Can passengers have their tray tables down on the ground?

Can passengers have their tray tables down on the ground?

• A. Yes, but not at the overwing or emergency exit row
• B. No
• C. Only during taxi
• D. Only when the seat belt sign is off

Answer: (A)

On the ground, when the aircraft is parked, tray tables are generally available for use during meal service. The important safety nuance is that rows next to an emergency exit or over the wing must keep the tray table stowed to keep the exit path clear and unobstructed in case of an evacuation. The seat belt sign being on or off isn’t the controlling factor here; this rule is about ensuring safe egress, especially near exits. So you can have the tray table down on the ground, except in the overwing or emergency exit row where it must remain stowed.

On the ground, when the aircraft is parked, tray tables are generally available for use during meal service. The important safety nuance is that rows next to an emergency exit or over the wing must keep the tray table stowed to keep the exit path clear and unobstructed in case of an evacuation. The seat belt sign being on or off isn’t the controlling factor here; this rule is about ensuring safe egress, especially near exits. So you can have the tray table down on the ground, except in the overwing or emergency exit row where it must remain stowed.