In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers

In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers - Passenger aircraft moving on airfield after landing in airport during sunset on winter day

I have never seen this before, but because most of the in-flight safety instructions appear to be replayed recordings these days (at least in my experience for both domestic and international airlines), I would like to find out how this information is being provided to deaf or hearing impaired passengers. I have never seen a sign language interpreter onboard a flight, so I wonder if this is something that people on this site know about.



Best Answer

In addition to the safety information card, many flights with in-flight entertainment systems will play a video to provide the safety briefing. It's common for this video to include subtitles, sometimes in multiple languages, for accessibility.

For example, Delta Air Lines:

Screengrab of video from Delta safety presentation: flight attendant with subtitled text in English and Spanish "I'll be giving a brief safety presentation"

Passengers can simply watch the video and read the text instead of listening to the audio.


I'd add that it's generally understood and accepted that not every passenger on a flight will be able to understand the safety briefing. I've been on a number of flights where the briefing is only conducted in a language or languages I do not understand, and the airline is not normally violating any regulation by failing to provide me with a translator.

Note that airlines may require passengers travel with a "safety assistant" if they aren't able to receive the safety briefing through some means or another, such as "both severe hearing and severe vision impairments."




Pictures about "In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers"

In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers - Aircraft flying over runway near airport building
In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers - Inside of empty aircraft before departure
In-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers - From below of comfortable astronauts chairs inside of modern spacecraft simulator located in modern station



Can deaf people go on an airplane?

Some people with hearing loss or deafness may avoid air travel because they are concerned about missing announcements or are unable to interact with flight attendants. However, traveling can be less stressful and more comfortable with the correct preparing.

How do you travel when your deaf?

If traveling without a companion, pen and paper is an effective way to communicate with hearing staff. Whether it's the airport check-in desk, or a hotel reception desk \u2013 tell the staff that you're deaf and request a pen and paper so you can have a written conversation.

How do you ensure safety on a plane?

Top 10 Airline Safety Tips
  • Fly on Nonstop Routings. ...
  • Choose Larger Aircraft. ...
  • Pay Attention to the Preflight Briefing. ...
  • Keep the Overhead Storage Bin Free of Heavy Articles. ...
  • Keep Your Seat Belt Fastened While You are Seated. ...
  • Listen to the Flight Attendants. ...
  • Don't Bring Any Hazardous Material.


  • How do airlines ensure the safety of their passengers?

    Among some of the latest initiatives that United has launched onboard aircraft include enhanced cabin sanitisation with electrostatic spraying before every flight; requiring all employees and customers on board to wear a mask or face covering; and supplying individually wrapped hand sanitiser wipes to customers as they ...




    More answers regarding in-flight safety instructions for deaf passengers

    Answer 2

    Airports and Airlines are under pressure to make their materials and communications accessible to the Deaf, mostly because of the ADA laws. They have improved, but this doesn't mean that they are perfect. Many are working with Deaf organizations such as NAD to improve accessibility and other organizations offer advice or interpreters for the Deaf such as DeafEurope in cases where companies are not so "Deaf Friendly."

    Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

    Images: Vincent Albos, Vincent Albos, Kelly, SpaceX