This is the reason why you have to clear the coffee table on the plane when you take off and land

Before take-off, the flight attendant warns you that you have to clear the table on the plane, and many people often ask why. The answer has a lot to do with security you and your fellow passengers.

“The aircraft can experience sudden movements such as turbulence. If you leave the tables on the plane open and down, things can fly off them and endanger your safety. As well as the safety of other passengers on the plane. That's why it's important to prevent it in time," explained David Doughty, CEO of the private jet company, in an interview with Travel and Leisure Admiral Jet.

What's more, tables with trays must also be arranged so that they do not obstruct the movement of passengers. In the unlikely event of an emergency, you need to be able to quickly get up from your seat and head for the exit without the tray table getting in the way. For this purpose, your bags must also be stowed in the overhead compartment or under the seat in front of you. In key situations, every second counts.

Why you should clear the coffee table on the plane: the statistics

If there are any problems during take-off or landing, the passengers have to assume an inclined position, which is practically impossible in the case of an open table on the plane. It is during take-off and landing that most unusual and unexpected events occur. Boeing and Airbus, two of the largest aircraft manufacturers in the world, regularly publish studies on plane accidents. According to Boeing's latest report for the period from 2011 to 2021, about 67 percent of fatal accidents involving Boeing aircraft occurred during takeoff or landing. Analysis by Airbus also shows a similar picture.

And although it is allowed to use tables during the flight, even then use them sparingly. In case of turbulence or unexpected events, they can become a dangerous weapon, and in the best case, you will only carry it with a barrel on your head.