[1fish]

On a recent flight (United Airlines) the flight attendant went through her normal spiel about the usage of certain electronic devices not being permitted at anytime in the aircraft. At the conclusion of the monologue, she specifically mentioned blackberries not being permitted. Seeing as how I recently used my blackberry in plain sight of the attendant on a Delta flight, this struck me as odd. Does anyone know if the rules vary depending on the airline?

[juwaack68]

I don't believe they vary by airline - they just want to make sure you're not transmitting any data.

As long as the wirless connection is OFF, you should be fine.

[1fish]

In the name of completeness –

• Yes, on the Delta flight, my blackberry was in airplane mode.
• And I decided not to push my luck on the United flight. (It was a short flight and I just wanted to get home)

[Lecter]

Any difference with a laptop?

Ask the head steward!

[PhillyGuy]

I've heard the announcement before on US(eless)Airways. So I don't think it's airline specific. Then again, they've also mentioned Palm Pilots (does anyone use them anymore?) even Walkman's, recently.

[x14]

I think to us cellphone is synonymous with BlackBerry. But some people has to hear the work "BlackBerry" for it to apply to them.

I still tell people to call me on the cellphone even though I carry a BlackBerry. Whereas my boss says to call him on his BlackBerry.

[NJBlackBerry]

It is airline (and flight attendant) specific. I fly all the time and get varying responses...

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Originally Posted by NJBlackBerry

It is airline (and flight attendant) specific. I fly all the time and get varying responses...

True. Delta for example allows you to use electronic gadgets and cell phones while boarding up until closing of the door. Northwest does not. I've asked flight attendents on both why the difference. Neither knew, and both were unaware of the difference on the other carrier. Go figure.

[whdigital]

So what's the best way to put it into "Airplane mode?" Just go into Wireless Connections app and turn everything off?

[aiharkness]

Wirelessly posted (8700g: BlackBerry8700/4.2.1 Profile/MIDP-2.0 Configuration/CLDC-1.1 VendorID/100)

Originally Posted by whdigital

So what's the best way to put it into "Airplane mode?" Just go into Wireless Connections app and turn everything off?

Just look for the "turn wireless off" icon, and turn the wireless off. But if the flight attendent doesn't understand or doesn't care, don't argue, just put the blackberry away.

[djm2]

I had flight attendants tell me to shut it off on boarding, and others that you can leave it on until the doors closed. I've heard both on almost all of the major carriers, including AA, NWA, Delta, United, Virgin and BA. No real rhyme or reason -- seems mainly tied to the attendant as opposed to the carrier. Regardless, you pretty much have to do as they say regardless of the rationality (or lack thereof) of what they suggest. Failure to comply is literally a federal offense.

[John Clark]

As NJ said, it is airline and Flight Attendant specific. They have the authority and you legally have to abide. Just the way it is. With that said, I've never heard the F/A's even mention BB's but they are, indeed, getting more popular.

[NJBlackBerry]

Like he knows ANYTHING about airplanes.

[JSanders]

His airline certainly allows BlackBerrys. Only.

On a couple recent flights the FA did specifically mention "and BlackBerrys in airplane mode...", (were allowed AFTER takeoff).

[Ideasmiths]

This is why....






Ha ha

[John Clark]

Awesome!!!

[JGBerry]

i'm sure there is nothing in particular with her mentioning Blackberry. it's probably to get all the business people thumbing away to look up and realize they shouldn't be using it. but also, they know it's a business device and many of the people on regular week flights are flying for business so yea...i think it's a good idea they mention Blackberry. you should have stood up waved your hand and made it public to the flight that you are a proud owner of a Blackberry device. just be careful that you don't wave the device around or people might think you have a bomb...okay...scratch that entire idea lol

i think it's just the change of times...b/c they used to say "no walkmans" etc...

btw...it's come to the point that personal electronic devices don't even have much impact, if any at all now. there used to be a time when a cell phone had a MUCH larger output which did make it a problem, but the technology today on all ends (better towers, better phones, better shielded electronic equipment)...is so much better it's not much of a problem. they were considering scrapping the whole "cell phones banned" thing fairly recently but i guess they decided to keep it.

although i think they are still leaving that up at the gas station b/c it's not about airwaves...but rather about you dropping the phone and a spark or electrical charge igniting fumes or gas on the ground. you actually have a better chance of blowing up the entire gas station due to static electricity on your fleece jacket though... lol

[juwaack68]

Originally Posted by John Clark

As NJ said, it is airline and Flight Attendant specific. They have the authority and you legally have to abide. Just the way it is. With that said, I've never heard the F/A's even mention BB's but they are, indeed, getting more popular.

Not sure I can trust a guy who flies a doghouse

[John Clark]

No, I fly because I'm regularly in the doghouse!

[juwaack68]

AHA! Must be due to your time spent in the BBF House