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Comment by HumblyTossed | Hacker News Reader

The plane that had the issue was new, so I guess they want to make sure it wasn't an issue with other planes off the line maybe?

Sure is a good thing nobody was sitting in that seat.

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Another good reason to keep that seat belt fastened even when the sign is off.

The light only means that having it fastened is mandatory. There are many reasons to keep it on during the entire flight, the most common of which is turbulence.

In Europe that's what seems to be a standard announcement. "The captain has switched off the fasten seatbelt sign, but we recommend you keep your seatbelt fastened at all times when seated, in case of sudden turbulence."

It’s the same with canadian and asian airlines. Is it not the case in the US?

I just assumed all airlines did it.

Last year I flew domestic U.S. on several airlines and the preflight safety briefing on all of them included a line that passengers should always keep their seat belt buckled for safety whenever seated (or something to that effect).

I didn't want to claim it was universal when I've mostly flown within Europe.

Or the window falling off.

Being a fat guy, I disregard that during flight other than takeoff, landing, and turbulence. I drive to work on most days, and the chance that I die that way is FAR, FAR higher than the few flights I take each year. I'll live with the odds. Yes, I wear my seat belt in my car, it's actually comfortable

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