Regulation Text
(a) No operator may move an aircraft on the surface, take off, or land when any food, beverage, or tableware furnished by the operator is located at any passenger seat.
(b) No operator may move an aircraft on the surface, take off, or land unless each food and beverage tray and seat back tray table is secured in its stowed position.
(c) No operator may permit an aircraft to move on the surface, take off, or land unless each passenger serving cart is secured in its stowed position.
(d) No operator may permit an aircraft to move on the surface, take off, or land unless each movie screen that extends into the aisle is stowed.
(e) Each passenger shall comply with instructions given by a crewmember with regard to compliance with this section.
[Docket 26142, 57 FR 42672, Sept. 15, 1992]
The short answer
(14 CFR § 91.535) During surface movement, takeoff, and landing, no operator-furnished food, beverage, or tableware may remain at any passenger seat, and each tray and seat-back tray table, serving cart, and aisle-extending movie screen must be secured in its stowed position. Passengers must comply with crewmember instructions.
Research Notes
Common Questions
What must be stowed during taxi, takeoff, and landing under § 91.535?
Each food and beverage tray and seat-back tray table, each passenger serving cart, and each movie screen that extends into the aisle must be secured in its stowed position, and no furnished food, beverage, or tableware may be at any passenger seat.
"(b) No operator may move an aircraft on the surface, take off, or land unless each food and beverage tray and seat back tray table is secured in its stowed position. (c) ... each passenger serving cart is secured in its stowed position. (d) ... each movie screen that extends into the aisle is stowed." — 14 CFR § 91.535
Can a meal be left at a passenger's seat for taxi out?
No. No operator may move the aircraft on the surface, take off, or land when any operator-furnished food, beverage, or tableware is located at any passenger seat.
"No operator may move an aircraft on the surface, take off, or land when any food, beverage, or tableware furnished by the operator is located at any passenger seat." — 14 CFR § 91.535(a)
Do passengers have to follow crew instructions for stowage?
Yes. Each passenger must comply with crewmember instructions regarding compliance with this section.
"Each passenger shall comply with instructions given by a crewmember with regard to compliance with this section." — 14 CFR § 91.535(e)
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