Injury risk increases without seat belts

Chinese air travelers frequently ignore warnings to buckle their seat belts, even during takeoff and landing, and when turbulence is anticipated, aviation safety experts said.

"Without seat belts, it is very dangerous. Most passengers who get hurt during turbulence do so because they are not wearing a seat belt, whether in China or globally," said Zou Maogong, an expert from Civil Aviation Resource Net of China, China's largest civil aviation portal.

It is more likely for an aircraft to meet turbulence during takeoff and landing, and seat belts are needed, Zou said.