<font face="Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif" size="2">Originally posted by EmoryFlyer:
I was on a Delta flight from ORF-ATL that got stuck in a long holding pattern above ATL due to weather. We then diverted to Augusta, GA to refuel (a tiny airport). No doors opened, no jetways pulled up (I don't even think they have jetways since all traffic is via Express carriers), and no announcement about wearing or not wearing seatbelts.
We were on an MD88 and sat next to a DL 757 doing the same thing...about two hours later, on our way to ATL.</font>
There's no requirement about seat belts in the U.S. We won't refuel if there is a thunderstorm within 5 miles of the airport, but that's about it.
Fueling with passengers aboard is routine.