Originally Posted by
FlyingHoustonian
Had a couple of pilots on UA half jokingly announce at pre-flight "We are still picking up some cell signals, so cannot leave until all of those are off" just before the FA safety brief.
Some years ago I heard FAs, on a couple of occasions, assert their ability to detect connected cellphones over the PA in an absolutely stern, not-joking manner. I guess that practice ended when its totally fictional nature became common knowledge. But it's far from the only lie / fib / distortion I have heard FAs disgorge to passengers to pacify or subjugate them, and their union ought to know that reflexive, casual lying reduces their authority and credibility.