Originally Posted by BOH
I would bet airlines often try and scare pax into doing / not doing certain things claiming "its the law". Somehow I don't think there is is something enshrined in the US legal system that it is illegal to switch cabins on board a passenger aircraft.
Now it may contravene the T&C's of the airline but that is different. I have heard on a few occasions a pax being told, "It's illegal to use the washroom when the seatbelt sign is on". Is it really "illegal" ? - I was once told "you can use it, but it is at your risk if you are injured in any turbulence as our insurance mandates you must be seated". Not really illegal as in the context of criminal or civil law though
Actually it IS against the law
Though certainly not an easy measure to enforce by any means.
Canadian Aviation Regulations:
Use of Passenger Safety Belts and Restraint Systems
605.26 (1) Where the pilot-in-command or the in-charge flight attendant directs that safety belts be fastened, every passenger who is not an infant shall
(a) ensure that the passenger's safety belt or restraint system is properly adjusted and securely fastened;
(b) if responsible for an infant for which no child restraint system is provided, hold the infant securely in the passenger's arms; and
(c) if responsible for a person who is using a child restraint system, ensure that the person is properly secured.
(2) No passenger shall be responsible for more than one infant.