When must passengers fasten their seat belts?

• A. Only during turbulence.
• B. Whenever the captain orders a belt.
• C. When the seat belt sign is illuminated, and during taxi, takeoff, or turbulence as directed by crew.
• D. Only after takeoff.

Answer: (C)

The key idea is that seat belt use is guided by the illuminated seat belt sign and by crew instructions, because certain moments in flight carry higher risk of movement. You should fasten your seat belt whenever the sign is lit, and during taxi, takeoff, or turbulence as directed by the crew. The sign being on signals the crew wants everyone secured due to potential jolts, and taxi or takeoff are times when the aircraft can move suddenly. Turbulence can cause unexpected shifts, so staying belted protects you from injuries. Crews may also direct you to keep belts fastened even when the sign is off, depending on conditions, so following their guidance is important. The other options don’t cover all these circumstances: focusing only on turbulence misses the required belt use during taxi and takeoff; relying only on the captain’s orders ignores the sign and the critical phases; and waiting only until after takeoff leaves out taxi, turbulence, and sign-based requirements.