In-Flight use of Mobile Phone MP3 player

Sorry if this has been asked before, couldnt find it on search. Anyway my Sony W800i has an "in-flight mode" where the MP3 player will function but the phone itself is off.

I took this on a VA flight to SFO in March and was told that I could not use it at all. Just wondering why? and if Va's policy will change.

PS brilliant site [y][y]

I guess the reason you can't use the phone in "in-flight mode" is because there is no way the Cabin Crew can easily tell if the phone is in "in-flight mode". The Cabin Crew are hired for their customer service skills, so to expect them to have to learn how each different phone / PDA / XDA displays the use of the "in-flight mode" is not on. NB: I am not saying that the CC are technophobes / don't know how to use technology - far from it.

However, you would always get one passenger who would customise their mobile to such an extent that you cannot tell if the "in-flight mode" is selected, go and use the MP3 player onboard with the phone still "on" & possibly risk the safety of the aircraft.

From the onboard safety announcements "...all mobile phones even those with a flight safe mode should be switched off for the duration of the flight..."

I can't believe I can do that.

I have also seen FAs ask a passenger to switch off a PDA that had its wi-fi / bluetooth light on.

[fozzyo]

This is one of those issues that the jury is still out on about whether or not it effects the planes systems. But airlines like to edge on the side of caution for obvious reasons.

Interesting to think most laptops now have Bluetooth / Wi-Fi built in. They don't ask for those to be turned off (the wi-fi) inflight afaik/

Mat xxx

[Nottingham Nick]

nafanny

Welcome to V-Flyer. :D

For your info, there is a great long thread here. It pretty much covers all of the various opinions, including the crew's - which is the most important one.

Nick

TY for the welcome. Interesting long thread also