Absurd headphone rules
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,069
Absurd headphone rules
Why does AC let you use earbud headphones connected to their system but not noise canceling ones during takeoff and landing? And you can use your iPad etc during this time, just as long as your earphones aren't plugged into it (earbud or otherwise).
#2
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: E50K, *Gold, WS Gold,VIA Premier, VIPorter
Posts: 463
The reason for this is a two part answer:
1) connected to their system: If a PA is made, it pauses the entertainment system and the announcement comes through headphones (ie, if there is an emergency and how to proceed)
2) earbud, as if there is a power failure, you can still hear sound through it. In addition, in the event of an evacuation, they are a lot less likely to become stuck on something or to the person vs larger over the ear type)
1) connected to their system: If a PA is made, it pauses the entertainment system and the announcement comes through headphones (ie, if there is an emergency and how to proceed)
2) earbud, as if there is a power failure, you can still hear sound through it. In addition, in the event of an evacuation, they are a lot less likely to become stuck on something or to the person vs larger over the ear type)
Last edited by PilotTobe; Nov 26, 2014 at 7:44 pm Reason: More info
#3
Join Date: Dec 2010
Location: Glen Abbey
Posts: 639
If there should be an emergency situation, it'll be broadcast through the PA system. Your iPAD headphones won't hear it.
"If you think being prepared for an emergency is a pain-in-the-a$$, see what it is like to be unprepared..."
"If you think being prepared for an emergency is a pain-in-the-a$$, see what it is like to be unprepared..."
#4
Join Date: Jan 2005
Location: YVR
Posts: 304
On AC034 a few days ago, my seatmate told me a tale of how he once purchased the AC headphones, but only to then find his IFE system's audio wasn't functioning properly. When he asked the FA if he could have a refund for the (now useless) headphones, he was promptly denied. Now that's absurd!
#5
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
I think the screaming and the "OMFG we're all going to die" looks around you would grab your attention. I'm guilty of leaving my headset connected to my phone and then tucking my phone underneath. Now, having said that, for my safety, I make sure that I don't pass out before takeoff (although as some of you have witnessed, sometimes that doesn't happen and I just pass out).
#6
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: E50K, *Gold, WS Gold,VIA Premier, VIPorter
Posts: 463
I think the screaming and the "OMFG we're all going to die" looks around you would grab your attention. I'm guilty of leaving my headset connected to my phone and then tucking my phone underneath. Now, having said that, for my safety, I make sure that I don't pass out before takeoff (although as some of you have witnessed, sometimes that doesn't happen and I just pass out).
Yes I realize this is not a good example, but it is along similar lines of following the FA's commands
#7
Suspended
Join Date: Jun 2009
Location: YYZ
Programs: AC E50K (*G) WS Gold | SPG/Fairmont Plat Hilton/Hyatt Diamond Marriott Silver | National Exec Elite
Posts: 19,284
Think of it this way, if there was a landing on water. Say your headphones are in, but you see people putting on life jackets AND INFLATING them (vs putting them on and inflating them before exiting the aircraft). The FAS would be instructing pax to not inflate them, but your bose headphones would say otherwise...
Yes I realize this is not a good example, but it is along similar lines of following the FA's commands
Yes I realize this is not a good example, but it is along similar lines of following the FA's commands
#8
Join Date: Jun 1999
Location: YVR
Programs: ACSEMM QRGold SPGLifetimePlat FairmontPlat HyattD AMEXCenturion SerenaPlat TalkBoard Founding Member
Posts: 8,963
#9
Join Date: Jan 2014
Location: YVR
Programs: E50K, *Gold, WS Gold,VIA Premier, VIPorter
Posts: 463
#11
Original Poster
Join Date: Apr 2011
Programs: UA 1K, Marriott LT Titanium, Hyatt Globalist
Posts: 1,069
The reason for this is a two part answer:
1) connected to their system: If a PA is made, it pauses the entertainment system and the announcement comes through headphones (ie, if there is an emergency and how to proceed)
2) earbud, as if there is a power failure, you can still hear sound through it. In addition, in the event of an evacuation, they are a lot less likely to become stuck on something or to the person vs larger over the ear type)
1) connected to their system: If a PA is made, it pauses the entertainment system and the announcement comes through headphones (ie, if there is an emergency and how to proceed)
2) earbud, as if there is a power failure, you can still hear sound through it. In addition, in the event of an evacuation, they are a lot less likely to become stuck on something or to the person vs larger over the ear type)
I mean honestly if there's a true emergency, noise canceling headphones aren't going to make a bit of difference.
#12
Join Date: Jan 2013
Location: YYC
Programs: AC-E50K, *G, WS-Gold, Nexus, HH-Diamond, Marriott-Gold, Hertz-PC
Posts: 182
This is assanine. So, I'm allowed to use earbuds during takeoff/landing, ONLY if the flight has IFE? But on all other metal (primarily CRJ200 and below), I have to remove them simply because there is no IFE, and supposedly therefore no ability for me to hear the FA's instructions? I guess I need to disregard the fact that all planes have rediculously loud PA's that would completely drown out anything coming from the IFE, my iPod, etc.
This logic makes my head hurt.
This logic makes my head hurt.
#14
Join Date: Jul 2010
Location: YYC
Programs: AC SE100K, *G, Bonvoy Plat, Hilton Gold, Hertz PC, Avis PC, Enterprise Plat
Posts: 671
I'll never forget the first time I saw that episode.