Originally Posted by
Kevin AA
Using a standard of safety with no logical limits, airlines should make all the passengers prove they're able to evacuate without getting in the way or needing help. 3 push-ups and lift this 15 pound weight 3 times in 30 seconds, or go back home.
I raise you: Bus gate at DXB in the summer. Passenger have to run up with their carry-ons to the upper deck in less than thirty seconds. Anyone managing it in less than 10 seconds will receive an upgrade.
Originally Posted by
MSPeconomist
Seat belts prevent many injuries (and even deaths) during turbulence, aborted takeoffs, tarmac collisions, etc. They're not just for crashes.
Depends on how you define 'crash'. A seat belt will increase your chances of survival in a crash landing (you won't fly around the cabin hitting things with your precious head). A seat belt won't do much if the plane breaks up mid-air, has some sort of freak accident or crash into the ground at high speeds (in which case the airplane usually disintegrates completely to the point of being unrecognisable).
Apart from maybe individual ejector pods, I don't see much alternatives that would offer high chances of survival in the aforementioned scenarios where a seat belt is not going to help much.