Reporter's deidentified concern
The reporter has raised a safety concern relating to the incorrect stowage of a life jacket in the cabin of a Part 121 operator's aircraft.
The reporter recently travelled on a [aircraft type and registration] and noticed during boarding the life jacket belonging to seat [seat x] was not stowed in the correct location and was located loose under an emergency exit row seat which is required to be kept clear. The reporter raised the concern with a cabin crew member who advised, 'It’s fine, they come out all the time' and that they were not going to retrieve the life jacket while there was a passenger in the seat [seat xx]. The reporter queried what happens in an emergency when the life jacket may have moved and is not where the passenger expects to find it. The cabin crew member subsequently returned the life jacket to be stowed correctly and reiterated to the reporter that the life jackets come out of their stowed position all the time and it’s really no issue.
The reporter further advised that the life jacket was not contained in a plastic bag as described on the safety card, which could mean that the life jacket may not be serviceable.
In summary, the reporter states, 'I would not have been concerned if the flight attendant had restowed it when advised but I had to encourage [the flight attendant] to do so, and as it’s something that happens "all the time" - this could mean that some lifejackets could be damaged, tampered with or not available to passengers where they expect if required'.
Named party's response
Thank you for providing [Operator] with the opportunity to respond to REPCON report RA2026-00103.
[Operator] acknowledges the concern raised regarding a life jacket found loose beneath an emergency exit row seat.
[Operator]’s [manual for emergency procedures] requires engineers to ensure passenger seats are fitted with the applicable life jacket. Where a passenger advises that a life jacket is not under or beside their seat, cabin crew are required to check whether it has fallen from its pouch and, if it is missing, replace it with a spare adult life jacket. The procedure also includes reporting requirements where a life jacket appears to have been tampered with or a spare has been used.
A review of [Operator]’s safety reporting system identified very few reports of this occurring and does not indicate a broader trend.
[Operator] appreciates the concern being raised and will continue to monitor safety reports relating to life jacket stowage.
Regulator's response
Thank you for the opportunity to review this REPCON.
Following a review of the relevant provisions contained within the operator’s [manual for emergency procedures], CASA is satisfied that the response provided to the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) is consistent with both the operator’s documented procedures and the applicable regulatory requirements.
Furthermore, noting the operator’s commitment to monitor and assess safety reports associated with life jacket stowage, CASA will maintain oversight of this undertaking. As part of its next scheduled surveillance activity, CASA will verify that the operator has appropriately implemented and progressed the monitoring measures outlined in its response and will assess the effectiveness of any actions taken to address identified safety concerns.
ATSB comment
The reporter provided feedback to the Named Party response and queried if the operator had subsequently checked the serviceability of the life jackets on the aircraft. The feedback was passed to the operator who provided the following further response:
[Operator] can confirm that our engineers conducted an inspection of this aircraft and confirmed that the lifejackets were all in place in row [x]. This is over and above our routine inspections.
The lifejackets on this aircraft are in a tamper proof bag however it is the same colour as the jacket so it is not always immediately obvious. (Photo of the lifejacket secured in the tamper proof bag supplied to the ATSB & CASA).
REPCON details
| Date reported | 13/07/2026 |
|---|---|
| Published date | 25/09/2026 |
| Affected operation/industry | Cabin Safety |
| Concern subject type | Crew or Passenger Safety |
| Transport mode | Aviation |