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PhrasesOn the PlaneDevo allacciare la cintura di sicurezza?
A2

Devo allacciare la cintura di sicurezza?

Do I have to fasten my seatbelt?

Pronunciation

al-lac-CIA-re — stress on third syllable. cin-TU-ra — stress on second syllable.

When to use it

When the seatbelt sign illuminates or during turbulence when unsure of the requirement.

What it means

'Allacciare la cintura' (to fasten the seatbelt) is the standard verb used for both car and aircraft seatbelts. 'Devo' (I must, from dovere) expresses obligation. The command from cabin crew is 'Allacciate le cinture di sicurezza' (fasten your seatbelts).

Variations

Il segnale della cintura è acceso.

The seatbelt sign is on.

Observation, not a question — return to your seat

Posso alzarmi anche se il segnale è acceso?

Can I get up even if the seatbelt sign is on?

Generally no — wait for it to go off

Come si allaccia questa cintura?

How do I fasten this seatbelt?

The mechanism is demonstrated during the safety briefing

Mini Dialogue

— Devo allacciare la cintura di sicurezza? — Sì, il segnale è acceso. C'è un po' di turbolenza. — Quanto durerà? — Difficile dirlo con certezza. Circa mezz'ora. Si sieda e allacci la cintura.

— Do I have to fasten my seatbelt? — Yes, the sign is on. There is some turbulence. — How long will it last? — Hard to say for certain. About half an hour. Please sit down and fasten your seatbelt.

Cultural Note

In Italy and throughout the EU, wearing a seatbelt on all commercial flights is mandatory by law whenever the seatbelt sign is illuminated. Cabin crew are authorised to insist. Pilots may illuminate the sign unexpectedly due to sudden turbulence — experts recommend keeping the seatbelt loosely fastened at all times.