Many people believe the ban of phones and other electronic devices on planes is a bit ridiculous. I'm one of those people. Apparently the flight attendant on American Airlines are as well. On a domestic flight last night, as the airliner was landing and we were all in our seats with our electronic devices turned off, the flight attendant was using an AT&T branded American Airlines cell phone, possibly a Galaxy S3. She was using an seat assignment app but also launching other apps until she heard me comment on her blatant disregard of her own instructions.
Airplanes fly through thunderstorms, radio waves, satellite communications, and all other sorts of radiation throughout each flight. Cell phones work on planes, which means the radiation from cell phone towers can get through the hull regardless of whether or not cell phones are used. The thought of an iPod messing with the sensitive equipment is a bit hard to believe. Requesting that Kindles be turned off is just ridiculous, as its on state is no different than its off state when its wireless features are turned off.
The situation becomes more suspicious when you consider the different approaches by different airlines. Some planes have WiFi onboard. Some have a mini cell tower. Over-the-ear headphones are banned on some airlines while ear buds are allowed. iPod's cannot be used but the in-flight entertainment is fine.
I suspect there are three reasons for turning off cell phones:
1. The cell phone network was not designed for phones to see more than a few cell phone towers and the communication protocol was not designed for rapid cell switching.
2. Each cell in the cell phone network has limited capacity and allowing people to call/text when they land or at the airport could conceivably prevent the pilot from using the network if their radio dies.
3. It's safer for the airline to tell people to turn off electronics if their could be a problem, then to crash and be the first to determine there is actually a problem.
I also suspect there are reasons for restricting music: It limits the ability to hear important instructions.
I could even make a stretch and say hard objects like laptops/tablets would be physically dangerous in a crash and should be stowed when crashes are most likely.
Maybe it's just easier to create a strict ban of all electronics. But creating a false reason just engenders disbelief and resentment.
