The armrests found on airplanes are a subtle but occasionally contentious element. You may wish to relax, only to find your seatmate has already taken possession. Another key point to keep in mind is that during takeoff and landing, the flight attendants usually strongly emphasize that armrests must remain in the down position. The reason behind this requirement might not be immediately obvious.
The Federal Aviation Administration provides a set of guidelines for aircraft carriers and their operators. Relevant to armrest procedures isAirline Operator Operations Bulletin No. 1-94-9. It highlights the importance of "making sure flight attendants check that the armrests are in the standard forward/down position before takeoff and landing to ensure they don't block the pathway between rows or seats leading from the aisle to the emergency exit." This is because armrests, when stored upright, can extend beyond the seat back, possibly obstructing the aisles.
When in flight, safety is of utmost importance. It is the duty of numerous airport personnel even before passengers step on board, and it is the responsibility of the flight crew throughout the trip. Travelers also have a role to play by focusing on the safety demonstration, referring to the safety card located in front of them for a reminder, and lowering their seat trays and armrests while securing their seatbelts during takeoff and landing. In case of an emergency, obstacles and mess can waste critical time, lead to injuries, or pose a serious threat. These small actions contribute to reducing such risks.The airline staff is always aware when an issue occurs and can advise accordingly.
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The Risks Associated With Plane Seat Arms
If you've ever needed to quickly move past a line of unhappy individuals in a cinema to return to your seat, you can picture what it would be like to do so in a rush during an emergency on an airplane, such asa technical problem while airborne. For this reason, positioning the armrest in a non-intrusive manner ensures that all individuals have maximum space to exit their seats and reach the aisle in case of an emergency. It also aids in avoiding possible injuries that might result from an unexpected armrest movement. An upright armrest, during an emergency landing or sudden movement, could potentially swing forward with significant force. Storing them, similar to how you would stow your seat tray, helps avoid such situations.
Airports, aircraft carriers, and operators must also make sure their services meet the different accessibility needs of passengers. Federal regulations state that carriers "are not required to provide removable armrests on aisle seats of rows that a passenger with a mobility impairment cannot use due to an FAA safety rule." Raising the armrests, however, can be essential for enabling movement for those with limited mobility. TheU.S. Department of Transportationreports that adjustable armrests are not required on seats where they are not feasible to install "or window seats that a passenger with a mobility issue cannot access due to an FAA safety regulation." As is typically the case when traveling by air, the key is to make sure you are seated correctly and to follow all safety instructions provided.
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