Hacker News Reader

Comment by rpedroso | Hacker News Reader

I've always had the theory that rules about electronic devices were not just about electromagnetic interference, but also about reducing distractions from crew-member instructions during takeoff/landing.

Someone might point out that they don't make you put physical books and magazines away, but they don't have the excuse of "electromagnetic interference" for physical books.

Tinfoil Hat Also, approximately 90% of my time spent reading in-flight magazines is a result of the takeoff/landing electronics prohibition.

View on HN

That's a great point about the in-flight magazines. I wonder if there's an substantial return on those, and if so, if any airlines would maintain the current policy in attempts to keep people engaged. It'd be interesting to see if some airlines adopt a more lax policy sooner than others.

"SkyMall's SkyFall": http://priceonomics.com/skymalls-skyfall/

HN discussion: https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=6114009

Also to reduce distractions from actual problems during takeoff landing.

If you're playing games on your iPad with your headphones in, you're probably less likely to be aware of the little rattle, or to spot the flames coming out of the engine, etc.

Everyone on board an aircraft is required during takeoff and landing to be actively aware and help spot potential problems. Also, if there is a problem, you'll have better situational awareness of what's going on and you'll be ready sooner to take action to deal with that situation.

If that were true, wouldn't they tell you to also put away your books and magazines? And not listen to in-flight audio through the audio jack found in the armrest?

I don't fly, but wouldn't the in-flight audio be cut off if there was an emergency?

This is an absurd idea. Enormous amounts of alcohol are consumed in airports and aboard planes, which impairs people's abilities to attend, act quickly, precisely, etc. If something bad happens, I'm going to be way more worried about the pissed guy next to me than the fact that he's listening to some wicked prog tunes on his iPod.

>This is an absurd idea. Enormous amounts of alcohol are consumed in airports and aboard planes

You aren't getting on a plane when you're evidently intoxicated, either. Nor are they serving you alcohol to the point of intoxication on the plane. That's a lawsuit waiting to happen.

Reply on news.ycombinator.com