Re: Approaches for dealing with 'electronic devices off'
This thread has been about what it means when the FA/FO/Cap'n says to put it in flight mode and turn it off.
This is obviously so that if you turn it on (to use it in-flight), then it will not start communicating/using its communication abilities.
I personally have a different opinion, it involves Bluetooth Headphones and one ear on and one ear off during take-off/landing (so that I can hear and I do listen/pay attention to the crew during the safety announcement).
The concept of not being able to use electronic devices on planes is
silly, if not stupid. A little iPod Shuffle, even an iPhone/iPad, even a laptop with wifi, a device with bluetooth, or a GPS Receiver (because you have to be a satellite to broadcast) is in no way shape or form going to affect any other electronic devices on an aircraft. If that were the case, a terrorist or saboteur could very easily "turn on their laptop" and the plane goes down. I think not.
I can't understand people wanting the sanctuary of a plane to relax. I loved being onboard the A380 with WiFi where I could stay connected on Facebook and be able to communicate with my parents on the plane via Facetime (I did it from the A380 Business lounge, was speaking no louder than I would be if I was speaking to someone next to me. For my dad who's never been on an A380 (despite having achieved Qantas LTS), it was awesome.) There was no-one else in the J lounge at the time.
Its more about people being inconsiderate about the people around them, but its no different to speaking to the person next to them. (If they've been taught that speaking louder into a phone microphone doesn't help anyone hear you).
Feel free to disagree with my opinion. The fact that the FAA has approved iPad use (as replacement for flight bags -
American Airlines approves iPad as flight bag replacement, starting Friday | 9to5Mac | Apple Intelligence). Another thing which I like and use is that you can use Bluetooth and/or WiFi while being in Flight mode on an iPad or iPhone.
The best scenario is using my iPad, which is in my bag, playing music to my BT Headphones (also marketed as travel headphones, Sennheiser MM550 (Noise Cancelling/BT)), and having my bag in the overhead locker