There are so many different types of airplane seats out there, and they all have their own unique design quirks. Along those lines, have you ever noticed how some first and business class seats have three-point seatbelts (that go over your shoulder), while others don’t? Let’s talk about why that is…
Continue reading: Why Do Some Airplane Seats Have Shoulder Belts? Or Airbag Belts?
Share your questions, experiences, and thoughts below.
I would say that another trade-off with the shoulder harness, is that it sometimes does protrude outwards a bit when the seat is in a lie flat position. While an extremely first world problem, I have found those types of seat belts to be uncomfortable or get in the way when trying to rest. In those cases I normally find the airbag type belts to be a little more comfortable since you can at least slide it over a blanket or something.
In case you want to cover this, the deceased and injured Polish nationals are LOT crew who were on their layover.
https://www.hindustantimes.com/cities/gurugram-news/polish-tourist-among-2-killed-2-injured-after-dumper-hits-taxi-on-kmp-expressway-101771428270698.html
I've found the seat manufacturers seem to install the shoulder belt really low on the seat compared to how high they would be on a car's B pillar and tend to dig into my shoulder, so I try and keep it off for long as possible. Apologies to any flight attendants who asked me to put it on at takeoff.
And then there is Singapore Airlines, which gives you both 3 point harnesses AND and airbag seatbelt on their long haul A350s
Thank You !! I always wondered why the shoulder belts in J. Make sense. Thanks Ben.
I would be glad to see evidence for it, but I doubt that there are many, if at all, accidents, where the seatbelt having an extra strap saved someone's life.
I would suggest the question isn't just saving a life, but includes preventing/reducing injury.