Strange seatbelts on VN A350

[MAN Flyer]

Had the chance to try one of VN's new A350's on a short SGN-HAN hop last week. Nice aircraft (I still maintain VN have the best livery out there), the JCL seat seemed pretty comfortable (if a little cramped, I did flatten it needing to following a late night in Saigon...) and it would be 'decent' for long haul when you need to sleep.

The one strange thing that did strike me was not only do they have the standard around the waist seat belts but they also have an extra 'strap' that comes down over your shoulder and also fastens to your seat belt buckle. I have never seen this before and it can't be an A350 specific things as I have also flown on QR A350's and they don't have it.

The crew were very particular about making sure all pax used them as well...

[leops1984]

Had the chance to try one of VN's new A350's on a short SGN-HAN hop last week. Nice aircraft (I still maintain VN have the best livery out there), the JCL seat seemed pretty comfortable (if a little cramped, I did flatten it needing to following a late night in Saigon...) and it would be 'decent' for long haul when you need to sleep.

The one strange thing that did strike me was not only do they have the standard around the waist seat belts but they also have an extra 'strap' that comes down over your shoulder and also fastens to your seat belt buckle. I have never seen this before and it can't be an A350 specific things as I have also flown on QR A350's and they don't have it.

The crew were very particular about making sure all pax used them as well...

I think that shoulder belt is for head restraint during accidents, which would explain why the crew was pretty insistent about pax using them. Qantas uses similar systems for some of their J and F seats as well.

Not all seats use them because there are other ways to meet the certification standards - it could be softer seat materials, airbags in the lap belt, or airbags in the seat itself. It depends on the seat configuration and what they're certified for.

[milehighj]

MAN Flyer, did you not ever fly the CX old herringbone J?

[RCTP]

If I understand what you're saying, sounds similar to TG's seat belt system for their A380 J.

3 point seat belt right?

I agree the extra over the shoulder strap is a little annoying but I'm sure they are for our safety.

[scooby5]

If I understand what you're saying, sounds similar to TG's seat belt system for their A380 J.

3 point seat belt right?

I agree the extra over the shoulder strap is a little annoying but I'm sure they are for our safety.

For me the TG ones are too high on the neck, so I must tuck it under my arm. Nothing worse than having an accident and the seat belt stopping your face plummeting forward into......well, something, only for it to then sever a major artery in the neck.

Some lie-flat J seats have them some don't so I don't quite follow the theory yet behind them.

[MAN Flyer]

I think that shoulder belt is for head restraint during accidents, which would explain why the crew was pretty insistent about pax using them.

Yes I think that's pretty obvious...

MAN Flyer, did you not ever fly the CX old herringbone J?

Do you mean the Coffins a la A340 ?. If so then yes, numerous times, including my last SIN-HKG flight on CX a few months ago. Did they have them ?!.

If I understand what you're saying, sounds similar to TG's seat belt system for their A380 J.

3 point seat belt right?

I agree the extra over the shoulder strap is a little annoying but I'm sure they are for our safety.

Oh I don't remember them on TG's 380 JCL!. It's effectively a three point belt, yes, but it comes over last as separate item, even if it attaches to the buckle at your waist.

[milehighj]

Do you mean the Coffins a la A340 ?. If so then yes, numerous times, including my last SIN-HKG flight on CX a few months ago. Did they have them ?!.

They do indeed, making what is already an uncomfortable seat even more so. Particularly when contorting oneself to look out the window during takeoff and landing...