Originally Posted by
TheTakeOffRush
What's the protocol if an airline seats you somewhere with nonfunctioning equipment? I assume if it's safety-related (seatbelt, recline being stuck in non-up) the airline is required to reseat you. But you know what they say about assuming...
For creature comforts, is the pax just SOL if something's broken? (Am especially interested in the chapter and verse one would quote to FA/GA/Cust Svc, if anyone knows)
If the seat is broken, and can't be locked into upright position, the seat must be placed out of service. Also if the tray table can't be locked into an upright position then the seat must be taken out of service. A broken seat belt also requires the seat be taken out of service. Plane airworthiness doesn't require working seat belts, but FARs require them for a passenger to sit there. FARs prohibit taking off and landing with tray table/seats not in upright and locked position.
IMO The tray table in the OP should have caused the seat to be out of service. Simply putting tape over it doesn't IMO cut it for ensuring the table is upright and locked in place. I would never pilot a plane with a person in a seat knowing the only thing holding something up is tape. It doesn't require taking the plane out of service, but the seat should have been.