This weeks question comes from a regular reader Matthew:

Q: I want to know what a “cabin key” is! Can you please enlighten me?

A: Flight Attendants have required duty items that the Airline and the FAA require them to have while working on the aircraft, a cabin key is one of those items. It gives us access to locked compartments on the aircraft. Usually where the enhanced medical kit, defibrillator, and handcuffs are located…yes, you read that right, handcuffs. (see, it is important to do what you’re told;-) You may have also noticed a locked overhead bin if you sat in the rear of the aircraft. That is for flight attendants personal items.

Prior to 911 we had a flight deck key, that opened the cabin compartments and the flight deck door. We had the key in case of emergency and the pilots were unable to let us in or we were in an accident and the pilots became incapacitated. Of course the doors at that time were so flimsy you really didn’t need a key. Flight deck doors have been enhanced and flight attendants no longer have access.

The other required duty items for flight attendants are:

• flash light
• alarm clock
• watch
• inflight safety manual
• company issued I.D.

*If you have any questions for Wednesday’s Q&A post please e-mail, tweet or leave a comment.