Originally Posted by 925
We flew F from SEA-SNA yesterday. Normally, FAs are concerned about exit rows and bulkheads, but otherwise pretty much leave other rows alone. This trip, both before take-off and landing, the FA verbally instructed and insured compliance on both sides of all three rows. She wanted nothing sticking out from under-seat storage. At all. Nothing. And she wanted nothing sticking out of seatback storage higher than the in-flight magazine. She was insistent. She wouldn't let 2C have his newspaper stick out above the magazine, so it had to go in the overhead. She wouldn't let 3F's purse peek out a bit (maybe two inches into her own space) from under the seat.
Can anyone explain what was going on?
I can't explain WHAT was going on. Perhaps there was an FAA inspector on board, giving them a check ride, or a company supervisor.... You might also have been the victim of a brand new F/A that is fresh from training and has all the rules firmly embedded in their minds.
Anything you stow under your seat must be COMPLETELY under the seat. Sticking out even 2 or 3 inches could pose a danger to anyone trying to escape in an emergency. I realize most people think that's crazy, but almost every single rule regarding passenger safety came about as a result of studying survivable accidents.
Seat pockets are only for stowage of soft items like a newspaper or magazine. Many people stow their laptops in the seat pocket. Not only does it ruin the seat pocket by stretching the springs that hold it closed, but it is also against FAA regulations regarding stowage of carry-on items. Anything other than a book or newspaper or something similar, must be stowed in the overhead or under the seat in front of you.