Airline Attendent would not let Kindle go into seat pocket, had to go on floor

[Raffeer]

What is my non-techie mind not getting. When I turn the wireless off on my Kindle (illustrated on the screen with "off" clearly stated) it becomes a battery operated device. My hearing aids are also battery operated devices. Shouldn't they be required to be turned off also?

[jason10mm]

I think compliance would be greater if all these FAA regulations were posted somewhere conspicuous. I've NEVER had someone tell me to take something out of the seat pocket, so it is either a new reg or a poorly enforced one.

Personally, I just take advantage of the semblance a jacketed Kindle has to a real book and angle it so that the stewardess won't realize it is an electronic device and read away. I suppose if I were SERIOUS I could hollow out a real book and make the ultimate stealth jacket, but so far I've been able to stay uninterrupted on all but 1 flight.

[khttk98]

A few years ago when I worked for a commuter airline as part of the ground crew we had an air show and the Army Golden Knights came as part of the show.  They let us tour the plane and told us all kinds of things like the electronic equipment being turned off is just a rule it has nothing to do with the navigation equipment.  They get on their laptops or listen to music all the time they said.  A pilot told us the most dangerous part of a flight is take off and landing because that is the time when the plane is actually under control of one of the pilots.  The rest of the time it is on autopilot unless there is a problem.  Since the dangerous time is during take off and landing they want you to be paying attention to your flight attendants in case there is an emergency this is the reason for the no electronics rule.  We were also told that cell phone use is not prohibited during flight for any reason other than they pull from so many towers at the same time one single call takes up too much traffic space and really who wants to sit next to the person who yacks loudly about boring stuff for an entire flight.  As for flight attendants I was friends with many of them that came through our station.  The plane over nighted in our small town and we would oftentimes go pick them up at the hotel to sight see our area.  I can't imagine the job they do especially when a passenger becomes a smart aleck and they are trapped in the aircraft with that person for the duration of the flight.  I can't help it I'm one of those people that always wants to knows why there is a rule.  Those seat backs ...... do I have stories about those!  We cleaned the plane at night and we found all kinds of stuff in those backs ..... books, receipts with full credit card numbers on them, most times partially eaten food!  Watch out for those!

[Tip10]

If you want more info go to:

http://www.faa.gov/passengers/

In particular go to the link for Passengers Frequently Asked Question and note the answers to questions 3 and 9.
You might also want to follow the link in those to the applicable Advisory Circulars.
Specifically, of note is that it is up to the INDIVIDUAL AIRLINE and/or PLANE CAPTAIN as to what is and is not allowed with respect to most personal electronic devices. 

Regardless of whether you believe it to be safe, or a "silly" request, or whatever is pretty much irrelevant.
If you believe it to be silly or whatever, your recourse is to petition the airline to change their requirements, or file a complaint with the airlines or FAA -- refusing to comply is NOT something you have as a recourse.
If they ask you to turn it off and stow it and you do not comply you can face charges. 

Just so long as you are aware of the consequences.....

[jmeaders]

I finally had an attendant ask me to turn my K2 off for take off on my last flight from Tokyo. I just pointed to where the wireless indicator says says 'OFF" and told her it was off. She accepted that and moved on. If I was asked to put my K2 under my seat I would say it would break and insist on putting it in my bag in the overhead.

Why not just hold it?  I usually just hold it in my lap so I can quickly get back to where I was.

[Betsy the Quilter]

You are not allowed to hold hard objects in your lap.

I noticed on all my recent flights (VA to London, London to Finland, Finland to London, London to Virginia) that the attendants were much more rigorous about people not holding things during takeoff and landing than I've ever seen them before.  Even pillows and blankets were moved.

Betsy

[ReconDelta]

I do think airline staff deserve a thank you, similar to those received by the military, police, firemen, and teachers.  

One of the greatest heroes of today is Capt Sully.   Evidenced by his very nature of simply stating he just did what he was trained to do, and his staff was exceptional.

My take on this policy, if there is even a slight chance for increased safety for myself or another, I would gladly put my Kindle away for a short period of time.   I do tend to believe aircraft electronic systems are far more secure and stable than to be effected by a Kindle or iPod.  As previously stated the rules are made by the FAA, take it up with them, not the messenger.

I've flown quite a bit, and never once had a problem with airline staff.   I show a great deal more respect for those doing a difficult job, than I do for someone who can catch a football or sing a song.

Thanks flight crews, keep up the tough fight, you make the world a better place.

[Betsy the Quilter]

Well said, ReconDelta!

Betsy

[Ann in Arlington]

You are not allowed to hold hard objects in your lap.

. . . . . .


  Even pillows and blankets were moved.

Betsy

Hmmm. . . . makes one question the quality of pillows and blankets on those flights. 

[Betsy the Quilter]

 

Can't comment as I didn't use them, LOL!

