Find your diamond
Find your jewelry
shape
carat
color
clarity

Do you keep your seatbelt on when the seatbelt light is off on a plane...

Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
TravelingGal

TravelingGal

Super_Ideal_Rock
Joined
Dec 29, 2004
Messages
17,193
And, do you absolutely stay in your seat when the light is on?

Do you think one should be able to sue the airline if the light was ON and you decided to go to the loo when turbulence suddenly hits and you get lurched up, hitting your head, which then causes paralyzation? Is it your fault, the airline''s, or just a horrible accident?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30938771#30938771
 
It is always someone else''s fault when something horrible happens. Sometimes putting the blame somewhere else, makes it easier for a victim of a tragedy to feel better about the situation. When you get out of your seat when the seat belt light is on, you do so at your own risk... this is a horrible tragedy, but a risk she took when she unbuckled the belt.
 
Unless I am going to the bathroom I keep my seatbelt on PERIOD. I feel awful for the woman''s accident but I can''t see how the airline is liable. Announcements were made to stay seated. I would not blame her either. She probably didn''t really understand the risk and figured it would be a quick trip. I think it was just a HORRIBLE accident.
 
oh HECK YEAH i do.... your outlined scenario is exactly why as well...i am so paranoid.

even on the 12 hour european flights. i also try to stay in my seat, but on the long flights i have to get up and stretch and also, sometimes i HAVE to go to the bathroom thanks to the nine hundred bottles of water i drink while flying.
 
I keep my seatbelt on if i''m in my seat, and don''t usually get up from my seat if the seatbelt light is on...
1.gif
 
If I''m in my seat, I''m buckled in. Period. I nap with the seatbelt outside of the blanket so they don''t have to wake me up when the light goes on.

However, I will get up when the light is on. It takes a lot, but if I''ve had 5 million glasses of water and I honestly don''t think I can last any longer, I get up. But anything that happens to me because I''m out of my seat when the light is on is my own dang fault. Even if the light wasn''t on, I tend to feel it''s a risk associated with flying. Unexpected stuff happens. That''s why you should be in your seat with the seatbelt fastened regardless of what the light says.
 
I keep my seatbelt on when seated on the plane, whether or not the seatbelt fasten light is on. There is no way for the airline to know exactly when turbulence will be encountered. If I go to the restroom when the seatbelt fasten light is on, it would be at my own risk.

So sorry to hear of this woman''s injuries, and praying that she recovers.
 
Tragic story and I feel for this lady and her family, but I don''t understand how the airline can possibly be liable for her injury. They took the steps they were able through the announcements and seat belt sign to warn passengers, what else were they supposed to do? It''s not like they can control the turbulence.

As others have said, this is why I keep my seatbelt on at all times. I do loosen it slightly when the light is off, but never unbuckle it.
 
I leave my seatbelt on at all times because I rarely get up on the plane anyway. I have a super-bladder so once I am in the seat, that is where I will be until we have landed.
 
I feel bad that she is paralyzed and that is going to soften my original thoughts just a bit.

Bottom line: The airline should not be held liable. Her flight was delayed because of thunderstorms, they suspended drink services, and the flight was turbulent from the beginning.
It was bad judgment on her part to get up and use the bathroom. The flight was only an hour long---she should have gone to the bathroom beforehand or held it in until after they landed. And really, if her original flight was delayed why did she not use that time to go to the bathroom before taking off? I''m sure I''m not meant to understand it--perhaps she just wanted to get up for whatever reason. Maybe she gets a kick out of flushing the airplane toilet like me. I don''t know.
In my opinion, it was an unfortunate accident that Continental should not be held liable for.

And to answer your question, I keep my butt in the seat if the seatbelt sign is on. Even if it''s off I feel there is no reason for me to pace the aisle or get in anyone''s way. It also bothers me when there is a line 3 or 4 people deep waiting for the restroom. Why they can''t wait in their seat is beyond me.....
 
I''m totally rigid about keeping that darned seatbelt on. I once flew up about an inch (if that) off my seat and it was a freaky feeling. I had my seatbelt on at the time, but not as tight as it should have been.

I''d rather pee on the seat than get up when the light is on and there''s turbulence (no matter how mild) to go to the bathroom.

It annoys me when people stand up and start rummaging through the overhead bins when the light is on...if turbulence happened, they could really hurt the people around them with their bodies or flying luggage.

IMHO, if this woman chooses to sue, she doesn''t have a case.
 
Date: 5/26/2009 12:47:54 PM
Author:TravelingGal
And, do you absolutely stay in your seat when the light is on?

Do you think one should be able to sue the airline if the light was ON and you decided to go to the loo when turbulence suddenly hits and you get lurched up, hitting your head, which then causes paralyzation? Is it your fault, the airline''s, or just a horrible accident?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30938771#30938771
Click to expand...
I do keep my seatbelt on when I''m seated even if the light is off. I also absolutely stay in my seat.

