Originally Posted by
mahohmei
I've always had a theory that the real reason for the "off during takeoff and landing" rule is so that, if an emergency requires quick action (like evacuation), the FAs won't have to compete with your electronic device for attention. Of course, they'd rather not say it this way.
I agree with that.
I have long been of the opinion that the rule against electronics is superstitious nonsense, but I've also believed that it's a prudent idea to secure all loose items during take off and approach to prevent them from becoming projectiles in the event of a sudden, unexpected direction change. And yes, I believe that includes lap babies, the very concept of which I find outrageously risky on a plane.