Approaches for dealing with 'electronic devices off'

[777]

No support from me for people who blatantly ignore the instructions but...

I really don't feel there's a consistent, workable definition of "off" particularly when it comes to iDevices and the like. So you put your phone or ipad into "flight mode" press the "On/Off" button on the top and the screen goes to sleep. Is that "off" or is that "standby mode", "sleep" or just "screen off"?

I would argue that for most purposes that's "off" - it's the equivalent of shutting a laptop and letting it go to sleep. But it is a mode from which you can continue to listen to music for example (i don't - because it's against the clear intent of the rules).

I used to go the extra step and put my devices into full shutdown but as i often travel with 3 of them (android phone, ipad, laptop). i actually used to find it attracted narky comments from the (VA/DJ) cabin crew because it took so long to do 3 times over... along the lines of "Sir! Could you please switch that off NOW!" Nowadays, i just switch everything to flight mode and put it down/ to sleep.

What do you reckon - for devices with no moving parts/ flash memory, etc - how "off" is "OFF!"?

 

[milehighclub]

I am surprised by the attitude towards this matter on this forum given that we all fly frequently.

I find it extremely frustrating when I am asked to turn off my iPad or iPhone.

I understand that laptops cannot be used, as the tray tables should be up as a matter of safety, but I have not heard any compelling reasons around why I cannot use my iPad or iPhone. It isn't like they really cause any transmission issues. Normally when I fly I just listen to music anyway, or put my device down for a few seconds until the flight attendant walks away.

I have never had another passenger comment on this towards me, as I usually see them do the same thing. If anything, I'd actually be annoyed if another passenger told me when I can or cannot use MY device.

iPhone/iPads could also become projectiles if the aircraft suddenly stops. Even worse, you drop it and it becomes a trip hazard during an evacuation (which could have
serious consequences)

 

[medhead]

No support from me for people who blatantly ignore the instructions but...

I really don't feel there's a consistent, workable definition of "off" particularly when it comes to iDevices and the like. So you put your phone or ipad into "flight mode" press the "On/Off" button on the top and the screen goes to sleep. Is that "off" or is that "standby mode", "sleep" or just "screen off"?

I would argue that for most purposes that's "off" - it's the equivalent of shutting a laptop and letting it go to sleep. But it is a mode from which you can continue to listen to music for example (i don't - because it's against the clear intent of the rules).

I used to go the extra step and put my devices into full shutdown but as i often travel with 3 of them (android phone, ipad, laptop). i actually used to find it attracted narky comments from the (VA/DJ) cabin crew because it took so long to do 3 times over... along the lines of "Sir! Could you please switch that off NOW!" Nowadays, i just switch everything to flight mode and put it down/ to sleep.

What do you reckon - for devices with no moving parts/ flash memory, etc - how "off" is "OFF!"?

Let me think - is it still [able to be] playing music? Yes? THEN IT IS NOT OFF! Sorry but it just isn't that hard. Unless people are being deliberately obtuse.

I have never had another passenger comment on this towards me, as I usually see them do the same thing. If anything, I'd actually be annoyed if another passenger told me when I can or cannot use MY device.

Oh and if you're sitting near me listening to your music expect to get told. It has nothing to do with "not hurting anyone". The minute you decide to ignore an instruction from a crew member you become a potential threat to my safety in an incident. I have absolutely no problem looking after my wellbeing.

Same, Same as the idiot in row 3C on a QF 737 who reclined as we were passing over the Torrens to land in ADL. Tap on the shoulder and he got the message. In an incident his reclined seat was going to slow 4A, 4B and me from getting out safely. Funny that he couldn't look me in the eye once we landed.

 

[777]

Let me think - is it still playing music? Yes? THEN IT IS NOT OFF! Sorry but it just isn't that hard. Unless people are being deliberately obtuse.

Hmm. Specifically said NOT PLAYING MUSIC. But thanks for the overreaction!

 

[medhead]

Hmm. Specifically said NOT PLAYING MUSIC. But thanks for the overreaction!

Actually you said you don't have it playing music, but did say it was capable of playing music. I didn't say anything about what you do, I was specifically clarifying that it is NOT TURNED OFF if it can still play music!

Just to recap your actual post:

I would argue that for most purposes that's "off" - it's the equivalent of shutting a laptop and letting it go to sleep. But it is a mode from which you can continue to listen to music for example (i don't - because it's against the clear intent of the rules).

not off for any purposes.

Not an overreaction when you're about the 15th person to peddle this load of horse excrement about standby being "off".

 

[777]

Actually you said you don't have it playing music, but did said it was capable of playing music. I didn't say anything about what you do, I was specifically clarifying that it is NOT TURNED OFF if it can still play music!

Why? If it is not playing music. It is doing no processing, it is dormant, it is not causing a distraction, and you have pressed what the manufacturer describes (in some cases) as the "OFF" button? Obviously when it is playing music it is not off, but when it's not what definition of "OFF" is it not meeting? I'd assume that everyone who has a laptop that they have closed the lid on (rather than shut down) has a device in a similar state.

 

[medhead]

Why? If it is not playing music. It is doing no processing, it is dormant, it is not causing a distraction, and you have pressed what the manufacturer describes (in some cases) as the "OFF" button? Obviously when it is playing music it is not off, but when it's not what definition of "OFF" is it not meeting? I'd assume that everyone who has a laptop that they have closed the lid on (rather than shut down) has a device in a similar state.

