Airline removes life vests to save weight and fuel, is that illegal?

Question

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap_travel/20080829/ap_tr_ge/travel_brief_canada_airline_life_vests

Answer 1

I don't work for or represent the FAA, but I'm pretty sure that the only flights that require a life vest on board are those that travel over water. Most aircrafts will have seat cushions that double as floatation devices so I'm pretty sure that the ones that have eliminated the standard life vest will compensate in some other way.

Air Canada would not put passengers or their ability to safely fly their aircrafts in danger.

Answer 2

When did you last hear about a plane crashing over the ocean where survived? Ususally there is nothing left so I wouldn't worry about it!

Answer 3

It says right there in the article you gave the link to that it is legal as long as they provide a flotation device, which they do. That pretty much answers your question, but it does seem like a bit of a stretch just to save a minimal amount of fuel.

Answer 4

Rich, the second sentence in the article talks about the regulations. Didn't you read that far? Most aircraft do NOT have life vests on them, unless they fly over water routes, in which case they are required to have life vests and life rafts on board.

Regards,

Dan

Answer 5

well...obviously not, but surly an airline that puts costs before passenger safety will surly struggle to keep passengers using their airline...all aircraft are bound to go over water at some point while they are in service.

It shouldnt matter weather a flight is going to go over water, oceans or whatever...becasue planes are used for more than one route, and planes are sold between airlines.

That is very irresponsible by Air Canada Jazz and for the sake of common sence, I would hope that mainstream Air Canada did something about it!

Im in Australia, so it doesnt affect me, but if airlines start to follow this lead, air travel may get a lot more dangerous!

Answer 6

Only aircraft traveling over the ocean are required to have life vests. Any others do not have to have them on board.