"Leave Your Seatbelts Unfastened"
Oct 19, 2012, 10:06 pm
#1
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"Leave Your Seatbelts Unfastened"
I don't usually fly around Europe, so I'm not sure if the following is common.
Shortly after I boarded a KLM flight from ARN to AMS, the following announcement was made; "The aircraft is being refueled. Take your seats, but leave your seat belts unfastened."
Must be a Swedish thing?
Shortly after I boarded a KLM flight from ARN to AMS, the following announcement was made; "The aircraft is being refueled. Take your seats, but leave your seat belts unfastened."
Must be a Swedish thing?
Oct 19, 2012, 10:28 pm
#2
Join Date: Aug 2011
Location: MSP
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Not just a Swedish thing. From what I understand, it's in case something goes wrong with refueling (fire, spill, etc.) they can evacuate the aircraft quicker then if people had to fumble with seat belts. At least that's what I've been told.
Oct 19, 2012, 11:30 pm
#6
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I've experienced the unfasten seat belts for refueling with KLM a number of times. It's been their SOP for a long time.
Oct 19, 2012, 11:49 pm
#7
Join Date: Mar 2011
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I have read that here and elsewhere many times.
Oct 20, 2012, 3:17 am
#9
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Last time I flew out of AMS using KLM I remember them making that announcement. Was like, ok 
but there wasn't really a whole lot I could do about it....
but there wasn't really a whole lot I could do about it....
Oct 20, 2012, 6:14 am
#12
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Oct 20, 2012, 6:24 am
#13
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SOP with LH also. On a flight from KUL to FRA via BKK, aircraft was refueled in BKK and we were told to stay seated with seat belts off.
Because USA airlines are paranoid about claims due to potential "turbulence?" 
Oct 20, 2012, 7:35 am
#15
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Same happened in Australia on a Qantas flight on a BAE-146 with strong headwinds getting refueled at an intermediate stop between Perth and Uluru...belts unbuckled and flight attendants walking up and down the aisles.