Pax lav use before takeoff...

[Snuggle]

What sucks is when you fly a plane with no lav. Recently we got stuck in line at LGA for about 45 minutes. It was my leg up to MHT and as soon as we took off I thought ''uh oh''. 50 miles from MHT and the Captain had a empty cup standing by, by this time I wasn't even able to laugh anymore. I decided to try and hold it. On the approach it was real close, I was in pain. After I landed we pulled into the gate, and the first thing I did was hop out of my seat, open the door, and run to the nearest bathroom. It must have been funny for the passengers to see me hop out of my seat and head out of the plane so fast.

[SeatClutcher]

Originally Posted by WildCougar

AND, I've about had it with yahoos who release their seatbelts the minute the wheels touch the runway.

Well, they won't save you if there's a runway incursion.

(I always thought the seatbelts were kind of funny. I'm sure they've been useful for something, though...like for that guy who, after the plane crashed and fell apart around him, was still sitting in his chair. But that's, what, 1 in 75,000? [fake stat alert])

[MQAAord]

Yeah but if the pilots slam on the brakes (which happens!) it'll keep you from flying into the seat in front of you or into the aisle.

Also, a "runway incursion" doesn't necessarily mean a catastrophic occurrence. If your airplane gets hit your seatbelt will keep you in your seat and prevent possible injury from you being flung about. It's not a save-all, but the rule is there for a reason. Same as stowing bags under the seat in front of you (and not behind your legs), this keeps the area directly at your feet clear and leads to a quicker evacuation. Also seatbacks and tray tables being upright and locked, that again keeps the path to the aisle clear for evacuation.

Inflight your seatbelt keeps you in your seat so you won't smash your head or get hurt flying around the cabin during unexpected turbulence.

Seatbelts on airplanes DO have a purpose. Please wear it.

[FlyChicaga]

There is a chance that we'll hit turbulence so rough and unexpected that those who are not wearing seat belts can get thrown through the air. Or, should we have some kind of "upset," wearing your seat belt will keep you in your seat, and not on the ceiling. I always suggest wearing it from pushback until arriving at the gate, unless you need to get up.

I view the seat belt sign as the "litigation sign." I always try to turn it off when I can, because I know there are those people who will not use the restroom until it is off. However, if you need to go, then just go... Don't wait for the crew to give you permission. I sometimes am astonished that cabin crews will force customers to say in their seats when they have to use the restroom, even if we are in smooth air, simply because that sign is on. The way I view it is, as long as we are not taking off or landing, then by all means use the restroom. However, you are taking a risk... Sometimes that seat belt sign is on for a reason, such as expected turbulence or deviating around thunderstorms. If something happens, we cannot be held responsible.

Personal opinion only.

[Velocipede]

Easy. F/A calls. Ask the tower to cancel your takeoff clearance. Taxi off the runway and wait until they're back in their seat. F/A says the cabin is secure. Tell the tower you're ready to go whenever.

You get paid by the minute.

[SeatClutcher]

re: seatbelts

I wear it. I know they're good / useful for many things.

As a "seatclutcher," however, who is more prone to imagine not turbulence, but something ridiculous like a wing falling off or the plane crashing into a mountain, I think, "Seatbelt!? Are you kidding?"

I was being light, not at all serious.