Airbag assemblies and associated systems and methods for use in aircraft and other vehicles are described herein that can provide crash protection for occupants seated in an upright position while not injuring or striking occupants in the brace position. An airbag system configured in accordance with an embodiment of the present technology can include an airbag configured to deploy through an opening of a housing during a crash event. The housing can be affixed to a seat or other interior portion (e.g., a fixed portion) of an aircraft forward of a passenger seat. The airbag can initially deploy in a direction away from an occupant in the seat and then move into position between a potential strike hazard and the occupant such that the airbag system can be used to protect occupants seated in an upright position while not injuring occupants in the brace position.