At what point does the fasten seat belt light go off?

korben88

korben88

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On commercial flights is there a certain indicator that says it is time for the pilot to turn off the light? Altitude? Distance from airport? Whenever he damn well pleases?

In essence, when is a takeoff no longer a takeoff?
 
For some time now seems the seat belt sign doesn't go off until the plane is at cruising altitude.
 
At Captain's discretion. No need to wait for cruise with a low VSI climb and smooth air. Also, we are in an airplane after all, a few minor jostles are to be expected.
 
Most leave it on through the climb because they want to know what the ride is like at their initial cruise altitude, but some (like me) will turn it off sooner if there's a reasonable expectation of smooth air throughout the climb.

Many will also coordinate with the FAs and leave it on until they're done with their first service.

But to truly answer your question - whenever he/she damn well pleases. :)
 
In my plane, never. Oh, that's right, there's no "light" in my plane, but I never mention it to my pax and they just never ask. Guess it's too much like being in a car.

When I ride the big aluminum mailing tube, I only take mine off if I need to stand up or leave the seat. But at cruise, I do slacken it so I can relax and maybe recline.
 
korben88 said:
On commercial flights is there a certain indicator that says it is time for the pilot to turn off the light? Altitude? Distance from airport? Whenever he damn well pleases?

In essence, when is a takeoff no longer a takeoff?
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Retired airline pilot here. Pretty much all of what you asked lol. Our company procedure (and I think most airlines) was to leave it on until out of 10,000' unless turbulence was ongoing or expected in the very near future. We were required by our airline to make a PA about why the belt sign would be on.

I will say when I flew in the back as a passenger I kept my seatbelt on for the entire flight. I'm sure you've heard or read of unexpected sudden turbulence that injured flight attendants and passengers. You're choice but I'd advise keeping it fastened during the entire flight.
 
I bet some pilots see the Off position as a liability and use it, with that in mind.
 
Captain's descretion. I've flown with some who turn it off in the climb out in the mid 20s and some who just wait until we get to our cruisOng altitude.
 
korben88 said:
On commercial flights is there a certain indicator that says it is time for the pilot to turn off the light? Altitude? Distance from airport? Whenever he damn well pleases?

In essence, when is a takeoff no longer a takeoff?
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Seatbelt goes on when I sit down. Seatbelt goes off when the flight attendant opens the doors at the destination. I don't pay any attention to the seatbelt light.

We wouldn't see headlines such as "Plane hits turbulence, 19 injured" if people would just keep their seatbelts fastened. If I am in a belt-equipped vehicle that is capable of motion in three directions...car, boat, plane...my belt is going to be fastened.

Boy Scouts: "Be Prepared." Coast Guard: "Always Ready."

Bob
 
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bobmrg said:
Seatbelt goes on when I sit down. Seatbelt goes off when the flight attendant opens the doors at the destination. I don't pay any attention to the seatbelt light.

We wouldn't see headlines such as "Plane hits turbulence, 19 injured" if people would just keep their seatbelts fastened. If I am in a belt-equipped vehicle that is capable of motion in three directions...car, boat, plane...my belt is going to be fastened.

Boy Scouts: "Be Prepared." Coast Guard: "Always Ready."

Bob
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that's pretty tough for a 10 hour flight from LAX-LHR . . . you have the bladder of steel!
 
Seatbelt light goes on right before you decide you need to use the restroom.

Or my other favorite story (courtesy of Redd Foxx/Fred Sanford): I was about to leave the bathroom when the sign lit up that said "RETURN TO SEAT" so I sat back down.
 
bobmrg said:
Seatbelt goes on when I sit down. Seatbelt goes off when the flight attendant opens the doors at the destination. I don't pay any attention to the seatbelt light.

We wouldn't see headlines such as "Plane hits turbulence, 19 injured" if people would just keep their seatbelts fastened. If I am in a belt-equipped vehicle that is capable of motion in three directions...car, boat, plane...my belt is going to be fastened.

Boy Scouts: "Be Prepared." Coast Guard: "Always Ready."

Bob
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No seatbelts in any boat I've been on, however I do know a few of the offshore racing guys wear harnesses.
 
SoonerAviator said:
No seatbelts in any boat I've been on, however I do know a few of the offshore racing guys wear harnesses.
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The big engine racers I've seen just have tight fitting seats. If the thing wrecks, the last thing you want in a boat is to be strapped in.
 
Captain's discretion but policy varies by airlines. Southwest is only seat belts off at cruising altitude where I was on Virgin flight where seat belt sign did not come on until almost 10,000'.
 
