Can Fastening Your Seatbelt on an Airplane Save Your Life?

Buzz

Are passengers really aware of the common phrase “Fasten your seatbelt when the seatbelt sign is on,” but does this action truly prove beneficial when the airplane encounters an emergency?

Many internet users believe that seatbelts help identify passengers after accidents. However, a flight attendant reveals that this is entirely untrue.

Heather Poole, a female flight attendant and author of the book Cruising Attitude: Tales of Crashpads, Crew Drama and Crazy Passengers, says: “That's the silliest thing I've ever heard. Passengers often switch seats. We don't always try to get them back to their original seats. Some airlines, like Southwest Airlines, don't assign seats. It's first-come, first-served.”

She explains that fastening seatbelts is to prevent injuries during turbulence. Heather explains: “The reason we have to fasten seatbelts, even flight attendants, is to avoid hitting the airplane. People think we get lifted up into the air during turbulence. In reality, the plane descends and descends fast enough that passengers might hit their heads on the plane's ceiling.”

According to the Federal Aviation Administration, from 1980 to 2008, there were 234 accidents related to turbulence. 298 people were seriously injured and 3 people died: “Two out of the 3 fatalities did not fasten their seatbelts when the seatbelt sign was on. Of the 298 seriously injured, 184 were flight attendants. I believe they were probably checking if passengers had fastened their seatbelts or trying to secure the overhead bins to prevent items from falling out.”

She always ensures her 9-year-old son fastens his seatbelt: “You never know what might happen, even when the seatbelt sign is off. It's the nature of turbulence. This isn't a joke; many people have been injured.”

Experts in the field also refute the notion that seatbelts will slow our evacuation response. Passengers will have a harder time finding exits if they're disoriented from turbulence impacts.

A spokesperson for British Airways stated: “In some cases, seatbelts have saved passengers' lives. That's why we advise customers to use them and require cabin crew to regularly check.”

In 2014, strong turbulence caused three EasyJet cabin crew members to hit the airplane ceiling over the skies of Italy, injuring one in the hip. A flight passing through Gatwick also encountered severe turbulence, leaving a flight attendant limping and bruised in multiple places.

Therefore, it's best to follow the cabin crew's instructions and fasten your seatbelt when requested or when the seatbelt sign is on.

According to Zingnews

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Reference: Travel Guide by Mytour

MytourJuly 24, 2015

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Frequently Asked Questions

What are the primary reasons passengers should fasten their seatbelts during flights?

Passengers should fasten their seatbelts primarily to prevent injuries during turbulence and to ensure safety in case of unexpected incidents. Flight attendants emphasize that turbulence can cause rapid altitude changes, and without seatbelts, passengers risk hitting their heads on the ceiling, which could lead to serious injuries.

Do seatbelts truly play a role in passenger safety during turbulence events?

Yes, seatbelts play a crucial role in passenger safety during turbulence events. The Federal Aviation Administration highlights that many injuries occur during turbulence, and wearing a seatbelt significantly reduces the risk of serious harm, as it keeps passengers securely in their seats during sudden movements.

How does turbulence affect passengers if they are not wearing seatbelts?

If passengers are not wearing seatbelts during turbulence, they can be thrown around the cabin, leading to potential injuries from hitting overhead bins, the aircraft ceiling, or other passengers. This disorientation can make it difficult for them to find exits in case of an emergency.

What advice do flight attendants give regarding seatbelt use during flights?

Flight attendants advise passengers to keep their seatbelts fastened whenever seated, even when the seatbelt sign is off. They emphasize that turbulence can occur unexpectedly, and being buckled up helps prevent injuries. Safety protocols require cabin crew to regularly check that passengers are secured.