Oh, Boy, where do I start? Well, first of all the FAA requires that all passengers must remain seated and belted while the Seatbelt sign is lit. In fact, we cannot even push back from the gate until this is accomplished. This is why the Flight Attendants do their crosschecks before we can push back. Pilots normally are not aware of, or even if, there are any air pockets and where they may exist. There have been reported deaths due to planes being dropped when in an air pocket (and the passengers were not belted), which is basically a whole in the air. Think of the sky as a road and you are driving down the road and all of a sudden your car falls into a 60 foot more or less sinkhole. While on a flight from Phoenix to Chicago, I once hit an air pocket and we dropped 40 feet in a matter of just a few seconds. Thankfully, we only had a few squeals from the passengers, but no injuries. It is after all, a free fall until we hit back on good air, or the pilot can get the nose up and the plane trimmed. Takeoffs may also be an issue. If a pilot takes off too steep and has a tail strike. passengers may find themselves on the floor and landings are another issue that if the pilot hits the runway too hard and/or bounces the plane, well, you can imagine the effects on a passenger.
So, when the pilot turns off the Seatbelt sign, feel free to get up and use the lavatory, or take a little walk up and down the aisle and stretch, but when seated, please use the seatbelt. I know it's uncomfortable, but the pilots have harnesses on, so how comfortable do you think that is? They really are for your own good and safety. The pilots main concern is always about safety and getting the passengers to their destination safely and on-time. This is why pilots are continually seeking the smoothest air available, so as to give passengers the best ride. Sometimes, we need to change altitudes or course, but we want everyone to be comfortable and have a good flying experience.
If you are on a long flight, be sure to wiggle your toes occasionally and drink water (preferably). Water will help with jet lag and wiggly your toes will prevent clots.
Have a safe flight!
