dhammer53

Not a problem since I see you fly NW.

da_guy

I am surprised to hear the "none of my business", "leave them alone" attutude. If talking on your cell while taking off, or playing a gameboy or whatever didn't affect anything, why would they tell everyone to turn off the gadgets? There is obviously a chance, no matter how remote that electronics can interfere with the plane's navigation. So why take that risk? Is it really that hard to wait 10 minutes before playing a video game or listening to music? If you absolutely positively have to talk, use the in-flight phone.

I tell people all the time to turn things off. I don't care if they get upset, embarrased or whatever. My life is more important than their phone call, period.

wingless

Unless it is a hazard from weight it really doesn't matter. Blackberries, Cells, Gameboys with not affect the plane. On charter flights it is not an issue at all only on commercial flights.

What I do find a hazard is a 20 pound child in someones lap. If we hit turbulance that kid is gonna go flying and I hope it will not be toward me.

What is the purpose of raising shades during landings and takeoffs. I never shut mine anyways and I hate when people ask me to. I do not do it. I like the sun light.

plannergirl

I'm not sure how they know it but my last flight on Southwest out of Orlando the kid across from us had his game on right before we took off and then the capt came on saying they "detected a prohibited electronic device in operation" he asked to have it turned off or we were not flying. the kids parents turned 5 shades of red took the game away and then the capt came back on and said "thank you, prepare for take off"

Now how did they know it was on from up front?

wingless

The FA probably heard it and asked the captain to make the announcemnent is my guess

plannergirl

it did not make any sound (thank god) there were enough screaming kids after a long day at Disney to have drown out any electronic sound.

sh9168

No. Thats the FA;s job. As we all know, the only reason they tell you to turn off all electronics is so they have your attention should something go wrong on take off or landing. A gameboy will not interfer with the navagation equipment as will anything else. Let the FA argue with the rude person.

Fraser

I've never told anyone to switch something off although if it was a cellphone and they were jabbering away I might step in.

On my last flight the FA (sitting opposite me for take-off) asked me to turn off my noise cancelling headphones. I completely forgot I had them on and looked like a complete tool when giving her puzzled looks in response to her!

dhammer53

Just in case there is an accident, rescue workers will know that someone is seated at that location. You can't make this stuff up.

frequentfoulup

Why is this not mandatory for take off and landing? I cannot recall a flight attendant checking the shades before landing or takeoff. Yes, it does make sense that if the plane goes down, rescue workers would have a better opportunity to see the seats. But, I want to receive safety instructions from the crew, not the person sitting next to me.

Once the instructions have been given, and it's perceived that someone is violating safety procedure, it is the crew's responsibility to enforce the regulations.

I recall one incident when the regulations had been changed allowing cell phone use until the door closed. Prior to that there was no usage allowed at any time. A passenger was talking on the phone and another passenger kept yelling at him to turn it off. It became very heated and loud. It almost escalated to a security issue when finally the FA advised the non caller of the change in regulation.

His voice level was reduced by 95% as he sheepishly said "sorry, I guess that's new."

civicmon

I was on a flight and this guy would NOT hang up his phone.. you'd swear we were about to lead a revolution when everyone was telling him to shut up and turn the phone off. The FA was close to throwing the phone out the window (preverbally )

Finally after he turned his phone off... no apology... nothin.

I won't lie, I've forgotten to turn my cell phone off when taking off, but I agree with others -err on the side of caution.

CrazyOne

That was the only moment where I felt like I was babysitting, though. Neither parent (pretty sure both were on the plane) ever even asked me if I would switch. If it had somehow felt more uncomfortable I would have sought them out to switch instead, but apart from that moment with the tray table it was all fine. Heck, the seat is way more comfortable (no shoulders that overlap, etc.) with a child next to you than an adult.

dhammer53

The flight attendants who do transcons on UA have been known to mention about the shades. I will say that I don't hear this on all my flights. Seems to be selective.

I can only hope that crews mention everything they have to say all the time; but we all know that will never happen.

If the crew did their jobs, the passengers wouldn't have to help enforce the rules.

Reindeerflame

If there is a remote chance that a Gameboy or cell phone will interfere with the plane's navigation, then the airline/TSA needs to search as diligently for these items as for weapons during security check, rather than relying on the public for compliance.

Otherwise why not just allow weapons on board, and just ask all people not to use them during takeoffs and landings?

wingless

Great point!

There is no chance a cell or Gameboy will interfere or they wouldn't let you bring them on board.