I was on an ATL-DCA flight yesterday and the crew made everyone sit for the last 30 minutes of the flight. They gave the old speach about it being an FAA rule that everyone be in their seats for the final 30 minutes coming into DCA. When questioned about it, the FA, who was very friendly and confused about the situation said that the pilots were required to sign a document recently affirming that they would adhere to this rule. We didn't press her further on it because she clearly didn't know what the deal was, but said that she was suprised about it. She also made a comment about the TSA and FAA basically ruining the air transportation industry.

So the question is, are they bringing back this stupid rule?