Endeavor Air Requires Passengers to Stow Complimentary Water

Endeavor Air is telling passengers that complimentary water bottles must be placed in their carry-on bags for taxi and takeoff rather than left in the seatback pocket. The airline says this is because once the bottle is in the passenger’s bag, it belongs to them and is no longer considered a galley item under federal rules.

As is common in First Class, Endeavor Air flight attendants have left a water bottle on each seat for many years. However, the Federal Aviation Administration has reinterpreted an old regulation requiring airlines to stow all galley items before pushback. This now includes all pre-departure beverages served by flight attendants, such as plastic tumblers and water bottles.

Last month, it became clear that airlines must clear pre-departure beverages as soon as the aircraft door is closed. What was uncertain was whether water bottles left at a passenger’s seat would still be allowed or if attendants would need to hand them out after takeoff.

Endeavor Air will continue to leave the bottles on the seat during boarding. But once the boarding door shuts, new rules apply. Passengers who put the bottle in their carry-on bag assume ownership, so it is no longer a galley item requiring stowage. If left in the seatback pocket, the bottle remains an airline-owned item that must be collected and stowed by flight attendants before pushback.

The new rules took effect on September 1. Delta’s mainline flight attendants have been encouraged to start pre-departure beverage service as soon as possible because passengers now have less time to enjoy their drink before stowage is required.

This rule change is not unique to Delta. The FAA regulations apply to all airlines equally, regardless of whether the beverage is in a real glass or a plastic tumbler. All pre-departure beverages must be collected before pushback.

The rationale behind the regulation change is unclear. The FAA may be concerned that galley service items could become a hazard during an emergency evacuation, though the rules do not stop passengers from bringing their own water bottles and storing them in the seatback pocket.

The article notes other differences between U.S. And international safety practices. At overwing self-help exits, U.S. Passengers may keep carry-ons by their feet, while in Europe and elsewhere, overwing exits must be completely clear of bags. Laptop computers cannot be stored in seatback pockets at overwing exits on many European carriers, as they could block the exit path. Charging cords must be disconnected from in-seat power supplies on many global airlines due to trip hazards, a rule not followed by most U.S. Carriers.

Additionally, while U.S. Passengers can lower window blinds during taxi, takeoff, and landing, most other regulators require shades to remain open. This allows passengers to spot external hazards like engine fires and adjust to outside lighting if an evacuation occurs.

The source is Paddleyourownkanoo.com.