In severe turbulence, what happens to occupants?

In severe turbulence, occupants of an aircraft are subjected to strong forces that can result in being forcefully pressed against their seatbelts. This intense shaking and movement can lead to a significant and sudden alteration in the forces experienced inside the cabin, causing both passengers and crew to be thrown against their restraints. The design of seatbelts serves to keep occupants secure, but in extreme cases of turbulence, the forces can be so strong that they may feel a violent strain, making it imperative that all passengers remain buckled up during such events.

Understanding this phenomenon is crucial for safety protocols, emphasizing the importance of keeping seatbelts fastened whenever seated, regardless of the perceived safety during flight. This knowledge is not only critical for emergency response procedures but also for passenger briefing as part of pre-flight safety demonstrations.