ZK-ZQD - airbags in seatbelt

[MrHyde]

Hi All,

Managed to get 4B in the lounge after the check-in person told me Row 4 was full and 6F is the best I will get on the SYD-WLG flight yesterday and was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to the brand new "Sir Edmund Hillary". This is just my second time on the new 737-800 planes at Jetconnect and they are much much better than the older ones. Surprisingly, I have seen their full movies collection already, so am hoping that they are changed in the next month.

Anyway, on this particular plane, the Row 4 seatbelts have air bags in them. The left part of the seatbelt is very thick and solid and about 1 feet in length. The right part of the belt is the one that is adjustable. There was a 2-3 year old in 4F with his grand-parents and the FAs said that he can not sit there. He would have to move. The suggestion by the FA was to move just the boy to a seat further back. That was just stupid. The FA manager on duty then made another comment that was just not right. She said something along the lines of "You must be thankful that we are atleast taking you on the flight". In the end, the matter was resolved by the 5D, E, F swapping with 4 DEF.

After that we were told not to tinker with the belt or what was under the seat as that might trigger the air bags.

Cheers,
MrHyde

 

[stryker]

Hi All,

Managed to get 4B in the lounge after the check-in person told me Row 4 was full and 6F is the best I will get on the SYD-WLG flight yesterday and was pleasantly surprised when it turned out to the brand new "Sir Edmund Hillary". This is just my second time on the new 737-800 planes at Jetconnect and they are much much better than the older ones. Surprisingly, I have seen their full movies collection already, so am hoping that they are changed in the next month.

Anyway, on this particular plane, the Row 4 seatbelts have air bags in them. The left part of the seatbelt is very thick and solid and about 1 feet in length. The right part of the belt is the one that is adjustable. There was a 2-3 year old in 4F with his grand-parents and the FAs said that he can sit there. He would have to move. The suggestion by the FA was to move just the boy to a seat further back. That was just stupid. The FA manager on duty then made another comment that was just not right. She said something along the lines of "You must be thankful that we are atleast taking you on the flight". In the end, the matter was resolved by the 5D, E, F swapping with 4 DEF.

After that we were told not to tinker with the belt or what was under the seat as that might trigger the air bags.

Cheers,
MrHyde

Sounds like something to avoid!

 

[Sprucegoose]

This calls for insider comment.


CX have these as well. How much protection do they provide or designed to provide ?

 

[samh004]

Interesting… something to look out for.

 

[tuppaware]

I have posted this link before
YouTube - Aircraft seatbelt airbags

 

[Joshua]

What I'd like to know is whether if affects the use of the brace position. I guess with the seating density it will be best used at bulkheads and in premium cabins. Maybe they can add it to the list of features for business class.

 

[rmflinders]

I had 4A on the morning Mel-Wel flight, QF37 yesterday. the 3rd sector for this new addition according to the Captain.
The seatbelt is interesting but I found it confortable even fastened during cruising.
Just not sure how it works in a 900km/h crash!!:?:

 

[Sequel]

JQ have them in some of their A320's in row 1. (not sure if they have them any further down the plane, try not to go there!)

 

[MrHyde]

What I'd like to know is whether if affects the use of the brace position. I guess with the seating density it will be best used at bulkheads and in premium cabins. Maybe they can add it to the list of features for business class.

Good point. I'll ask them if I get to these seats again. Being Row 4, the brace position would normally be to bend down and hold your legs. With an air bag in that space, that position doesn't look very safe anymore.