually, they don't lock), it is a recommended best practice.


Do armrests have to be down for takeoff and landing?

Everyone who has been on a flight knows you have to put your armrest down and your seat in the upright position during takeoff and landing. It's a rule, and you obey the rules or the flight attendant tells you off and you wouldn't want that.

Why don't window armrests go up?

In the event of an emergency evacuation, protruding armrests could present an obstacle between seat passageways, obstructing emergency exit access.


This is why you have to put your armrests down when landing



Why are airplane armrests so low?

Armrests that are built with a higher platform upfront and a lower one toward the back are intended to allow the aisle and window passengers to use the front portion, while the set-back middle seater can use the lower portion, putting an end to the armrest tussle.

Can you raise the armrest on an airplane?

“There are a few planes that do not have movable aisle armrests,” Upton writes, “However, most of them have a small lever or button on the underside of the armrest, near the hinge. Pushing or sliding this lever will release the hinge lock, allowing you to raise the armrest.”

Why can't you lean your seat back during takeoff?

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) set the upright seat rule for two main reasons: it makes it easier to evacuate the plane in the case of an emergency and it can help limit injuries. It's a frightening fact, but most airplane accidents happen upon take-off or landing.


Is landing harder than take off?

Landing is generally considered quite a bit more hazardous (and requires a bit more exacting handling) than taking off, but both takeoffs and landings can have their challenges.

Is it better to have a chair with or without armrests?

Not having desk chair arms in your chair can harm your back. If you don't have something that holds your arms, your body can lean forward. That's a common issue among office workers. Leaning forward makes you lose lumbar support and curves your spine, producing back pain.

Who gets the middle armrest on a plane with 2 seats?

"The middle seat armrests belong to no one," says airline analyst Timothy O'Neil-Dunne. "It's common space and you better treat it that way."


How do you survive the middle seat on a plane?

How to Survive the Middle Seat
  1. Prepare. Pack your carry-on and personal bag methodically. ...
  2. Board as Early as Possible. ...
  3. Claim the Armrests. ...
  4. Limit Your Carry-On and Store it in the Overhead Bins. ...
  5. Take a Deep Breath. ...
  6. Make Friends With Your Neighbor. ...
  7. Get a Neck Pillow. ...
  8. Get Noise-Canceling Headphones.


Why do you have to lift the blinds during takeoff?

“From a safety standpoint, open shades help improve situational awareness,” says a rep from the Flight Safety Foundation. “For example, during an emergency evacuation, flight attendants or passengers need to be able to see outside to determine whether it's safe to open and use an emergency exit.

What is armrest etiquette?

Etiquette experts say the armrests are technically up for grabs, but the person most inconvenienced – generally the person in the middle – should have first choice. The same goes for movie theater seats.


Are my armrests too high?

The height of your armrest should be set at the same height as the point of your bent elbow when seated. A properly positioned armrest should gently support your forearm when your arm and shoulder is relaxed. When your armrests are too high, even just a little bit, they cause your shoulders to rise.

Why do tray tables have to be up?

“Basically, [tray tables are] to be up for takeoff and landing so that [they] won't block you from evacuating in the event of an emergency,” former flight attendant Kelly Kincaid told T+L. Takeoff and landing are the most critical phases of a flight.

Why do planes feel like they are dropping?

Answer: The sensation of slowing down is really one of slowing the rate of acceleration; this is due to reducing the thrust after takeoff to the climb setting. The sensation of “dropping” comes from the retraction of the flaps and slats. The rate of climb is reduced, causing it to feel like a descent.


Can pilots forget to lower landing?

We were on about a half-mile final when I realized that the pilot had forgotten to lower the landing gear — and I'd forgotten to check. The low groundspeed and turbulence resulting from the strong low-level winds conspired to make airplane performance appear as if the gear was down. It can happen to anyone.

What is the hardest part of flying?

Boeing research shows that takeoff and landing are statistically more dangerous than any other part of a flight. 49% of all fatal accidents happen during the final descent and landing phases of the average flight, while 14% of all fatal accidents happen during takeoff and initial climb.

Why do airplanes pull up their landing gears after take off?

As the speed of the plane increases — combined with the new angle of the airflow passing over the wings — the lift generated by the wings reaches a critical point where the aircraft can leave the ground. As this happens, the pilot then retracts the landing gear to improve the aerodynamics of the aircraft.


Can you sleep during takeoff?

According to MedlinePlus, falling asleep during landing or takeoff could cause serious damage to your ears. It all has to do with the rapid changes in air pressure in the cabin. Need something to do while sitting on the tarmac or during a layover?

Why do they say rotate at takeoff?

Rotation is the act of lifting the nosewheel of a tricycle-geared airplane off the runway by pulling back on the yoke, raising the elevator and causing the tail to lower. This step is key to a smooth takeoff.

Why are wheelchairs not allowed on planes?

Power wheelchairs are not allowed in the passenger cabin of an airplane. Simply put, they are usually too heavy and wide to use in the cabin among the tight aisles. When you are at the gate at the airport, you will be provided with an aisle manual chair to transfer into.


Is it rude to lean your chair back on a flight?

Seat reclining follows an unwritten rule: You don't do it unless you really need to. “Airplane etiquette is you only recline when necessary, and if you must recline, just put the seat back a little bit to get the comfort you need without encroaching too much on the person behind you,” he said.

What things Cannot hand carry flight?

Compressed gasses, corrosives, poisons, flammable liquids, mercury, deadly weapons, acids, oxidizing, materials of explosives, radioactive materials, magnet materials and undeclared ammunition must not be carried on board and aircraft as checked or carry-on baggage.