Sounds bad, did the flight crew come on the PA to reassure the pax? I would have thought an actual engine flame-out would result in a formal report, did you check?
I've only had it really bad once on a commercial flight LAX-LHR when everyone's drinks hit the overhead lockers and anyone not buckled in was in zero-g for a short time. I wasn't too worried as these days an aircraft breaking up in turbulence is extremely rare. Risk of injury when not strapped in is the main problem. I certainly always have my seat belt on when not actually out of my seat.