Quick release headphones in exit rows

[StevePER]

Flying over yesterday I was told that I couldn't wear my own headphones in the exit row during takeoff and landing because they weren't "quick release". What does it mean for headphones to be "quick release" and is this a new rule or just arbitrarily enforced? Anyone experienced this before? It's no big deal, I'm just curious.

Steve

 

[docjames]

I dont think the headphones in the exit row are different to the normal ones so someone was being a bit over zealous.

 

[nlagalle]

I've never heard that before... Perhaps it should have been, not wearing headphones at all. I've never heard of "quick release" headphones either. all of them are the same as far as i am aware!

 

[oz_mark]

There are quick release neckstraps that uncouple if whatever they are connected (e.g. MP3 player) to is pulled strongly (some Philips ear phones).

 

[munitalP]

try and touch my headphones and see how "quick release" you are!


Mr!

 

[StevePER]

Just to clarify the standard Virgin Blue headphones (in-ear bud type) were acceptable as they are "quick-release". Not sure if they were quick-release with relation to the IFE or my head.

 

[OQA]

I wouldn't like to think someone sitting in an exit row is listening to music during take-off and landing, on a recent flight I had people moved from an exit row who smelled of alcohol after I (and others) expressed concerns to the cabin crew, no way I'm risking my expeditious exit from an aircraft in an emergency situation by having drunks or people not giving their full attention to what's going on around them sitting in exit rows.

So yeah, put your headphones on once you are safely airborne and remove them before landing.

 

[StevePER]

Didn't get to test this on the way home because we had an aircraft without Live2Air (I didn't realise there will still some that haven't been upgraded). We did have two exit-row seats double booked by people who had been able to select the exit row during OLCI (and without paying the $45 for Blue Zone). This shouldn't be possible because they need to be asked if they are "willing and able to assist cabin crew in the unlikely event of an emergency".

I wouldn't like to think someone sitting in an exit row is listening to music during take-off and landing, on a recent flight I had people moved from an exit row who smelled of alcohol after I (and others) expressed concerns to the cabin crew, no way I'm risking my expeditious exit from an aircraft in an emergency situation by having drunks or people not giving their full attention to what's going on around them sitting in exit rows.

I think there's a big difference between someone in an exit row wearing headphones and being drunk. You can get the headphones off in half a second - sobering up takes a lot longer.

 

[markis10]

we had an aircraft without Live2Air (I didn't realise there will still some that haven't been upgraded).

VB have not installed this in aircraft they have leased as opposed to owning! I believe all the conversions are done for those that are owned.

 

[ishkaban]

I think "quick release" refers to the bud style headsets, which are VB issued, I am guessing that those ipod style white ones are the same.

What is not permitted is the over the head style (please see link), as it could hinder an evacuation
http://www.desinformado.com/wp-content/uploads/2007/10/swarovski_dj-headphones1.jpg

It is only during the take off and landing phase of the flight