To me, that isn't a question of safety. Yes, it is breaking the rules, that I don't dispute. You can always mention it to the flight attendant later if you wish.

I would agree more if someone was up and walking around, getting things from their luggage when the seatbelt sign is on. The pilot wouldn't have that on if there wasn't a reason for it. I wasn't a big stickler about that until I was on a flight where we encountered some serious turbulence and some passengers were hurt for not obeying that.

True. But it's more galling to put up with it when you know that the loud cellphone jerk is also breaking (silly) federal regulations.

"You know, you're not allowed to use your cellphone on the plane. Now, I'll keep it to myself if you use the data and whatnot, but please be discreet and don't have a conversation."

This is the dumbest rule on the books. It is routinely ignored and rarely enforced for good reason. Relax and enjoy your flight.

Recently, the off duty pilot that sat next to me used his iphone with a data connection below 10000'. The FCC, not the FAA, created the no cell phone rule and has nothing to do with flight safety.

I never indicated that I would "tattle" or "snitch", but was asking if it was OK to say something to the person doing it. And whether or not it's a meaningless rule really isn't the point...that's just rationalization.
Maybe it's that I'm getting old...

Don't apologize. Your question was reasonable. I personally don't see how anyone can't take a break from technology for take-off and landing. But, I am a recovering urgency addict according to my Franklin Covey training. :)

Turn a blind eye

Because ones own life is NOT in jeopardy. Do you realize that some airlines now not only allow mobile phones to be in during flight, BUT HAVE ALSO MADE IT PSBL TO USE YOUR OHONE TO MAKE A CALL from anywhere in the world at any altitude. Most if us know these silly rules are there to justify some idiots salary at the FAA but really!!! Video recording equipment was allowed for passengers wanting to tape take offs and landings from the time video recorders came out all the way till the beginning of this century. If someone told me to shut off my phone I might comply just to avoid an argument, but I'd also tell them to mind their own business.

Depends what airline. I use my phone for voice calls routinely on certain EK flights. The inly thing I've ever been asked is to move up or back to one if the bar areas if people near me are sleeping

You and me both. Here's my suggestion (Lousy quality, but you get the point.).

Mike

Which is why EK asks people to use the bars or lounge area on board to make calls.....keeps everyone happy

Quality fine.

Content ^^

Has there ever been a record of a flight returning to the gate or making an emergency landing because a passenger was using a phone against the rules?

Thanks, but I want to arrive at my destination.

Returning to the gate, yes, because the passengers became belligerent in not acquiescing to the FA's directives to turn off their phones. (In)Famously, Alec Baldwin was kicked off an AA flight for not turning off his phone, although they were still at the gate.

http://www.thedenverchannel.com/news...his-cell-phone
http://consumerist.com/2012/11/19/sp...ff-your-phone/
http://www.cnn.com/2011/12/06/showbi...baldwin-flight
http://dfw.cbslocal.com/2011/09/06/a...ing-off-phone/
http://granitestudio.org/2013/02/16/...-to-amsterdam/
http://www.37000feet.com/report/4929...eatened-purser