Cleared for departure?

[hopzz]

Flight attendants will typically make a "we've been cleared for departure" announcement. Not sure what this means because it happens whether the plane is in position for takeoff or is still on the taxiway, sometimes not even next to take off, sometimes waiting for a landing aircraft. Air Traffic Control says "cleared for takeoff", so what is the purpose of "cleared for departure"?

[SoCalFlyer97]

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@hopzz wrote:

Flight attendants will typically make a "we've been cleared for departure" announcement. Not sure what this means because it happens whether the plane is in position for takeoff or is still on the taxiway, sometimes not even next to take off, sometimes waiting for a landing aircraft. Air Traffic Control says "cleared for takeoff", so what is the purpose of "cleared for departure"?

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Hola!

As a frequent traveler who hears the single "door bell" ding about 1-2 minutes prior to takeoff during the taxi process followed by the FA's "cleared for departure" announcement, I can assume that announcement could also imply "cleared for takeoff".  

The FA's will also remind everybody to double check seatbelts because the plane will in fact take off shortly thereafter for passenger safety.

Hope this helps!

[YeahNoMaybe · Accepted solution]

I read this post this morning and you got my curious. 

I just so happened to have a flight this aftternoon, so I asked one of the flight attendants.

Her explanation:

The "Cleared for departure" announcement appears to be mostly a communication between the crew members.

Doorbell chime from the pilots is telling the flight attendants:  "It's almost our turn.  Are you guys ready to go in the back?"

"We've been cleared for departure" announcement from the flight attendants lets the pilots know:  "We are all in our seats.  Everything in the cabin is good.  We are ready to go."

She explained that "Cleared for departure" or not... the pilots are not going to takeoff until they hear that announcement from the flight attendants.

All the years of flying and I had never thought about any of that until I read your post!