ORD-IAD, Flight #1166 yesterday I politely asked a FA to pass my request on to the pilot to turn on Channel 9. Here is a summary of our conversation...

Me: Ma'am, would you please pass my request to the Flight Deck to turn on Channel 9.

Her: I don't think they will turn it on. I've very rarely seen it on after September 11th for security reasons.

Me: Just please pass it on for me.

Her: Sir, I fly hundreds of flights a year, trust me, they won't turn it on.

Me: Well I'm a Premier United flyer, close to 45k miles so far this year, and this has been the second time that I've seen it off this year. (At this point, I was becoming a bit snooty)

Her: Blank Stare...

Me: I'm just asking you to ask the Captain. Thank you.

At this point she turns around in a little hissy fit, turns into the galley by First Class. No more than 4-5 seconds later, she comes back out, makes eye contact with me and the conversation continues...

Her: Sorry. You know that after September 11th, it would make sense to leave it off because it gives the bad guys an advantage. Sorry.

Me: Thanks anyway.

Should I believe her? Did she really ask the pilot? I highly doubt it. I did not want to make a big fuss out of it, leaving another pilot with a bad taste of turning Channel 9 on, but that was quite rude. Just wanted to vent amongst those that understand...