Travel Technology - Problems with FA's by using phone/PDA's during a flight.

I came across an interesting discussion on another BB regarding the usage of phone/PDA's like the Treo 650 (http://discussion.treocentral.com/showthread.php?t=76312) during a flight. It seems that FA's simply do not understand that you can use the PDA part of this device and still have the phone turned off.

Has anyone have this happen to them?

It is my understanding that there is no general FAA rule covering the use of cell phones with "flight safe" modes. At this time, each airline decides if they will allow the use of these devices. Finally, the captain of the aircaft has the final say.

Michael
http://www.biztrip.com

Once you are above 10,000 feet there should be absolutely no issue with using a PDA.

It is my understanding that there is no general FAA rule covering the use of cell phones with "flight safe" modes. At this time, each airline decides if they will allow the use of these devices. Finally, the captain of the aircaft has the final say.

Michael
http://www.biztrip.com

It would be similar to Bose type noise canceling headphones. DL has instructed their FA's that they are ok to use if the power is off under 10,000 feet.

Southwest has a policy of no cell phone usage even in "Game" or "Flight" mode once the doors close.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/electronics.html

For a device like the Treo, this raises the paradox of "is it a phone or is it a PDA?" What if, say, you possess this device but aren't subscribing to any wireless services and use it purely as a PDA? Does that mean that it is still a cell phone and is still subject to cell usage policies?

FA's are not gadget nuts, they have no way of knowing whether or not the transmitter is off. And quite frankly most users don't have a clue either. They see one person with a handheld, and think they are free to use theirs too.

To save the headaches I guess they just tell you that they should all be turned off.

Southwest has a policy of no cell phone usage even in "Game" or "Flight" mode once the doors close.

http://www.southwest.com/travel_center/electronics.html

For a device like the Treo, this raises the paradox of "is it a phone or is it a PDA?" What if, say, you possess this device but aren't subscribing to any wireless services and use it purely as a PDA? Does that mean that it is still a cell phone and is still subject to cell usage policies?


Guidelines for permissible devices: any transmission using personal communications devices (including cell phones in GAME or AIRPLANE mode) is prohibited once the forward-entry door is closed. Flight Attendants will advise Customers when the doors are closed. All devices must be properly stowed while their operation is prohibited.

When indicated by Flight Attendant announcements, during the cruise phase of flight these devices may be operated: DVD, CD, and tape players, personal digital assistants (PDAs or hand-held computers), electronic calculators, hand held electronic games, electronic cameras, Global Positioning Satellite (GPS) receivers, and devices that compose e-mail or text messages without transmitting or receiving.

Actually the wording is somewhat ambiguous. I can interpret this to mean that you cannot sent any transmissions with a cell phone/PDA combination device.

Most of the time on my UA flights the FA's will make a point to say that PDA/Cell phones, etc. where the wireless function can be disabled are acceptable to use when they go through the list of things that can be used during flight.

On CO, I have heard the FAs announce that as long as the device is no longer transmitting it may be used during the flight.

Dan

Does anyone know if either DL or NW has anything written in their rules pertaining to this?

In my experience it depends very much on the individual FA. European FAs tend to be a bit more savvy (again, in my experience) perhaps because people have been using Nokia Communicators in Europe for a long time now.

Nevertheless, as the man said above, FAs are not gadget nuts. Also, you're legally obliged to do pretty much anything they reasonably tell you to do (I make a point of never arguing with them on this matter).

FA's are not gadget nuts, they have no way of knowing whether or not the transmitter is off. And quite frankly most users don't have a clue either. They see one person with a handheld, and think they are free to use theirs too.

To save the headaches I guess they just tell you that they should all be turned off.


yeah, when I saw an FA using her blackberry and emailing during flight, I about had a FIT. I told her, do you realize that you are ACTUALLY emailing and receiving email right now during the flight maam? She played dumb, saying she thought it was off, so I asked her, "what do you think that little flashing light means?"