If the turbulence is sudden and severe, which it sounds like this was, a raised hand would not save you from injury if you're standing or unbuckled. The best you can do is remain buckled when seated. I've had several eventful flights but only two encounters with dangerous turbulence. On both flights we were warned over the PA but anyone standing would have been tossed around like a rag doll.
It's good advice for mild and moderate turbulence. When I'm traveling to/from locations that are known for bumpy rides (PHX, DEN, ABQ) I keep a hand up along the luggage racks if I'm visiting the lavatory or galley to avoid lateral impact or falling into someone's lap.
If I'm being honest that used to be me. I sometimes went entire flights without wearing a seat belt. Until I saw what real turbulence looks like. Everything that was not tied down was flying anywhere and everywhere, including food, drinks, electronics, etc. After that I buckled up whenever seated. Asian airlines tend to be pretty alert about checking but US airlines rarely bothered or noticed.
Indeed. I remember my good old student days. Back then there was no lie flat seats even in First Class. The worst were those diagonal sloping doohickeys which were to me at least, more uncomfortable than a nice seat. As it turns out the worst CAT that I have been through was while seated in one of the standard 17" wide, 32" pitch seat. The people who were not belted down still flew up and got bumps on their head. The worst part of the outcome was widespread soiling of seats by people throwing up. After we landed at diversion airport they hand to change out over a third of the seat base cushions. Fortunately it was at a hub of the airline involved.Hot meals? Lie flat seats? What are these wonders that folk speak of?
Us folk in steerage are quite safe, as we are so firmly wedged into our tiny seats, even without seatbelts!
That’s the theory in school bus safety…so called high back padded “containment” seats…
A few years after getting my job, using FF miles. That would be around 1985 or so.
Somebody's been flying this airline...Hot meals? Lie flat seats? What are these wonders that folk speak of?
Us folk in steerage are quite safe, as we are so firmly wedged into our tiny seats, even without seatbelts!
Singapore Airlines have a good safety record and fly large modern aircraft that are as safe and reliable as they come. I would have no fear of flying them, even across the Inter-Tropical Convergence Zone. Buckle up whenever you're seated or laying down and you should be good to go.I am booked on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore in 2 months. Trying not to think about this at the moment
Probably because severe turbulence is relatively rare (although increasing) and flying long haul often precludes meaningful rest and impairs alertness.
There is a law for flights involving the US.
I wasn't there of course, but sometimes people just forget, especially on returning to their seats from visiting the bathroom or standing up to retrieve something from an overhead locker. It is actually advisable to get up from time to time on longer flights and stretch one's legs. Not doing so may increase the risk of economy class syndrome.
The odds of this not happening to the same carrier anytime soon are in your favor. But always keep your seatbelt on. I usually loosen mine an inch or two for comfort after we get to altitude, and tighten it for landingI am booked on a Singapore Airlines flight from London to Singapore in 2 months. Trying not to think about this at the moment
NO! Odds are same no matter what carrier and on what route!