As for the case, I think its a combination of all three: it was the person''s fault for not following instructions as an adult should do, the airline''s fault for not anticipating that there''s always that one person that doesn''t follow instructions, and a really horrible accident. How unfortunate.
 
It''s unfortunate what happened to her, but really, contributory negligence much?

I didn''t watch the video but based on the facts discussed in this thread, I''m not sure what the airline could or should have done differently. If people give you warnings and you choose to disregard them, that''s on you.
 
Yes, I absolutely stay in my seat with my seatbelt on when the light is on. When the light is off, I try to stay in my seat with the seatbelt on as much as possible. For long flights, I only take it off to go to the bathroom or stretch.
 
My seatbelt is always on unless I''m getting up to use the bathroom or stretch my legs, and I''m never up when there are turbulence warnings.

TGal, I agree- this woman has no case. She knew of the warning and decided to use the bathroom anyway.
 
TG recently on a flight someone was rummaging in the overhead and didnt even close it properly and wasn''t even paying attention when it flew open and stayed that way for a few minutes til someone up there noticed! imagine if the plane hit turbulence, ugh.
 
Date: 5/26/2009 1:29:54 PM
Author: fieryred33143

Date: 5/26/2009 12:47:54 PM
Author:TravelingGal
And, do you absolutely stay in your seat when the light is on?

Do you think one should be able to sue the airline if the light was ON and you decided to go to the loo when turbulence suddenly hits and you get lurched up, hitting your head, which then causes paralyzation? Is it your fault, the airline''s, or just a horrible accident?

http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/21134540/vp/30938771#30938771
Click to expand...
I do keep my seatbelt on when I''m seated even if the light is off. I also absolutely stay in my seat.

As for the case, I think its a combination of all three: it was the person''s fault for not following instructions as an adult should do, the airline''s fault for not anticipating that there''s always that one person that doesn''t follow instructions, and a really horrible accident. How unfortunate.
Click to expand...
Oh I think they anticipate that plenty! They do what they can, but they are not going to risk the lives of their staff to save an adult who is responsible for her own decisions!

Mara, I''ve seen that happen a few times on flights.
38.gif
 
The *only* way this woman''s case would work (and it has to be coupled with a quick talking attorney and a very sympathetic jury) is to play the flight attendant card. From my experience traveling, there are always at least two attendants seated in the first class section of the plane and two attendants seated in the back section of the plane behind the restrooms. She could try to play the ''well, they saw me and didn''t tell me to sit back down'' card assuming they had any attendants seated back there.
 
We always keep ours on, at all times.
 
I always keep mine on. I''ve never even gotten up in flight to use the restroom or stretch or anything...if there was turbulence I''d probably freak out.
 
This was no one''s fault; it was just an accident. I know in today''s society, we seem to have a hard time grasping that despite our best efforts, honest ACCIDENTS happen....but they do.

The airline exercised due caution; they weren''t negligent.

It wasn''t the woman''s fault she had to go to the bathroom, either. We don''t know if she did prior to take-off or not, and it doesn''t matter either way. She had to go, and she did.

It''s just an unfortunate accident.

We all assume some level of risk every day, whether it''s boarding a plane, eating at a restaurant, or even crossing the street. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen.

I don''t believe the airline is liable.
 
I keep it on during the flight because I usually doze off anyway..not goin'' anywhere.
 
Date: 5/26/2009 2:00:57 PM
Author: Allison D.
This was no one''s fault; it was just an accident. I know in today''s society, we seem to have a hard time grasping that despite our best efforts, honest ACCIDENTS happen....but they do.

The airline exercised due caution; they weren''t negligent.

It wasn''t the woman''s fault she had to go to the bathroom, either. We don''t know if she did prior to take-off or not, and it doesn''t matter either way. She had to go, and she did.

It''s just an unfortunate accident.

We all assume some level of risk every day, whether it''s boarding a plane, eating at a restaurant, or even crossing the street. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen.

I don''t believe the airline is liable.
Click to expand...
+1
 
Date: 5/26/2009 1:13:22 PM
Author: princesss
If I''m in my seat, I''m buckled in. Period. I nap with the seatbelt outside of the blanket so they don''t have to wake me up when the light goes on.

However, I will get up when the light is on. It takes a lot, but if I''ve had 5 million glasses of water and I honestly don''t think I can last any longer, I get up. But anything that happens to me because I''m out of my seat when the light is on is my own dang fault. Even if the light wasn''t on, I tend to feel it''s a risk associated with flying. Unexpected stuff happens. That''s why you should be in your seat with the seatbelt fastened regardless of what the light says.
Click to expand...

Ditto!
 
