Why are seatbelts crucial for passenger safety during flights?

Seatbelts are critical for airline safety because they keep passengers secured in their seats during incidents like hard landings. As demonstrated in a recent incident, aircraft seats are specifically engineered to withstand forces many times greater than gravity—even more than what elite aerobatic teams like the Thunderbirds or Blue Angels experience during stunts. By restraining passengers in these specially designed seats, seatbelts prevent injuries from sudden movements or impacts. This combination of robust seat design and proper seatbelt use is a fundamental safety measure that has proven to save lives during aviation emergencies.