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We've all heard it: the warning on a flight that you should always buckle up, even if the seatbelt indicator is off.
Experts say there's a strong reason for that advice. Although though flying is a safe kind of transportation, it's a good idea to remain seated because unanticipated turbulence could occur throughout the flight.
Seatbelts in an aeroplane are designed to keep you safe during turbulence, not to restrain you in the event of a collision like they would in a car.
The Association of Flight Attendants president Sara Nelson said, "Our desire would be that the seatbelt sign is on the entire time if we were not flying a bunch of humans in this cramped container with recirculated air miles above the planet." "The pilots turn on the seatbelt indicator when they know we're most likely to experience dangerous turbulence, but there are also people going for hours at a time eating and drinking and there are human needs involved," the passenger said.
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Why Should I Fly With My Seatbelt Fastened?
Nelson advises that you should always have your seat belt on when flying because turbulence can happen at any time without warning.
She stated, alluding to the jolts that can occur even outside of stormy conditions, "Although technology has advanced, it is not 100% perfect in identifying clean air turbulence."
Turbulence can be challenging to predict, according to Brian Strzempkowski, interim director of The Ohio State University's Institute for Aviation Studies.
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"Anywhere can experience turbulence. The pilot will frequently state, "We're not anticipating any turbulence, but just in case," or "We're expecting minor turbulence, which is why I'm turning the light on." "said he. The seatbelt doesn't even need to be fastened tightly; it may be fastened loosely to provide some restraint. If you hit a bump, you might move about an inch, but it will prevent you from flying out of your seat and hitting your head.
A Hawaiian Airlines flight from Phoenix to Honolulu experienced severe turbulence in December, injuring 36 passengers. One passenger claimed that she was unable to fasten her seatbelt, causing her to strike the cabin ceiling.
How Accurate Is Turbulence Prediction?
According to Strzempkowski, turbulence is notoriously difficult to predict.
He said that turbulence in storms is a little more predictable than in locations without poor weather. "When you go into the National Weather Service website, and you look up their aviation forecasts, they'll even put you on there that they are not 100% correct," he said. Turbulence, however, can occur everywhere, such as over the ocean when air masses converge or, more frequently, across the Midwest when winds weaken as they pass over the Rocky Mountains.
Is Turbulence On Flights Dangerous?
No, not if you're secured.
"There is virtually no risk if you are strapped in your seat and wearing a seatbelt. These aircraft are tough enough to resist incredibly violent turbulence, "explained Strzempkowski. "Every aircraft must be able to resist intense turbulence. Although it's uncomfortable for the passengers, the aircraft is capable of handling it."
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According to Nelson, the risk of injury during turbulence outweighs the risk of structural damage to the aircraft.
As they come back down, the unbuckled individuals "become projectiles themselves and can harm people," she added. Turbulence-related injuries have caused many flight attendants I know to suffer career-ending illnesses.
Further Dangers Associated With Flying?
Although turbulence is a frequent occurrence on aeroplanes and can be hazardous if passengers are not strapped up, it is not the only method for someone to suffer an injury in flight.
Nelson said that warnings warning passengers to be cautious when removing their carry-on luggage are frequent since it's not rare for bags to fall out of overhead bins when they're opened.
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Nelson's group is promoting new safety regulations as Congress considers reauthorizing the Federal Aviation Administration. These regulations include establishing minimum climate control standards for aeroplane cabins and air quality monitoring systems that would alert flight attendants if any toxic chemicals are introduced into the air supply.
Overall, nevertheless, Nelson and Strzempkowski underlined that travelling by plane is still highly safe, particularly when passengers are informed on ways to reduce hazards while travelling.
Nelson concluded her interview by offering her best bit of advise, which hasn't changed over the years: "If there is an emergency evacuation, leave all bags behind."
