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Please Pay Attention – Or Not? Why Passengers Ignore Flight Safety Announcements and What Aviation Can Do About It
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“We ask for your full attention as we demonstrate the safety features of this aircraft.”
It’s a phrase heard on nearly every commercial flight—yet one that often goes unnoticed. Passengers glance at their phones, continue conversations, or simply tune out. Even frequent flyers admit to ignoring the safety demonstration altogether.
This widespread lack of attention might appear careless, but it’s more accurately a product of how the human brain works. In this article, we explore the psychological mechanisms behind this phenomenon and examine how airlines and designers can use the latest psychological knowledge to improve safety communication—without compromising seriousness.
The Psychology of Inattention
Ignoring flight safety announcements is not simply a result of boredom or disinterest. Several well-understood psychological factors contribute to this behaviour.
1. Familiarity and Habituation
The brain is efficient. When it detects repeated and predictable information—s...
Author
Aleksandra Kapela
I’m Aleksandra Kapela — an aviation psychologist, human factors specialist, and certified ground instructor with over a decade of experience in pilot assessment, training, human factors and well-being. I work with flight schools, airlines, and training organizations to improve pilot selection, support, and development — especially through CBTA, psychometrics, and human factors integration. I’m also a speaker at global conferences. Through MyWingman.eu, I offer practical resources for pilots, airlines and flight schools — including assessments, well-being programs, and consultancy. On this blog, I share psychological insights that help aviation professionals perform, stay safe, and thrive — on the ground and in the sky.