I'm sorry but calling the button an "off" button does not tell you how to turn it off. Many buttons on modern devices have multiple uses. Take an iPhone for example, the instructions from the manufacturer specifically say to press and hold the "sleep/wake" button (oh no it's not an off button ) to turn off the device.

iPhone, iPad, iPod touch: Turning off and on (restarting) and resetting

It is pretty simple, pushing the button once is not turning it off.

 

[ashleyn]

There are now 2 threads on this topic and it obviously hits a raw nerve with many people but what is the real cause of the angst ? Is it people blatantly ignoring rules ? If that's the case, sorry but that's life these days, maybe we have too many rules for not the right reasons and not policed anyway. Is it safety ? I somehow doubt it unless someone can prove otherwise or is it for the "comfort" of passengers around the offending Pax talking on their phone.

Me, I put on the NC headphones (oops is that an electronic device ?) and ignore it all, after all, it's not my problem, or is it ?

 

[awilcockson]

A much better announcement would be "If your device has flight mode, please enable it before placing your device in standby, all other electronic devices must be shut down or powered off"

The statement I heard on several legs of my last international trip was effectively "Please place your electronic device into flight mode, and then turn it off completely, and not just into standby mode"

 

[777]

The statement I heard on several legs of my last international trip was effectively "Please place your electronic device into flight mode, and then turn it off completely, and not just into standby mode"

That's unambiguous. No complaints there.

 

[SeatBackForward]

The statement I heard on several legs of my last international trip was effectively "Please place your electronic device into flight mode, and then turn it off completely, and not just into standby mode"

See that one is 100% clear. I think the reaction on this thread alone is indication that "turn off" needs to be more explicit.

 

[ashleyn]

See that one is 100% clear. I think the reaction on this thread alone is indication that "turn off" needs to be more explicit.

Does your average smoker see the no smoking sign ? Does your heavy phone user hear the announcement ? I'm afraid the answer is no so unless the consequences of their actions are enough to change their behavior, we're all stuck with it.

 

[Daver6]

I've seen pax on approach to Perth using their phone to send and receive texts.

I agree, this is happening more and more. Worst part is the QF hosties on two flights recently just turn a blind eye to it!

 

[fresherbill]

5 minutes into a flight, we’re climbing out of Melbourne when a phone starts ringing next to me… the owner - a young student-looking guy - then proceeds to answer the phone. We’re one seat away from an FA in the emergency exit row and both the FA and I start scrambling to tell him to turn it off. He looked genuinely aggrieved at being told this, but I made sure he turned it absolutely off. His phone conversation had sounded casual rather than urgent (I couldn’t understand what he was saying) and I daresay he had no idea he was meant to do anything with the phone prior to take-off. I guess you can take it for granted that everyone knows the rule – I know I do it automatically, sometimes not even remembering that I’ve turned my gear off.

Incidentally, does anyone know what the QF policy is with Kindles? ISTR someone telling me that some airlines were starting to treat them like you would treat books.

 

[ferdeline]

I am really not bothered by people using the electronic devices THEY paid for on their own accord. It would be different if I saw a flight attending using an iPhone on approach. But other passengers? I have no issue.

I would much rather airlines enforce the no standing up until we reach the gate rule, than worrying about someone listening to harmless music or sending a quick, short text message.

 

[milehighclub]

Incidentally, does anyone know what the QF policy is with Kindles? ISTR someone telling me that some airlines were starting to treat them like you would treat books.

Off (if it has that kind of switch) and in the seat pocket.

 

[drron]

Off (if it has that kind of switch) and in the seat pocket.

But it is inconsistent.I was told by one QF FA that i could continue reading my kindle as I was just about to turn it off and she was walking by.
On another occasion a QF FA told me i couldn't put the kindle in the seat pocket it had to be placed in my carry on in the overhead locker.This also happened to me on AA.

 

[CWM]

I am cool with it, in fact I absolutely couldn't care if you sit next me me and use whatever you want. I'd sit next a dead person as long as there wasn't a smell.

Was on this Qantas MEL-SYD flight and somehow ended up right down the back in front of the coughper with an overdressed Melbournian kid next to me. Anyway there was a problem with the PA system and the regular announcements were completely inaudible. As the flight was running about an hour late into SYD this kid next to me pulls out his phone & tries calling his friends to tell them the flight was late - I'm sure he had no idea of the regs & hadn't heard the announcement. I though it was hilarious and kept a watch out for how the attendant dragons would react. They didn't notice for a long time, he was able to get bursts of signal presumably as we flew by a cell tower below. Finally one of them noticed and went nuts at him & threatened to toss him off the plane.

 

[lano]

I've got no problems with people using their devices, if the rules allowed it. I fly a lot of Dash-8 flights and quite a lot of people don't bother to turn off their phones walking across the tarmac to board with the plane refueling; or turn on their phones the instant they land even though they know they still have to walk across the tarmac. Likewise, even on my cityflyer flights I've seen many people continue using their iDevice's and other electronics throughout takeoff and landing. Sometimes the FAs will reprimand them and make them turn the device off, other times they don't really care. I know that the chances of those electronic devices causing a problem are infinitesimally small, but if they can't even follow that simple rule it shows that they probably can't be depended on if an emergency does occur; and it just annoys me as a person who does follow the rules.

Like ashleyn (& many others), I use NC headphones. When the call comes to turn off electronic devices I turn off my MP3 player / phone / whatever, but I leave the headphones on my ears to help reduce the noise. Depending on the FA sometimes the NC component is turned off, sometimes I just need to show that the headphones aren't plugged into a device or are plugged into the seat, and occasionally I've even been told that I'm not allowed to wear them at all during takeoff / landing.

 

[Homer]

This is my preferred approach if people ignore the rules: 'Disruptive behaviour' - Qantas offloads Macquarie exec