Originally Posted by Often1

This is one where a bit of common sense and acting like an adult go a long way.

People think of all kinds of reasons to disobey simple rules which they don't like or don't think matter because they read an article by some guy who said something.

But, one of the reasons why US commercial aviation is so safe these days is that overall the rules make sense and are enforced uniformly.

The fact that you may see no difference does not mean anything. Imagine if the FA had to walk up the aisle and have a legal policy discussion with each passenger as to why each aspect of the departure safety requirements matters.

The 2-pound limit is, of course arbitrary. But, everything is arbitrary. Make it 2.1 pounds and someone will tell you that his 2.2 pound device is just 0.1 over.

If safety really mattered, all devices over a few ounces would be stowed for departure and landing and there would be strict weight limits for anything stuffed into the OH. But, that is not practical.

Unfortunately, aircraft are not buses. So, it's not possible to just pull over to the curb and give some numpty the boot. So, the rules are enforced by the crew and FAA gives wide latitude to oral crewmember instructions.