In Flight Safety - Frequently Asked Questions

Safety Briefings

1. As a traveler with a disability, am I entitled to an individual safety briefing?

All passengers must receive a standard safety briefing.

An air operator must ensure its staff provide an individual safety briefing when the contents of the standard safety briefing are insufficient due to a passenger’s sensory, physical or comprehension limitations or if the person is responsible for another person.

2. Do I have to ask for the briefing or is the airline staff obligated to offer it to me?

If the airline staff are aware that you require an individual safety briefing, then they must ensure it is provided to you.

There are times when the airline staff may be unaware of a passenger’s physical, sensory or comprehension limitations or responsibility for another person. If you require an individual safety briefing but do not receive it then you should ask to be given an individual safety briefing prior to the closure of the aircraft doors.

3. What if I am not provided with an individual safety briefing? Is there anyone I can contact about this?

If you have not received an individual safety briefing, even if you have requested it, then you should contact Cabin Safety Standards at 330 Sparks Street, Tower C, Place De Ville, Ottawa, Ontario, K1A 0N8. Please provide the date, flight number, air operator, and details surrounding the refusal to provide an individual safety briefing.

Service Animals

1. I have a service animal, am I permitted to take my animal with me when I fly?

Service animals are permitted on aircraft with 30 or more passenger seats.

2. Can my animal remain with me in the cabin?

Yes, provided the animal has trained by a professional service animal institution to assist a person and the animal is properly harnessed and remains under the control of the user.

If your animal is too large or insufficient space exists under a seat to accommodate your animal, then it may remain on the floor area at your feet.

3. Are there restrictions as to where I can sit with my service animal?

Yes, persons with service animals may not occupy seats where the presence of the animal would impede or obstruct access by any person to an emergency exit and/or interfere with the ability of a crew member to carry out his/her assigned duties during an emergency.

4. Does it have to be muzzled?

No, the requirement is for your animal to be properly harnessed and under control.