Any FAA or other regulation on missing life vests?
 

On a recent flight with AA from Hawaii to the mainland I noticed that the space for the life vest under my seat was empty (I don't usually check but in this case I happened to). I notified the FA, who thanked me for bringing it to his attention as they need to somehow report it and mentioned that they have a couple of extra ones in case. However, he did NOT provide one of those spares for me to put into the space under my seat right there and then. I was not insisting in anticipation of no issues on the flight (and was proved to be right), however, I very much doubt he would have brought me one of the extra vests should anything have happened...

I was wondering if there are any specific regulations that apply concerning life vests having to be available at every (occupied) seat and if the FA handled the situation correctly.

Thanks in advance for your insight!

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Per the forum guidelines, the Practical Travel Safety/Security forum is the place to discuss what you need to know if you were flying today.

Please follow this thread as if moves to the Policy Debate forum.

The relevant regulation appears to be 14 CFR § 25.1411:
TWA884
Travel Safety/Security co-moderator

There is supposed to be one within passenger arm’s reach for each and every passenger on board and having it on board rows away from the seated passenger is not in compliance with what the airline should do. Same goes with the flotation devices for lap children, which is why on certain flights the airlines have to go around handing out such devices to the adults accompanying lap children on the planes.

Thanks very much for the insights ^ .