My favorite is when the pilot gives the initial descent PA and asks everyone to remain seated for the remainder of the flight and all the sudden everyone has to go to the bathroom or get up:confused:
 
flyingron said:
The big engine racers I've seen just have tight fitting seats. If the thing wrecks, the last thing you want in a boat is to be strapped in.
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Ron (and SoonerAviator): Have you seen any film clips of Coast Guard 37" motor lifeboats rolling over in the surf in training? Seatbelts for everyone. You can't help a boater in distress if you fall overboard yourself. Here is one YouTube example:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BLM0SOt7TY

Bob
 
jordane93 said:
My favorite is when the pilot gives the initial descent PA and asks everyone to remain seated for the remainder of the flight and all the sudden everyone has to go to the bathroom or get up:confused:
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I was on a flight once when the announcement was made that there would be an announcement in about 10 minutes. Then there didn't seem to be a last-minute rush.
 
the last ~10 years seems they leave that %^$(* light on until cruise checklist, 2 cups of coffee and the stews have done 2 rounds of drinks and had a smoke. At least on SW. Back in the old days....727 and L1011's....I think the 'seat belt light off' was a call out right after V1. I blame the risk managers and lawyers.

So now if i really have to **** I usually wait till we are close to or in cruise and if its smooth, just go. Occasionally the cabin crew makes the please remain seated while the %^$(* seat belt light is on. But i doubt they really want to dry the seat after i pee in it. I do have a whole change of clothes in the overhead so... maybe someday.
 
bobmrg said:
Ron (and SoonerAviator): Have you seen any film clips of Coast Guard 37" motor lifeboats rolling over in the surf in training? Seatbelts for everyone. You can't help a boater in distress if you fall overboard yourself. Here is one YouTube example:

www.youtube.com/watch?v=7BLM0SOt7TY

Bob
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I have, and those harnesses are what I was referring to. So I guess my comment still goes back to the fact that you said you use them on every boat you get on. I assume you must only ride on Coast Guard cutters as opposed to anything more recreational.
 
And the other poster was talking about ocean racers. That's a bit of different boat than the one in your video. Those guys aren't restrained at all compared to those offshore powerboats.
 
ChemGuy said:
the last ~10 years seems they leave that %^$(* light on until cruise checklist, 2 cups of coffee and the stews have done 2 rounds of drinks and had a smoke. aAt least on SW.
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I am stuck in spam cans several times a month if not week and SW is by far the most conservative of the domestic carriers when it comes to seat belt signs
 
kayoh190 said:
Most leave it on through the climb because they want to know what the ride is like at their initial cruise altitude, but some (like me) will turn it off sooner if there's a reasonable expectation of smooth air throughout the climb.

Many will also coordinate with the FAs and leave it on until they're done with their first service.

But to truly answer your question - whenever he/she damn well pleases. :)
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This.
 
Seems like on US flights it takes forever for them to turn the sign off, if they ever do at all. However, plenty of people ignore it anyway. :rolleyes: And no one else seems to care.

I've traveled on some European airlines and they turn the sign off pretty quickly after takeoff in comparison, and turn it back on pretty late...but people who get up when it's lit get yelled at immediately.
 
SoonerAviator said:
I have, and those harnesses are what I was referring to. So I guess my comment still goes back to the fact that you said you use them on every boat you get on. I assume you must only ride on Coast Guard cutters as opposed to anything more recreational.
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Read my post again...If I am in a belt-equipped vehicle that is capable of motion in three directions...

Bob
 
31 posts and this isn't up yet?

cartoon.jpg
 
flyingron said:
The big engine racers I've seen just have tight fitting seats. If the thing wrecks, the last thing you want in a boat is to be strapped in.
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I've seen several of the big guys with 4/5-point harnesses. Hard to steer and work throttles when you got tossed out of your seat on a wave @ 120mph, lol.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
I bet some pilots see the Off position as a liability and use it, with that in mind.
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So if one of those ornery passengers has to get up and use the lav while the seatbelt sign is off and they hit their head from unexpected turb on the way to the jon, then the airline can be liable?
 
Ryanb said:
So if one of those ornery passengers has to get up and use the lav while the seatbelt sign is off and they hit their head from unexpected turb on the way to the jon, then the airline can be liable?
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Hopefully someone in the industry will answer, I have no clue. I have been told, however..."Anyone can sue for anything, anytime....regardless of validity of the claim."
 
Let'sgoflying! said:
Hopefully someone in the industry will answer, I have no clue. I have been told, however..."Anyone can sue for anything, anytime....regardless of validity of the claim."
Click to expand...
Yeah, it definitely wouldn't surprise me. What'cha say @mscard88 ?
 
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