[stlbud]

I swear! Some people need a 12 step program for their electronics. It has been proven that most electronics do not interfere with aircraft electronics. I believe the reason they want the equipment off is to have your undivided attention during critical periods such as approach and landing, and taxi and take off. These are the times when most accidents happen.

If you didn't listen to the preflight instructions, I hope you are not between me and the aisle or door. I don't want to wait while you try to figure out if you should grab your seat cushion or be looking for a jacket under the seat.

[stlbud]

I swear! Some people need a 12 step program for their electronics. It has been proven that most electronics do not interfere with aircraft electronics. I believe the reason they want the equipment off is to have your undivided attention during critical periods such as approach and landing, and taxi and take off. These are the times when most accidents happen.

If you didn't listen to the preflight instructions, I hope you are not between me and the aisle or door. I don't want to wait while you try to figure out if you should grab your seat cushion or be looking for a jacket under the seat.

[jdmichal]

This is why I always have a book packed with me for flights, and usually buy a magazine also if I see a good one. I actually look forward to being disconnected sometimes. I do find it annoying when we go to land and I'm in the middle of a DS game, but that's what they invented suspend mode for.

Also, I'm pretty sure any state where it's not actually running, such as a suspend mode, would be considered "off". Any possible interference would be caused by electronic noise, which the machine will simply not produce in a suspended state. The truth is that most modern electronics never really turn off unless you remove the battery.

[racerx_]

maybe i'm the only one, but i just think the no electronics thing is so ridiculous. I guarantee that the electronics in the plane itself are way more powerful than anything in my cell phone, and there's a way higher chance from the plane interfering with ITSELF than my cell phone doing anything detrimental..

they have the right to make whatever rules they want, but it's quite ridiculous that it's just based on suppositions and possibilities... i think some proper testing should be done and results published.

i turne my phone off or flight mode for most flights just so the radio isn't trying to connect and running my battery down, but my phone goes on the minute i can see terra firma out the window

[David Tucker]

Originally Posted by racerx_

maybe i'm the only one, but i just think the no electronics thing is so ridiculous. I guarantee that the electronics in the plane itself are way more powerful than anything in my cell phone, and there's a way higher chance from the plane interfering with ITSELF than my cell phone doing anything detrimental..

they have the right to make whatever rules they want, but it's quite ridiculous that it's just based on suppositions and possibilities... i think some proper testing should be done and results published.

i turne my phone off or flight mode for most flights just so the radio isn't trying to connect and running my battery down, but my phone goes on the minute i can see terra firma out the window

I actually agree with you...I just didn't see any point in chiming in to interrupt all the people who are glad that they get an electronic reprieve on a plane (seriously people...you are allowed to turn your gadgets off on your own. On the rare occasion I don't want my phone I turn it off!)

I disagree though about the cellphones not causing interference. That's the most believable. I've seen them cause all sorts of weird effects while sitting next to a wire.

Something like an MP3 player though? Doubtful.

[jdmichal]

I do also enjoy those times outside of the airplane too

And I'd hate to be on your plane when the wires leading to the plane's control surfaces suddenly becomes a new antenna for your phone's wireless signal. Nothing like signal noise on a control line to give you a nice, smooth flight!

[David Tucker]

Funny thing...we have this conversation and here I am saying hello from 40K feet! Thanks AirTran!

[Cybrid]

I'd say the #1 reason I would want electronics to be turned off is not from affecting the aircraft, but to prevent it from becoming a projectile.
If you've seen cabin footage from extremely turbulent flights, everything from people to books to unsecure luggage goes flying around the cabin.
Your blackberry might go flying mid text.

Once you've reached a "safer" altitude, have at it.