Originally Posted by
Often1
It's also liability-limiting. If you choose to disobey a sign (or crew member instruction), DL likely wins a motion to dismiss if you are injured. Can't blame the carriers for this one as those judgments just get factored into the P&L = ticket price.
A good lawyer I bet could overcome the motion. The light is on all the time, even when not needed. Thus passenger has no way of knowing if it's legit or not as to staying seated.