Stowage of food, beverage, and passenger service equipment during airplane movement on the surface, takeoff, and landing

This regulation requires airlines operating under Part 121 to secure all service items before the aircraft moves on the ground, takes off, or lands. Specifically:

• Food, beverages, and tableware cannot be at passenger seats
• All tray tables (both meal trays and seat back trays) must be stowed and secured
• Service carts must be secured in their stowed positions
• Aisle-extending movie screens must be stowed

Passengers must follow crew instructions regarding these requirements.

The rule exists to prevent loose items from becoming projectiles during sudden stops, rejected takeoffs, turbulence during initial climb, or hard landings. Even a coffee cup or tray table can cause serious injury if the aircraft decelerates unexpectedly. Service carts are particularly dangerous due to their weight and mobility. By requiring everything secured during these critical phases of flight, the regulation reduces injury risk to passengers and crew while keeping aisles clear for emergency evacuation if needed.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*