Originally Posted by
hindle
I've used my 15" Surfacebook, turned around as a tablet (with the keyboard underneath) and detached as a tablet without any comments from FAs.
I would agree with the above... all dependent upon the FA.
I'm curious about how the FA would perceive seeing the same device attached to the keyboard before takeoff, only to see it in tablet mode later on in the flight. Would they say something? Would they
even care? The hinge-based hybrid device is still technically a laptop due to the hinge itself (at least when it's attached to the keyboard & folded), but some tablets are becoming larger/heavier than some laptops (projectile-worthy) and yet they're allowed to stay out 100% of the flight...
And the FAA FAQ about portable electronic devices doesn't even help clarify or distinguish what
exactly is allowed as a tablet concept:
Any M-PED that is larger than an e-reader or a tablet must be stowed properly during ground movement, take-off and landing. This is consistent with current regulations and airline procedures regarding the stowage of carry-on baggage (which include assistive devices).
I guess leaving the final opinion up to the FA would result in a coin toss