The PA Announcements Study Guide contains a series of practice announcements. Familiarizing yourself with these announcements now will pay huge dividends later during new-hire training. In addition, some airlines require interviewees to read PA announcements from an announcement card during the interview process.
FAA-MANDATED PRE-TAKE-OFF ANNOUNCEMENTS
General Boarding
Read after most passengers have boarded, prior to door closure. As needed, repeat exit row information for late-boarding passengers seated in the exit row and/or carry-on stowage information on full flights.
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening] ladies and gentlemen. On behalf of [Airline Name], it is my pleasure to welcome you aboard flight [number] with service to [city] (if applicable, add) and continuing service to [destination]). Federal regulations require that carry-on items are stowed prior to closing the aircraft door. Your items may be placed in an overhead compartment, or completely under the seat in front of you. Use caution when placing items in or removing them from the overhead compartment, and let us know if we may assist you. In order to expedite the boarding process, please be seated as quickly as possible after stowing your carry-on items. Take a moment to review the “Safety Instructions” card in your seat pocket. Passengers seated in row(s) (add specific exit row(s) for A/C type) are also asked to review the exit row seating requirements. If you are seated in an exit row, you may be required to assist the crew in an evacuation. If you are unable or unwilling to perform the functions described on the card, just ask to be re-seated. Thank-you.”
PED Departure Reminder
Senior F/A (or designee) reads five minutes prior to door closure.
“Ladies and gentlemen, all cellular telephones and other portable electronic devices, such as CD players and laptop computers, must be turned off and stowed for departure. Thank-you.”
Push-back – Customers Not Seated
“Ladies and gentlemen, please be seated. Our flight is ready for departure.”
Door Preparation at Departure
Senior F/A reads after the boarding door has been closed.
“Flight attendants, prepare doors for departure and cross check.”
Departure Announcement
Captain advises of an offshore routing of a domestic flight (i.e., BWI-FLL). It is a requirement to demonstrate removal of the life vest from the plastic storage pouch during a life vest demonstration.
“Good [morning/afternoon/evening] ladies and gentlemen. Welcome aboard [Airline Name] flight [number] to [city] (if applicable, add) with continuing service to [destination]). Thank you for your attention while important safety information is reviewed. In preparation for departure, be certain that your seat back is straight up and your tray table is stowed. Make sure that your carry-on items are placed completely under the seat in front of you. Portable telephones are not approved for use inflight, however, you may use certain other electronic devices when advised by your crew. Please direct your attention to the flight attendants in the cabin. For everyone’s safety, regulations require your compliance with all lighted signs, placards and crew member instructions. Fasten your seat belt by placing the metal fitting into the buckle, and adjust the strap so it fits low and tight around your hips. To release, lift the face plate of the buckle. Please review the ‘Safety Instructions’ card in the seat pocket in front of you. It explains the safety features of this aircraft as well as the location and operation of the exits and floatation devices. Your seat cushion serves as an approved flotation device. To remove it, pull up and take it with you to the nearest usable exit. After exiting the aircraft, place your arms through the straps and then hug the cushion to your chest. As the flight attendants are pointing out, there are: (examples by aircraft type)
(737-300): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, two window exits over the wings, and two door exits in the rear of the aircraft.
(737-400): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, four window exits over the wings, and two door exits in the rear of the aircraft.
(757): six door exits – two in the front of the aircraft, two in the middle section of the aircraft, and two in the rear of the aircraft. (On 757 EOW, add) The slides at these exits can also be used as rafts) There are two additional emergency exits in the middle section of the aircraft with a raft designated compartment nearby.
(767): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, two window exits over the wings, and two door exits in the rear of the aircraft. The evacuation slides at the door exits can also be used as rafts.
(A319): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, two window exits over the wings, and two door exits in the rear of the aircraft.
(A320): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, four window exits over the wings, and two door exits in the rear of the aircraft.
(A330): two door exits in the front of the aircraft, two in the forward middle section of the aircraft, and two in the rear of the aircraft. These exits are equipped with slides, which can be used as rafts. There are two additional emergency door exits in the middle section of the aircraft that are equipped with slides.
