Originally Posted by
McFinn
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 have heard this on AA, UA, and CO pretty consistently over the previous year. Notebooks and water bottles can inflict considerable injury when hurled or flung just right. So I for one don't have a problem leaving my things properly secured until advised otherwise and their enforcing other to do the same.
I'd cut the FA some slack: the FAA
is out and about and are watching. Who knows: the carrier could very well have received a recent visit.