Cathay Pacific Asia Miles - No safety demo until after take-off

This was a first for me, however, this happened on a recent CX flight. There was no manual demo, no directions to the exits, and no reminder to switch off mobile phones, until after take-off. I always thought this was required?? I was shocked...I have written to CX asking for clarification of this policy and if it differs by departure country.

And you expect what from this clarification letter? Compensation?

There might be many things attributed to the delay in the safety demo. It could be a malfunction of the video and that there might have been a very short taxi and the cabin crew did not have time to do a live demo.

Look, it's not like you've never flown before. In the event of an emergency, I'm sure most of passengers know what to do. Oh yeah, right, each country is different in safety demos!

And in the heat of the moment - when everything has gone: dark / bang / smokey / foggy / windy / chilly / bent / broken, I'm sure most people would not be remembering the words of the demo and just using instinct - mixed with a dose of luck and good fortune.

And you expect what from this clarification letter? Compensation?

There might be many things attributed to the delay in the safety demo. It could be a malfunction of the video and that there might have been a very short taxi and the cabin crew did not have time to do a live demo.

Look, it's not like you've never flown before. In the event of an emergency, I'm sure most of passengers know what to do. Oh yeah, right, each country is different in safety demos!

Guy Betsy, thank you for you response. It was yours I was looking for, believe it or not. I am not looking for compensation nor did I request compensation. Obviously, there was a problem with the video equipment, or, the cabin crew would have screened the video. The taxi was not short and there was time to at least highlight the important safety features. I AM certain each country has their own safety requirements. You would never see a U.S. carrier serving drinks, or, anything a First Class passenger needs right AFTER landing, taxing to the terminal as SQ does on request. Everybody at United would laugh out loud. I did not request this, however, I observed another passenger doing this on SQ882 today. So, the bottom line you are saying, is, safety demos are not required prior to takeoff?? That is my question. And , yes, I would know how to evacuate the aircraft should there be an emergency. On my flight from Bangkok to Colombo, I am sure there were inexperienced travellers who may have been confused and may have led to unnecessary complications to other travellers during an emergency. Why do you always try to incite me?? I know you love CX, however, they are not the best. I was really surprised and I thought people here would like to know of my, I am sure, rare experience. With respect.

don't think they would risk not doing a safety demo (live or not) as there may be some Civil Aviaiton Department (CAD) officer carrying out an audit. i'll clarify this with my friend who is a trainer in CX, but normally the safety demo will be shown prior to pushback.

The only exception to the rule would be probably between Canada and US where the CX crew may not be 'up to par'. Though yes, it is not excuse. ALl safety demos have to be screened prior to takeoff, and usually with CX's case, before pushback.

I know once upon a time ago, I was on Air China. Upon boarding, the video was already screening the safety demo - abeit without sound. Then while taxiing, passengers were jumping around changing seats. Crew did nothing. But then again, this was 1992 in China!

I'm sorr, yvrguy, I didn't mean to incite you. But I felt that your question seemed condesending somwhat..so I just gave you a straight forward answer. I apologise if I may have offended you.

That said, yes, CX should reply to you.. and you can de d*mn sure that the ISM on that flight in charge of the safety demo might be getting a stern warning letter of his/her misactions! He/She might even be suspended pending further investigations!

But I'm glad nothing serious happened...

The only exception to the rule would be probably between Canada and US where the CX crew may not be 'up to par'. Though yes, it is not excuse. ALl safety demos have to be screened prior to takeoff, and usually with CX's case, before pushback.

I know once upon a time ago, I was on Air China. Upon boarding, the video was already screening the safety demo - abeit without sound. Then while taxiing, passengers were jumping around changing seats. Crew did nothing. But then again, this was 1992 in China!

I'm sorr, yvrguy, I didn't mean to incite you. But I felt that your question seemed condesending somwhat..so I just gave you a straight forward answer. I apologise if I may have offended you.

That said, yes, CX should reply to you.. and you can de d*mn sure that the ISM on that flight in charge of the safety demo might be getting a stern warning letter of his/her misactions! He/She might even be suspended pending further investigations!

But I'm glad nothing serious happened...

Sorry for the delay..I just disembarked off the late (3 hours) SQ18 flight from ICN. i appreciate your response and will advise the response from cx when I receive it. My letter to CX only stated the demo was not screened until after takeoff and I requested to know the offical Cathay policy. No demands for money...I am not that petty. When I do the flight next month, I will once again use TG...not because of this incident, but, I feel TG is superior on this route...old seats and all. If anybody has access to the information, I was on CX703J, 03 July 2004, BKK/CMB. The inflight super was Karen.
Thank you for the apology Guy Betsy...Trust me, when I am condescending --you will know. I am just a simple person with fine tastes and appreciate attention to detail. Yes, I do lose my patience with incompetent people with high positions, and, even though I know a lot of the ins and outs of the airline industry, sometimes I just feel it is not my job to complete all the leg work...although that is usually the best way to proceed......Thanx again GB, maybe we bury the hatchet over a glass of Krug one day.

no matter where the aircraft is parked, the safety demo video (live if IFE is u/s) HAS TO BE SHOWN. if parked at gate 4 in hkg, the video / live show will be shown once doors are closed. i'll have a little peak and see whether any action were taken on Karen

Thanx geardown, I appreciate any feedback you may be able to provide! I will try not to sound condescending, however, I was really shocked the aircraft departed with no safety demo; live, or otherwise. Safe and happy travels to all.

Brace! brace!

The only possible excuse that I can see would be if no passengers had joined the plane (or the cabin in which there was no demo) in BKK - I guess that would be OK if everyone had seen the demo on departure from HKG. Otherwise, it's a clear breach of the rules - though it may have been the captain's choice to go rather than the ISM's.

It has never happened to me on 400 or so CX sectors, although it has happened to me on other airlines - I fear we sometimes expect CX to be too perfect.

Brace! brace!

Fung Ying Sing Tat Kok Tai Hong Kung!

Fung Ying Sing Tat Kok Tai Hong Kung!

Grab your ankles and kiss your tushie goodbye?

Brace! brace!

"Dong lay teng do 'brace brace brace' lap hak jo nei go ji sai" (or something similar)

I just can't get enough of those safety videos :-)

Grab your ankles and kiss your tushie goodbye?

No wonder they didn't show the demo - how does one kiss his/her own tushie? :p