Originally Posted by
formeraa
As I have explained in the past, FA's are required to point out safety signage on the aircraft. When buying a ticket, passengers agree to abide by crewmembers instructions. Passengers walking around while the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign is illuminate are in violation of FAA regulations.
As far as I understand under commercial operation, passengers are required to be in seatbelts during taxi, takeoff, and landing. Outside of those phases of flight, it's not required (obviously, as they turn the seatbelt sign off).
I've gotten up numerous times when the sign is on (not during taxi/takeoff/landing), and while some FA's have mentioned to me that the seat belt sign is on, my tactic is to say "I understand" and then proceed to the lav.