Originally Posted by
GJS - yow
Is the Surface considered a "large electronic device," like a laptop? During takeoff and landing, large electronic devices need to be stowed.
I know that phones and e-books are allowed to be used (in airplane mode, of course!) during takeoff and landing. I think iPads and other tablets are also allowed. Is the Surface considered a tablet, and therefore allowed?
If not, who makes this determination? Transport Canada, Air Canada, or is it just up to the individual FA?
(p.s. I have a Surface Pro 4 as my only computing device, serving as a desktop, laptop, and tablet)
Regardless of what the AC/TC policy is, FAs make it up as they go on this one. Sometimes I use it with the keyboard all the way from boarding until after take-off with no problems. Sometimes they get mad at me as long as I have the keyboard attached but are fine with it if I take the keyboard off. One time an officious person wanted me to put it away altogether like a laptop. So I did, waited a minute or two after he had gone, pulled it back out and used it without the keyboard without any further comment from him.
I used to get a lot more hassle about the keyboard, but over time they seem to have become less fussed about it and these days I'm more able to just keep using it.
CATSA is another story. It is very consistently a "laptop" that needs to be removed rather than a tablet that can stay in the bag. I don't even bother trying with them anymore, I just take it out every time.