On a recent Delta flight, the FA actually said during the door-closed pre-flight briefing that all cell phones, even with airplane modes, must be turned off for the entire flight.
Finding this somewhat curious, I sent an email to Delta asking them to clarify their policy regarding airplane mode. I got the following responses from two different reps:
Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.
Once above 10,000 feet iphones can be used as long as the airplane mode setting is on. No phone calls are permitted once the aircraft door is shut unless the Captain advises differently.
We value your confidence and loyalty.
Sincerely,
(Rep #1)
Thank you for contacting us.
Please note that the flight crew has the final word on when your can use
portable electronic devices onboard an aircraft.
Please view the following link for more information regarding the use of
these objects:
http://www.delta.com/traveling_check...ices/index.jsp
We appreciate your business and look forward to seeing you on your next
Delta flight.
(Rep #2)
So since they contradicted each other (it's allowed/crew has final say), I point blank asked: Is allowing airplane mode Delta policy (i.e. F/A can't override unless it becomes a safety issue), I wrote again, asking them to clarify -- which is it? Is airplane mode allowed by policy, or is it always the flight crew's call? The answer:
Thank you for your e-mail to Delta Air Lines.
Please note that the flight crew has the final word on when your can use
portable electronic devices onboard an aircraft.
Thank you for the opportunity to give this matter our final review. Any
additional correspondence will be kept on file.
Sincerely,
(Rep #3)
So I basically told them that if this becomes a common occurrence that I'll be flying someone else. (shrug)