Date: 5/31/2009 9:43:42 PM
Author: Kaleigh

Date: 5/26/2009 2:00:57 PM
Author: Allison D.
This was no one''s fault; it was just an accident. I know in today''s society, we seem to have a hard time grasping that despite our best efforts, honest ACCIDENTS happen....but they do.

The airline exercised due caution; they weren''t negligent.

It wasn''t the woman''s fault she had to go to the bathroom, either. We don''t know if she did prior to take-off or not, and it doesn''t matter either way. She had to go, and she did.

It''s just an unfortunate accident.

We all assume some level of risk every day, whether it''s boarding a plane, eating at a restaurant, or even crossing the street. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen.

I don''t believe the airline is liable.
Click to expand...
+1
Click to expand...
I also do not think the airline is liable, but it would be nice if they helped her out with her medical bills. That would be the honorable thing to do. I''m not saying give her millions and millions like often happens during law suits, but just enough to pay for in-home medical care.

Regarding the main question: Yes, I always keep my seatbelt on. I hate getting up to go to the restroom when the plane is in flight, so I will hold it until I can''t any longer.
 
I always keep my seatbelt on even when the seatbelt sign is off. I''m very scared of flying and keeping it on helps me feel slightly safer.

I think if the airline had taken off the seatbelt sign and hadn''t warned anyone then they might be liable, but if the sign was on and the woman decided to get up anyway, she did so at her own risk. It''s still a tragedy for her though and I feel very sorry for her
8.gif
.
 
I used to really enjoy flying until once on a flight into Bali we encountered a fierce electrical storm. It was night and flying through the turbulence was like riding a white-water rapid with lightning flashing all around the aircraft. Our first attempt at landing was aborted at the very last minute I think due to wind shear, as was the 2nd attempt and each time we had to go back up into the storm and turbulence. By then there was an awful quiet among the passengers, apart from some who were crying and one seated close to us vomiting. The captain announced that unfortunately the airport had had some of its equipment knocked out in the storm and we were in the meantime in a holding pattern, so we endured another 30 minutes of this terrifying storm wondering how many other flights were circling and wondering what equipment had been "knocked out".
We finally landed on the 3rd try.
My seat belt is worn at all times. Nowadays I hear every noise the aircraft makes and I when it banks steeply to turn, I''m the person leaning in the opposite direction, just to keep the whole thing from tipping too far!

I know lots of people have similar experiences, but for me it has made flying an unpleasant experience.
 
Date: 5/31/2009 9:49:08 PM
Author: MC

Date: 5/31/2009 9:43:42 PM
Author: Kaleigh


Date: 5/26/2009 2:00:57 PM
Author: Allison D.
This was no one''s fault; it was just an accident. I know in today''s society, we seem to have a hard time grasping that despite our best efforts, honest ACCIDENTS happen....but they do.

The airline exercised due caution; they weren''t negligent.

It wasn''t the woman''s fault she had to go to the bathroom, either. We don''t know if she did prior to take-off or not, and it doesn''t matter either way. She had to go, and she did.

It''s just an unfortunate accident.

We all assume some level of risk every day, whether it''s boarding a plane, eating at a restaurant, or even crossing the street. Sometimes, despite our best efforts, accidents happen.

I don''t believe the airline is liable.
Click to expand...
+1
Click to expand...
I also do not think the airline is liable, but it would be nice if they helped her out with her medical bills. That would be the honorable thing to do. I''m not saying give her millions and millions like often happens during law suits, but just enough to pay for in-home medical care.

Regarding the main question: Yes, I always keep my seatbelt on. I hate getting up to go to the restroom when the plane is in flight, so I will hold it until I can''t any longer.
Click to expand...
If they are not liable, why should they pay her? I don''t think it''s the honorable thing to do. It''s stupid to do so. Airlines are not a charity, they are a business and it would be setting a precedence for the next person who decides to get up when the seatbelt light is on, possibly injuring himself!
 
Yes. Look at what happened to the Aloha Airlines flight where the roof ripped off, that, the danger of cabin disintegration (however rare) and unexpected turbulence, I keep it on the whole time, like being in a car.

I'm sorry to say but I don't have very much sympathy for people who ignore the flight crew, it irritates me very much when people do that.

But yes, I wear my seatbelt, and I never get up when they say to stay seated.
 
I ALWAYS have my seatbelt on. When traveling 20 yr ago I was on a flight that hit an air pocket. Plane dropped hundreds of feet and ppl flew into the air (hitting their heads). I will never forget that. I don''t even allow my children to run around the cabin...saw a child get hurt due to that episode
 
Status
Not open for further replies. Please create a new topic or request for this thread to be opened.
GET 3 FREE HCA RESULTS JOIN THE FORUM. ASK FOR HELP
Jewelry Blog
PriceScope-Concierge-Ad
Find prime cuts.
Top