Take a moment to locate the exit nearest you keeping in mind that the closest usable exit may be located behind you. If there is a loss of this aircraft’s electrical power, low level emergency lights will illuminate. All exits are indicated by lighted exit signs. (For aircraft with floor lighting, add) and by red floor-level lighting. (For all aircraft with floor strip lighting, add) Additionally, the window exits are indicated by red floor-level lighting). If needed, oxygen masks will be released overhead. To start the flow of oxygen, reach up and pull the mask toward you, fully extending the plastic tubing. Place the mask over your nose and mouth and slip the elastic band over your head. To tighten the fit, pull the tab on each side of the mask. The plastic bag does not need to inflate when oxygen is flowing. Be sure to secure your own mask before assisting others. (Add for all life-vest equipped A/C) A life vest is located under or between your seat. To wear it, tear open the plastic package, remove the life vest, and slip it over your head. Wrap the straps around your waist, snap the two ends together and tighten. Inflate the vest by pulling down on the red tabs. The vest can be manually inflated by blowing into one end of the red tubes, and is equipped with a water-activated locator light. It is important that you do not inflate your life vest until after exiting the aircraft). As a reminder, smoking is not permitted in any area of the aircraft, including the lavatories. Tampering with, disabling, or destroying a lavatory smoke detector is prohibited. On behalf of the Captain and your entire crew, it is our pleasure to have you aboard. Enjoy your flight”
FAA-MANDATED INFLIGHT AND ARRIVAL ANNOUNCEMENTS
Level-Off (FAA-mandated and safety policy portions only)
Make at 10,000 feet.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the use of approved portable electronic devices is now permitted.” (Substitute on applicable flights) Due to the cruising altitude of our flight, the use of portable electronic devices will not be permitted. For your continued safety, please keep your seat belt fastened at all times, even if the Captain turns off the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign.”
Fasten Seat Belt Sign – “on”
Note: This announcement must be followed by a visual cabin check.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned on the Fasten Seat Belt sign. Please be seated and check to see that your seat belt is securely fastened”
Fasten Seat Belt Sign – “off”
Note: It is not necessary to repeat seat belt information if the flight crew has made an announcement.
“Ladies and gentlemen, the Captain has turned off the Fasten Seat Belt sign. For your continued safety, [Airline Name] requires that you keep your seat belt fastened at all times while seated.”
PED – Descent
Read at 10,000 feet on descent. Read prior to completing cabin check for landing.
“Ladies and gentlemen, we have begun our descent into [city]. Please turn off all portable electronic devices and stow them until we have arrived at the gate. In preparation for landing in [city], be certain your seat back is straight up and your seat belt is fastened. Please secure your carry-on items, stow your tray table, and pass any remaining service items and unwanted reading materials to the flight attendants. Thank you.”
Arrival (FAA-mandated and safety portions only)
Make shortly after landing, once the engine noise has subsided.
“Ladies and gentlemen, [Airline Name] welcomes you to [city]. The local time is [time]. For your safety and the safety of those around you, please remain seated with your seat belt fastened and keep the aisle(s) clear until we are parked at the gate. The Captain will then turn off the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign, indicating it is safe to stand. Please use caution when opening the overhead compartments and removing items, since articles may have shifted during flight.”
Gate Hold – Arrival
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we have not yet reached the gate. Please remain seated until the Captain turns off the “Fasten Seat Belt” sign. Thank you.”
Door Preparation at Arrival
Note: On certain aircraft, F/As must give P.A confirmation that doors are disarmed.
“Flight attendants prepare doors for arrival and cross check.”
Using Stairs for Deplaning
“Ladies and Gentlemen, we will be using stairs for deplaning today. Please watch your step. Thank you.”
Caution Deplaning
“Please use caution when deplaning the aircraft. The jetway is [slippery, icy, etc.] due to [reason].”
Irregular Operations
“Ladies and gentlemen, we are aware that many of you have connecting flights departing [city]. In the event your connecting flight has departed, our ground staff will work with you to confirm you on the next available flight to your destination. Thank you for your patience.”