---
title: "Airplane seats must be upright during takeoff and landing due to safety regulations"
url: https://newscentral.site/airplane-seats-must-be-upright-during-takeoff-and-landing-due/
language: en
publisher: "News Central Site"
section: "Travel"
published: 2026-10-13T16:21:08.000Z
updated: 2026-10-13T18:23:58.757Z
id: 4f74e56e-68d2-4328-9c0b-3e419a3332bd
source: "Conde Nast Traveler https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-do-airplane-seats-have-to-be-upright-for-takeoff-and-landing"
attribution: "Link to https://newscentral.site/airplane-seats-must-be-upright-during-takeoff-and-landing-due/ and name News Central Site when you quote or summarize this story."
---

# Airplane seats must be upright during takeoff and landing due to safety regulations

Passengers are required to keep their seats in an upright position during takeoff and landing to minimize the risk of injury from turbulence or impact.

Airplane seats must be in their fully upright position during takeoff and landing due to strict safety regulations enforced by aviation authorities worldwide.

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) in the US is responsible for ensuring that passengers comply with this rule, according to Lia Ocampo, a former flight attendant who emphasizes the importance of keeping seats upright during these critical phases of flight.

Takeoff and landing are the most hazardous parts of flying, as the plane accelerates or decelerates rapidly, making it more susceptible to turbulence and other risks. Keeping seats in an upright position helps to minimize the risk of injury to passengers in the event of sudden movements or impact.

Flight attendants make regular announcements to remind passengers of this safety requirement, ensuring that everyone is aware of their responsibility to keep their seatbacks up during these critical phases of flight.

During takeoff and landing, the most critical phases of flight, aircraft are at their most vulnerable, accounting for a significant proportion of fatal accidents.

According to Boeing's recent data, nearly 20% of all fatal incidents occur during takeoff, while approximately 47% happen during descent and landing.

These statistics underscore the importance of cabin crew vigilance during these periods, as they strive to ensure maximum safety for everyone on board.

The potential consequences of a delay in evacuation are severe, with hundreds of passengers at risk if an incident occurs during takeoff or landing.

The upright position of airplane seats during takeoff and landing is a crucial safety measure that allows passengers to quickly assume the brace position in case of an emergency. This position involves bending forward at the waist and stabilizing one's head with their hands by leaning on the seat in front of them, which helps protect against flailing heads and necks upon impact.

The potential consequences of reclined seats during takeoff and landing are severe, as they can prevent passengers from assuming the ideal brace position. This can increase the risk of injury, according to Ocampo, who notes that a reclined seat behind another passenger could hinder their ability to assume the necessary posture in an emergency.

Flight attendants are not asking passengers to keep their seats upright out of habit or protocol, but rather as a safety precaution to prevent accidents and injuries. By complying with this rule, passengers can help ensure their own safety and make the job of flight attendants easier.

---
Source: [Conde Nast Traveler](https://www.cntraveler.com/story/why-do-airplane-seats-have-to-be-upright-for-takeoff-and-landing)  
Published by News Central Site: https://newscentral.site/airplane-seats-must-be-upright-during-takeoff-and-landing-due/