A pre-flight safety briefing (also known as a pre-flight demonstration, in-flight safety briefing, in-flight safety demonstration, safety instructions, or simply the safety video) is a detailed explanation given before take-off to airline passengers about the safety features of the aircraft they are aboard.

A preflight briefing is a mandatory and systematic communication session that takes place before every commercial or private flight to ensure all crew members are aligned on safety, weather, and operational details. For the pilots, the briefing involves a detailed review of the flight plan, current and forecasted weather patterns, potential turbulence, and any "NOTAMs" (Notices to Air Missions) regarding closed runways or equipment at the departure and arrival airports. Simultaneously, a separate briefing occurs between the pilots and the cabin crew. In this session, they discuss the estimated flight time, specific safety procedures for that aircraft type, any "Special Category" passengers (such as unaccompanied minors or those with medical needs), and the coordination of "sterile cockpit" procedures. The goal is to eliminate surprises and ensure that in the event of an emergency, every crew member knows exactly what their role is. It is a cornerstone of "Crew Resource Management" (CRM), designed to catch potential errors before the aircraft ever leaves the gate. Even in general aviation, a solo pilot performs a "mental" preflight briefing by reviewing checklists and weather to ensure they are fit for flight.