Something new on a United Express flight today.

During the safety talk, we were told that only paper, magazines and the safety card could be in the seat back pocket during takeoff and landing. Both FAs made numerous checks to verify that no one had anything but these things in the seat pocket. They made the standard announcement that laptops could not be there and specifcally stated things like water bottles, cell phones, iPods and books could not be in the seat pocket during takeoff or landing.

I asked the FA about this after we landed and was told that this was a new FAA rule and that the FAA was cracking down on airlines allowing these things in the seat pocket during takeoffs and landings.

I am waiting to see if this same announcement is made on the second leg of my trip.