When must seatbelts be fastened during a flight?

The correct answer is that seatbelts must be fastened during takeoff and landing. This requirement is rooted in safety regulations and procedures designed to protect passengers and crew during the most critical phases of flight. During takeoff and landing, the aircraft is more vulnerable to rapid changes in altitude and direction, and unexpected events may occur, such as turbulence or engine issues. Fastening seatbelts during these periods reduces the risk of injury caused by sudden movement or potential impacts.

While it is essential for passengers to wear seatbelts throughout all phases of flight for additional safety, regulations specifically highlight the importance during takeoff and landing, as these are the times when accidents are most likely to happen. Some operators may enforce the use of seatbelts at all times to maximize passenger safety and minimize injury risks.

The other options suggest seatbelt use only under certain conditions or phases of flight, which does not align with the standard safety protocols. For instance, only requiring seatbelts above 10,000 feet fails to recognize the heightened risk during takeoff and landing, while limiting their use to times of turbulence ignores unforeseen circumstances that can occur throughout the flight. Hence, the requirement to fasten seatbelts during the critical stages of takeoff and landing is