Originally Posted by
JimInOhio
... I've seen United FAs mandate J passengers engage the shoulder harness on widebodies for takeoff and landing. It's probably an FAA rule (why else would UA put it on their aircraft?) and a good idea. To a few obstinate passenger, it's probably nagging.
Originally Posted by
FlyingNone
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I'm veering off but.....
I hate that shoulder harness and frankly, if it's such a "safety" issue why isn't it mandatory on EVERY seat (as in the coach cabin) on the aircraft? Makes no sense to me - FAA rule for one (J) cabin only ?.
The shoulder harness is required for passenger seats that are off-axis of the plane (angled off of the plane axis) --
As the plane was certified with a shoulder harness to improve crash survivability for off-axis seats, the FAA requires their use for take-off and landing, FAR 91.107(a)(3)
9.20.3 Three-point Seatbelts
Three-point diagonal fixing seatbelts are occasionally installed in premium seats, including those positioned at an angle away from the forward/aft axis of the aircraft. The intent of the three-point harness is to protect the occupant from contact with the forward side of the seat shell.