I'm off to PEK alone this week and, for the first time on this route, will have only a single carry-on. My plan is to put it in the overhead, but I would like access to my laptop in-flight (I want to watch movies). I have a window seat and, though it's a 777, I still don't want to unnecessarily bother my seatmate by climbing in and out to retrieve and eventually stow my laptop.

I know, very well, that UA does not permit laptops in seatback pockets during takeoff and landing and my inclination is to not violate the rule -- "rules are rules" and I try to follow them, even if they don't make a lot of sense.

This one, I think, doesn't make a lot of sense -- at least I don't understand the rational behind it. Mine is a mid-size machine and quite light. It will fit entirely within the pocket with nothing sticking out, hence it is quite secure. What is the rationale behind the prohibition? As I said, I don't intend to challenge it or violate it, but I would like to understand why both myself and the stranger seated in the aisle seat next to me will be inconvenienced by it.