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Old 01-01-2013, 01:20 PM   #31
PatNY
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Quote:
Originally Posted by tubemonkey View Post
The problem with the honor system is this - how do they know your device is turned off?
They can't know for sure, but at least they can usually tell if you are using a device, in which case the stewardess can tell you to quit it. And maybe they figure if something were interfering with the electronics, they might be able to see it in the cockpit before takeoff and go out into the cabin and investigate.

So basically, the rule is precautionary and to some extent preemptive. And it preserves the airlines' right to ban things if in the future something were invented that was truly potentially dangerous. Once they dispense with a rule, it's hard to implement it again if needed. Habits die hard.

--Pat
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