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I've experienced a few times recently where cabin crew have asked passengers to lower their adjustable headrests during takeoff and landing and, in at least one case, it was even part of the pre-recorded safety briefing.

I'm wondering what on Earth would be the reason for this?

I completely understand needing to keep seatbacks and tray tables upright and aisle armrests lowered, but having headrests lowered makes no sense to me. As a tall person, having the headrest lowered is uncomfortable. For extended durations (e.g. a long wait to takeoff, etc.,) it becomes extremely uncomfortable.

Even more concerningly, though, it seems like this would significantly reduce safety in the event of a crash, due to forcing a tall passenger's spine into an unnaturally-forward position and having neither most of the spine nor the head supported. It seems like this would be much more likely to cause head/neck/spine injuries to the passenger during a crash than would allowing passengers to adjust their headrests to properly support their heads and necks (and not push their shoulders forward.)

I see that 14 CFR 121.311(e) requires seatbacks to be in the upright position during takeoff and landing, but I see nothing in the FARs about requiring adjustable headrests to be lowered for takeoff and landing during Part 121 operations, though I may have missed something.

So, my question is what is the reason for this requirement for headrests to be lowered? Is there some regulatory requirement for this or is it an airline-specific thing?

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The answer appears to be one of clearing the view of the flight attendants. This FAA circular mentions the requirements that a FA be able to see clearly.

(3) Direct View. As used in § 25.785(h)(2) [§ 25.785(h)(1)], "direct view" means direct (line of sight) visual contact with cabin area/main aisle(s), which enables the flight attendant to be made aware of passenger needs relative to safety when the flight attendant is seated with torso restraint (safety belt and shoulder harness) fastened. Mirrors or other such devices are not acceptable equivalents to direct view, except in those cases where flight attendant proximity to the floor level emergency exit takes precedence over direct view. Video systems may be an acceptable means of direct view, if the level of conspicuity is equivalent to that provided by line of sight visibility.

This forum thread talks about it with regards to FA regulations

I have been told by many FA's that the reason for the headrests to be down is for FA visibility during takeoff and landing and taxi when they are in their seats. With them up they don't have a clear view of the cabin.

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    $\begingroup$ Interesting! +1 It seems surprising to me that the headrest would block significantly more of the FA's vision than the actual head resting on it. It also seems like crash safety of the passengers should take precedence over FA field-of-view. I guess at least the FAs will be able to see the passengers who sustained neck injuries due to having their headrests down? And that FT thread... wow. Reminds me why I don't spend much time on FT (or UA. - haha) $\endgroup$ – reirab Sep 10 at 9:01
  • $\begingroup$ "It seems surprising to me that the headrest would block significantly more of the FA's vision than the actual head resting on it." Exactly my thought, @reirab! $\endgroup$ – FreeMan Sep 10 at 17:13
  • $\begingroup$ I contacted Delta out of curiosity and this is the reason they gave, as well. Granted, this was a customer service representative, not an airline spokesperson stating an official position, but they said, "For aircrafts [sic] that have headrest that raise and lower flight attendants ask that they be lowered so in the case of an emergency their view is unobstructed." $\endgroup$ – reirab Sep 21 at 18:32

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