Hello Snake and everyone.

I'd like to address the issue regarding the cell phone from my "new FA" perspective.

We make a "two minute prior to closing the boarding door" announcement that instructs passengers to turn off and stow cell phones, etc. If this announcement has been made, I need to make sure passengers are complying. You may think I am asking you/telling you to put your cell phone away because I'm concerned about "your safety and the safety of those around you," or because I'm on a power trip, but in reality there are two other reasons behind my sometimes urgent request!

In FA training, there is some emphasis placed on the FAA inspectors' ability to impose potentially enormous fines on the airline and FA's individually. Maybe I should not admit it, but when I see someone with a cell phone on, or a little old lady clutching her handbag in her lap, I am usually thinking, "What if an FAA inspector is sitting across the aisle and I don't make that cell phone request, or wrestle the purse from this woman?" Maybe I'm not thinking completely rationally - I don't think there are "hidden" FAA inspectors on board, but it helps me to do my job. My understanding is these inspectors make themselves known, but I'd rather be cautious and safe and not receive any fines.

Additionally, if I walk past you and don't instruct you to turn off your phone, and the very senior FA who happens to be walking a few rows behind me sees your phone on and also realizes that I failed to do my job, well...enough said!

Please keep in mind that most of us are just doing our jobs.

Thanks!