In the cabin

What does "doors to armed" mean?

Could the door ever open in flight?

Large jets have plug-type doors: they are larger than the opening and swing inward and then outward, so cabin pressure pushes them tighter into the frame. In flight, nobody could open one.

Before pushback, crew arm the slides: if the door is opened in an emergency, the slide inflates automatically. After landing the crew disarm them before opening.

Every passenger exit is designed so a full aircraft can be evacuated in 90 seconds in certification tests, with only half of the exits usable.

A little deeper

The announcement "doors to manual and cross-check" means the crew switch the slides from armed to disarmed and check each other's door.

Exit row seating requires passengers who are able and willing to help, which is why you are asked to confirm.

See it in Gate 41, in the cabin

Related questions

• Why do my ears pop, and what is that hiss?
• Why do the cabin lights dim?

People involved

• Nadia RahmanCabin crew (purser)