On a flight this morning, I took a camera out of my bag. Not to use it, mind you, but because I spilled water on the bag and wanted to make sure it was okay. The flight attendant freaked out, telling me "I can't let you have that on MY plane." It didn't matter to her that I wasn't actually going to take a picture.

She was cordial enough about it, but I had to ask the policy for the rule. She said "they" have been taking pictures of plans, takeoffs, landings, and "our procedures."

This has gotta be nonsense. Continental's in-flight magazine lists cameras among the items permitted to be used on board, provided the plane is above 10,000 feet and the flight attendant makes the usual announcement.

Why?!?