FA asks for headphones to be taken off for landing

[MEL_Traveller]

An attempt must be made to contact the flight deck in a land emergency. If this can't be done and everyone is in direct danger, cabin crew may then order an evacuation and other crew must follow.

hoping also that cabin crew are sufficiently skilled to not only exercise restraint (not evacuating when it seems natural), but to also overrule the flight deck if required (evacuate even if instructed not to).

 

[Robbi]

I guess in trying to understand this my question would be 'why?'

is it because you think it is safe because the pilots told you so, or because the airline has decided so? the QF bangkok accident shows an airline can have inadequate policies and procedures, and that crew don't always make the right decisions.

If the staff had made an announcement on the PA I would have heard it in my headphones, but I can hear normal communications with my headphones on anyway so even if they were bellowing instructions I would have heard them.

But, if the aircraft made a sudden lurch, bang, smoke, someone started behaving erratically etc I would have :

a) paid attention,
b) flipped off one of my earmuffs to see if there was any announcement I was not hearing,
c) looked around,
d) reached into my bag to retrieve my nomex balaclava....

I just don't see what the issue is....

 

[milehighclub]

During training they make a big point out of looking out the door window for a good few seconds to make sure it is actually safe to open. A few seconds may seem like a long time in an emergency but opening the door without knowing its safe could make things worse.

This has happened in the past on other airlines where passengers have overthrown cabin crew who have blocked exits because they are unsafe to open only making things worse and caused more injuries and in some cases avoidable fatalities.

Our doors in the trainer can simulate many different situations and we are regularly trained on them. They can make it appear that there is fire, or make the door not work. They can even change the status of the door during the emergency as we always check the door to see if it can become useable at any point.

 

[bertair]

There would be no point in handing out headphones on Qantas Link Dash 8.... There are no in flight entertainment systems on these aircraft !!!
However, while I consistently use my Bose QC 15 on every flight, I respect the job the FAs have to do and it is only good manners to watch and pay attention as a matter of not only courtesy and good manners, but for your own safety.

Although I do not understand how headphones could cause a safety issue from any emissions if that is the FAA issue.

My investment in the Bose has been well worth it I can assure anyone who is considering buying a pair, you won't be disappointed.

 

[monoccular]

I fly a lot of QF and quite a few QLink flights (including SYD ARM) and have never been asked to remove my Bose noise cancelling headphones.

I wonder when QF (and VA for that matter) are going to get up with the latest international research and allow the use of electronic devices at all times? There is NO evidence that they interfere with anything.

 

[Robbi]

On recent BA flights in the EU over the last few weeks the consistent message was 'electronic devices in Airline Mode can be used gate to gate'. Laptops needed a 'bucket'?, or something, to stop them flying around. Headphones could be used gate to gate.

QFi flights over same period had the usual 'electronic devices must be switched off during takeoff and landing', but 'personal headphones' may be used gate-gate.

 

[JessicaTam]

On recent BA flights in the EU over the last few weeks the consistent message was 'electronic devices in Airline Mode can be used gate to gate'. Laptops needed a 'bucket'?, or something, to stop them flying around. Headphones could be used gate to gate.

QFi flights over same period had the usual 'electronic devices must be switched off during takeoff and landing', but 'personal headphones' may be used gate-gate.

From memory of my BA flight a couple of weeks ago, laptops could not be used during take off or landing, and had to be secured - so not in the seat pocket.

 

[bertair]

From memory of my BA flight a couple of weeks ago, laptops could not be used during take off or landing, and had to be secured - so not in the seat pocket.

So all it means is to keep your lap top in your carry on bag, briefcase,, etc until fasten seat belts signs go off ?
It would have to extend to tablets ( electronic kind !), phones, iPods,etc. as well I guess.
Not a bad idea I suppose; a flying Macbook Pro weighs quite a bit and you wouldn't want that flying around the cabin like a frisbee would you?

 

[Robbi]

It would have to extend to tablets ( electronic kind !), phones, iPods,etc. as well I guess.

No, they could be used gate-gate.

 

[JessicaTam]

No, they could be used gate-gate.

Yep, I suppose because they are small enough to be held securely.