I appreciate Bear96's explanation - sounds very logical. There was a bit of turbulance on yesterday's flight, but nothing out of the ordinary. If the flight deck does inform the crew to "batten down the hatches" early, are they still required to make the announcement over the speaker? I would guess the answer is yes, since it is probably part of their checklist. In fact, I really don't remember them NOT doing it. (Have I answered my own question?)

I certainly wouldn't refuse to do it. I have been tempted to ask the F/A's about it, but to date haven't done that. Have any of our advisors here been asked?