CASA media release - Monday, 24 October 2005
New on-line air safety info for passengers
Air travellers can now find on-line answers to their most common aircraft cabin safety questions.
The Civil Aviation Safety Authority has posted the answers to eight questions passengers frequently pose to aircraft cabin crew on its web site.
This new addition to CASA's on-line help for aircraft passengers assists people to understand many of the restrictions and instructions issued during air travel.
The eight common questions are:
• What is different when I sit in an exit row?
• What happens if I drink too much alcohol?
• How should I behave on board an aircraft?
• Why are there restrictions on the use of phones and other electronic devices?
• I've heard the safety briefing before. Why should I listen again?
• Why must I remain seated until the aircraft stops?
• Where can I go on the tarmac?
• What are the limits for carry on baggage?
Passengers are given plain English explanations of the rules and procedures that apply to each topic, as well as what is expected of them during flights.
For example, passengers are warned that it is an offence to enter an aircraft while drunk or to be drunk on board an aircraft, attracting a fine of up $550. Passengers are also not allowed to consume their own alcohol while on board.
The weight and size restrictions on carry-on baggage are imposed to make sure everything can fit in the overhead stowage bins. Every year passengers are injured when bins are opened and items fall out because they were not stowed properly.
Rules covering exit rows require passengers to be to able-bodied, at least 15 years old and able to understand English. Cabin crew can move passengers who don't meet these requirements or who are not willing to assist in the event of an emergency.
CASA produced the responses to frequently asked cabin safety questions in the latest edition of its flagship publication, Flight Safety Australia magazine.
To read the full questions and answers on-line go to: http://www.casa.gov.au/airsafe/trip/questions.htm
Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0547