Originally Posted by brianbCID
There a so many non-electronic devices that could be a lot more dangerous than an ipod. For example a lot of clothing and accessories like purses or umbrellas have straps that could easily get wrapped around an armrest. As far as the sound blocking out crew member instructions, I think the little girl sitting a row behind me shrieking would be a lot more distracting than the ipod.
Which is why bags, purses, etc. are supposed to be stowed under the seat or in the seatback pocket during takeoff and landing. Why umbrellas (if you could even get one on a plane these days) would be stowed in the overhead. And I completely agree with you about children...but I think it's safe to sat the airlines/FAA aren't going to ban children. Unfortunately.