What is the purpose of the pretaxi announcement?

The purpose of the pretaxi announcement is specifically to announce the start of surface movement. This announcement serves as a notification to passengers that the aircraft is preparing to move to the runway for takeoff. It helps ensure that passengers are aware of the movement of the aircraft and provides an opportunity for them to secure their belongings and prepare for the next phase of their journey.

Understanding this portion of the flight process is vital for maintaining passenger awareness and safety as the aircraft transitions from the gate to the runway. Other announcements, such as those preparing for landing or signaling readiness for takeoff, serve different functions in the overall communication sequence during a flight. The pretaxi announcement distinctly marks the beginning of the aircraft's movement along the ground, making it a critical moment in the flight's timeline.