When using laptop on flights, upon decent when is it required that they are turned off and put away?

13 replies

lotsamiles

Delta Air Lines - SkyMiles

Member since 06 May 2015

Total posts 44

When using laptop on flights, upon decent when is it required that they are turned off and put away?

1. At top of decent?

2. When captain requests cabin crew to prepare cabin for landing?

3. When seat belt sign goes on?

I‎ seem to get varied 'service levels' and wondering if there was any common protocol?

viewfromthetop

Member since 17 Jun 2015

Total posts 7

It can vary from airline to airline based on their procedures, however with QF it is when the captain requests the cabin crew to prepare for landing and then the CSM makes the required announcement.

Descent (including the pilots PA) is mostly an indication that "cabin preparation" is imminent so that would give you an idea of when the cabin crew may ask you to stow your laptop. 

You may have experienced different times where the crew have allowed you to finish what you are working on, but theoretically when the crew are preparing the cabin for landing is the time to stow your laptop.

When the seatbelt sign goes on, crew are required to be seating for landing so are unable to double check the cabin is secure (i.e. laptops stowed) therefore its not always possible to allow someone to use their laptop until the seatbelt sign is on.

Hope that helps :) 

AnthonyvB

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards Plantium

Member since 19 Jun 2013

Total posts 82

It does seem different from airline to airline.  Singapore Airlines are as soon as captain announces that we are starting our decent, they are all over you like a fly to turn your laptop off.  I just find it easier that as soon as you get the "we are starting our decent" message over the PA, I start to pack up my laptop. I fly so many different airlines I just find that the easiest   

RaptorNation158

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Aug 2014

Total posts 186

I just wait until the FAs come and officially tell everyone to stow away their trays, for phones I turn them off when I feel like it.

Chris_PER

Virgin Australia - Velocity Rewards

Member since 19 Feb 2014

Total posts 90

You must be one of those inconsiderate people that also get up out of their seat when the aircraft is still taxiing.  It may not be unsafe to you, but it's so inconsiderate to the cabin crew at the least.

RaptorNation158

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Aug 2014

Total posts 186

No sir I don't start opening up the overhead lockers when the plane is taxiing I just check my pockets and stuff to see whether I have everything or not while I am in my seat.

Doubleplatinum Banned

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer Platinum

Member since 07 Feb 2013

Total posts 431

How childish

Hayden

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 28 Jan 2015

Total posts 94

and one of those people who recline their chair on a short flight, without looking behind you to see that i am working on my laptop

11sjw

Member since 11 Mar 2012

Total posts 160

That statement could generate a whole separate argument with plenty of regular travellers holding an opposing view to yours.

RaptorNation158

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Aug 2014

Total posts 186

I don't actually recline my chair, that's really dog to the passenger behind me.

RaptorNation158

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Aug 2014

Total posts 186

...and I don't think it's reasonable to creep at the person behind me who is working on their laptop.

ohbilly

Member since 18 Jun 2015

Total posts 3

Each airline will have their own policy about what time/altitude they require cabin crew to prepare the cabin for landing.  From CAO 20.16.3, 'All solid articles shall be placed in approved stowage at all times when seat belts are required to be worn which is: during take-off and landing; during an instrument approach; when the aircraft is flying at less than 1,000 feet above terrain; in turbulent conditions'.  It's up to the definition of when approach becomes landing but it MUST be complete by 1,000 feet above terrain.  Hope this helps.

RaptorNation158

Qantas - Qantas Frequent Flyer

Member since 21 Aug 2014

Total posts 186

For some planes, when the Mobile Phone lights above you turn on, that's when I turn them off or turn them on depending what stage of the flight it might be.

Fonga

Member since 12 Feb 2014

Total posts 61

Mr Pedantic here.

Decent = good and worthy, ie. what most ABT readers are.

Descent = to drop altitude, go down, or to fall.

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