When should passengers be briefed on flotation equipment?

Passengers should be briefed on flotation equipment at the beginning of the flight to ensure their safety and preparedness in the event of an emergency over water. This timing allows the cabin crew to deliver important safety information when passengers are still attentive and before any safety concerns arise during the flight.

By providing this briefing at the start, passengers are informed about how to use flotation devices while the concepts are fresh in their minds. This preemptive approach can be crucial, as it maximizes the effectiveness of the safety training, ensuring that passengers know what to do in case of an emergency. Waiting until a specific request is made or limiting it to only longer flights undercuts the importance of universal preparedness, while covering it during the boarding process may not provide the clarity and focus that is ideal for conveying important safety information.