Harry Potter books (British edition) were also not allowed in laps but had to be stowed in carry on luggage.
 

Betsy

[scarlet]

Part of the reason for asking pillows and blankets to be moved is to make sure that your seatbelt is buckled with being obvious about it.

[intinst]

Part of the reason for asking pillows and blankets to be moved is to make sure that your seatbelt is buckled with being obvious about it.

Also, less to trip over shoud a quick exit be required.

[scarlet]

Also, less to trip over shoud a quick exit be required.

True!

[pidgeon92]

I had the unpleasant experience of an Alitalia flight from Rome to Venice a few years ago... They did not require people to put on the seat belts.... or to be in the seats... There were children running around during take-off and landing. It was very strange, as well as nerve-wracking.

[ProfCrash]

The Italians do have a different idea about how to handle a plane flight. I remember people bringing picnic lunches and hardly any one sitting down on my flights to and from Milan. They did sit during landing and takeoff. That strikes me as weird.

[jcrain9663]

I had the unpleasant experience of an Alitalia flight from Rome to Venice a few years ago... They did not require people to put on the seat belts.... or to be in the seats... There were children running around during take-off and landing. It was very strange, as well as nerve-wracking.

Not to mention the fact that there is no such thing as an orderly line in Italy.  Waiting to board a plane or proceed through security checkpoints is more like a mob at some airports I've flown through in that country.  I saw children nearly get trampled.  As the more experienced traveler (when in Rome, ....), I told my husband "just hang onto me and keep up" and pushed my way through like everyone else. 

When they lost my luggage (there was a strike of the luggage handlers in Milan that day), it sounded like a riot with a crowd of people at a counter yelling out names and details (in English, Italian, and French) with only 2 clerks to take care of no less than 150 passengers.  It took two hours to get out of that "line".

I now try to control my temper when it comes to delays on US airlines, because I know it could be SO much worse.  Besides, I have my Kindle to occupy the extra time.

[Cowgirl]

Hmmm. . . . makes one question the quality of pillows and blankets on those flights. 

There are no pillows and blankets anymore...have to bring your own.  That went away with the swine flu scare last year. 

[ProfCrash]

There are no pillows and blankets anymore...have to bring your own.  That went away with the swine flu scare last year. 

Not true. I had a blanket on my seat for both legs of my flight on American Airlines this past weekend.

[Anju No. 469]

Am I the only one who actually listens to the spiel the airline attendants go through?  I have flown enough to be able to recite it with them, but I figure if they have to say it I can be courteous enough to listen.  Yes my book is more interesting, but a breather won't hurt.  I even look at the cards in the seat pocket, but along with everyone else don't want to put anything in it that I want to keep.

[intinst]

Am I the only one who actually listens to the spiel the airline attendants go through?  I have flown enough to be able to recite it with them, but I figure if they have to say it I can be courteous enough to listen.  Yes my book is more interesting, but a breather won't hurt.  I even look at the cards in the seat pocket, but along with everyone else don't want to put anything in it that I want to keep.

No I listen as well. First thing I do upon reaching my seat is find the Emergency Exits. Being in the industry, I know that flying is safe, but things do happen. I have been asked to sit by the exit to be the one to open it, if needed, and do not mind at all. I know how to get it out of the way and will ensure that people are able to exit.

[sroecker0]

I have been flying since I was 5 and that cant be real rule. I ALWAYS have books with me when i fly and if it fits in there then its aloud. I think that flight attendant was just having a bad day.

[zeferjen]

Interesting. I always mentally roll my eyes that we have to turn off electronic devices during takeoff and landing. If my Kindle can bring down the plane, then the terrorists have a much easier job and wouldn't bother smuggling weapons concealed in their shoes. That said, I am a rule-follower as well and always have turned it off whe told.

I'm flying in a few weeks and hope that I won't have any issues keeping my Kindle near me in my seat.

[ProfCrash]

I count the number of seats between me and the exit when I get on the plane. I behind me so I can see if there is an exit closer back that way. If there is, I do a seat count. I read the safety pamphlet. I tend to ignore the Flight Attendant announcements unless they are really loud. Jet Blue makes it next to impossible to ignore the Flight Attendant announcements. American made it really easy to ignore the announcements. (shrugs)

[ReconDelta]

I usually listen as well, count the seats, determine if front or back is the closest, sit at an exit row if able, dress in loose fitting cotton, wear shoes I can run with, and keep an eye on other passengers.   I'm not someone who is scared of flying in the slightest, but traveling 500mph at 35000 feet will never truly be routine.  

[DailyLunatic]

My take on this policy, if there is even a slight chance for increased safety for myself or another, I would gladly put my Kindle away for a short period of time.

Of course.  ...but what if they asked you to do something that you felt did not 'increase' safety?  ...that you felt 'decreased' safety?

Would you blindly obey the rule anyway?  Question to try to understand?  What?

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