Can you use leg irons on a plane?

Can you use leg irons on a plane?

• A. Yes
• B. Sometimes, with permission
• C. Only for certain flights
• D. No

Answer: (D)

Leg restraints on a plane create too many safety risks in a confined, high-stress environment. Leg irons can snag on seats or cabin equipment, impede quick movement in an emergency, and restrict the detainee’s blood flow or the crew’s ability to control the situation. Because of these hazards and airline policy, leg irons are not used during flight. If a detainee must be restrained, safer, approved methods (typically handcuffs and coordination with the airline and crew) are used instead.

Leg restraints on a plane create too many safety risks in a confined, high-stress environment. Leg irons can snag on seats or cabin equipment, impede quick movement in an emergency, and restrict the detainee’s blood flow or the crew’s ability to control the situation. Because of these hazards and airline policy, leg irons are not used during flight. If a detainee must be restrained, safer, approved methods (typically handcuffs and coordination with the airline and crew) are used instead.