The reason for *all* electronic devices is easy - it totally removes the discretion from the on/off rule. The cabin crew doesn't have to decreee "this one is OK, that one is not". And the pax cannot argue that "this one is OK, or certified, or blessed by the FAA, or whatever". And there is one more subtle reason - if things start going sidewise on the takeoff or landing, bad things happen at a really rapid rate. There isn't time, when you're tumbling or sliding sidewise unside down, to pack things away, take off headsets, deal with wires, etc, before the fireball comes down the aisle and you decide you really want to be somewhere else. Finally, a cellphone, travelling at a great rate of speed (let's say, 100+ mph) packs a helluva wallup. A hardball (think Yankees) is only 5 oz and is pitched at less than 100 mph+, and it will break a rib or a collarbone after travelling and slowing down for 60 feet (ask me how I know). A lot of airport and aviation security is theatre. This isn

(Written on 2011/12/02)(Permalink)

Assuming, of course, that the devices are working correctly. Without that assurance....

(Written on 2011/12/02)(Permalink)

Gee Brett - how long does it take to turn on a cellphone? I have mine handy when I fly - but it's turned off (I get tired of hearing it on my headset, constantly searching for cellphone towers). I think your instructor needs to re-emphasize aviate and navigate, communicate can always wait until later.

(Written on 2011/12/02)(Permalink)

What "rights"? The word is heavily over-used.

(Written on 2011/11/28)(Permalink)

I disagree on the first point. There are no "rights" here, this is a simple commercial transaction. The fat dude bought a product - a seat of a certain capacity. If he cannot use what he bought then shame on him. It's no different than a 200 pound guy buying a children's size t-shirt because it is cheaper, and then complaining that it doesn't fit. If an airline wants to gain a competitive advantage by offering larger seats - good on them. If an airline wants to offer a certain number of larger seats on a flight perhaps at a higher price - go ahead.

(Written on 2011/11/28)(Permalink)

Thought #1: Should have made the fat guy stand for the duration of the flight. Thought #2: If you cannot fit in the set with BOTH armrests down, you have to buy two seats unless, by chance, there is an unused seat on the flight. Thought #3: If I have paid for a seat, then I expect to sit in my seat. All of my seat, not just the half that is leftover from the big guy. Thought #4: This flight should be reported to the FAA. A hefty fine for USAir for performing the takeoff/landing with a passenger not wearing a seatbelt is likely the only method which will accelerate creation of a policy to handle this.Despite the advertising about how special we all are, in a cash-strapped business like an airline, money gets attention.

(Written on 2011/11/28)(Permalink)

There was one FA, but there is a rule saying there needs to be 2 on the flight deck at all times therefore she was up front. The FO can easily open the door (s/he's not flying the airplane, the autopilot is) - I'm betting the rule got created because once the FO fell asleep while the captain was going to the washroom - and it took 15 minutes to get back into the flight deck. This story is a great example of hearing hoof beats and fantasizing about zebras rather than horses.

(Written on 2011/11/18)(Permalink)