Mobile phones and the rear stairs

[Aus ATC]

Hi VFF,

Why is it that it is OK to board via the stairs with your mobile phone switched on, but on disembarking the phone has to be switched off?

This seems to be particularly relevant if the aircraft is still refuelling during boarding.

Thanks,
Aus ATC

 

[serfty]

...
Why is it that it is OK to board via the stairs with your mobile phone switched on, but on disembarking the phone has to be switched off?
...

I was not aware that was the case. I had believe it was to be switched off for both boarding and disembarkation when a tarmac excursion is necessary.

Yes, I was correct. http://www.virginaustralia.com/au/en/experience/on-board-the-flight/use-of-electronics/

Mobile phones can be used prior to departure and on arrival in the following areas/times:

• When passengers are embarking/disembarking via an aerobridge
• Onboard prior to the last aircraft doors closing
• After landing when aircraft is taxiing to the terminal

They would be the only times.

So, mobile phone can't be used when embarking via stairs as that is not listed.

Maybe it's the announcements at the gate pre-boarding that are lacking, although ISTR mention of no phone use when doing stairs.

 

[markis10]

There are signs on every aerobridge requiring phones to be switched off before apron entry that I have experienced.

 

[TomVexille]

I was not aware that was the case. I had believe it was to be switched off for both boarding and disembarkation when a tarmac excusion is necessary.

This has always been the case when I've flown VA.

 

[Aus ATC]

OK then - clearly I need to pay more attention!! I'll be on the lookout this afternoon in MEL.

 

[TomVexille]

OK then - clearly I need to pay more attention!! I'll be on the lookout this afternoon in MEL.

At OOL last weekend there was a small sign on top of the podium where they scan your BP.

 

[blackcat20]

I just find it funny that they want your phone off, yet you might have it on to scan the mobile boarding pass. Certainly can't turn my phone off that quickly.

 

[TomVexille]

I just find it funny that they want your phone off, yet you might have it on to scan the mobile boarding pass. Certainly can't turn my phone off that quickly.

Stand there in everyone's way while your phone shuts down?

 

[blackcat20]

Stand there in everyone's way while your phone shuts down?

Exactly. Not sure they'd be too keen on that either.

 

[samh004]

Last weekend I flew to OLP with Alliance. They had an interesting announcement in both OLP and when we got back to ADL to the effect that you could turn on your phones prior to disembarking, you just couldn't use them. Seemed completely at odds with what I've always heard on QFLink, and I guess the same in this thread. Wonder why the difference?

 

[serfty]

Scan, then while you wait for them to print a boarding pass "tell" your phone to turn off and put it away ...

 

[bullerdude]

Mobile phones are not allowed to be used on the Tarmac in any circumstances by passengers in Australia - The CASA FAQ indicate it is more than just a fuel related reason.

The aircraft ramp, or tarmac, is a dangerous environment and one in which airline employees are trained to work on over several days. Hazard awareness is required for moving vehicles, including baggage trolleys, tugs, catering vehicles, toilet and water servicing carts, engineer servicing vehicles and refuelling trucks. There is risk of the potential for a mobile phone or other Portable Electronic Device to cause ignite fuel fumes that may be in the vicinity of aircraft. There is also a hazard when people who are unlocking mobile phones, listening to messages, texting, or emailing and are not aware of what is happening around them. Just as people should not operate these devices whilst driving a car; they must not operate them in the hazardous environment of the airport tarmac.

 

[blackcat20]

Scan, then while you wait for them to print a boarding pass "tell" your phone to turn off and put it away ...

It prints far too quickly.

 

[serfty]

It prints far too quickly.

Just bung it in your bag/pocket - it can complete it's shutdown process while you walk down the stairs etc.

Aside from that, after using VA's mobile boarding pass once - I can't be bothered doing it again. Easier to just print one off at a kiosk or get one on lounge entry.

 

[blackcat20]

Just bung it in your bag/pocket - it can complete it's shutdown process while you walk down the stairs etc.

Aside from that, after using VA's mobile boarding pass once - I can't be bothered doing it again. Easier to just print one off at a kiosk or get one on lounge entry.

I liked the pass, it stays on the phone screen as a notification so it's super easy to access (when using passbook). The QF one is good too, updates time etc.

 

[TomVexille]

Just bung it in your bag/pocket - it can complete it's shutdown process while you walk down the stairs etc.

Aside from that, after using VA's mobile boarding pass once - I can't be bothered doing it again. Easier to just print one off at a kiosk or get one on lounge entry.

As a VA NB, the mobile boarding pass is the easiest method for me. No need to even visit a kiosk and as a NB, I don't have lounge access so that doesn't exactly work either.

 

[serfty]

Whatever works ...

To be honest, the only recent innovations I use are the chip in the AirNZ stick-on or the QFF card barcode.

YMMV

 

[TomVexille]

Whatever works ...

To be honest, the only recent innovation I use is the chip in the QFF card.

YMMV

Just use the barcode on the back of the card to board...

 

[Aus ATC]

Based on tonights sample, I stand corrected (for VA at least). I didn't actually see any sign in MEL (to be honest I forgot to look as I was focussed on my comp upgrade - and borded via the front door!). But we did disembark in BNE at Gate 47 via the tarmac and there is a big sign facing you if you are boarding (just as you are about to go down the stairs). Maybe I need to sit at the back more often....

I am also querying Qantas on this (via their web site) as I boarded at CBR via Gate 14 and only became aware of the requirement to have my phone off once on board. I'll report back (on the QFF pages) if I hear anything.

 

[Jack_OC]

I agree with the OP that they seem to make a point of telling people to turn their phones off when disembarking via the tarmac, but not when boarding via the tarmac. I know there are signs, but if it actually matters, I don't think it's good enough to assume people will read and obey signs. They could easily make the exact same announcement prior to boarding that they make prior to disembarking (instructing people to keep their phones off while on the tarmac), but for some reason they don't (at least not that I've ever noticed). I've also seen people use their phones while walking up the stairs and no-one seems to bat an eyelid.

On a related note, the relatively recent change in policy that allows people to turn on and use their phone while still on board (after landing) isn't really a great idea if it's important to ensure that people don't have their phone turned on while disembarking via the tarmac. I would bet that the proportion of people who turn their phone on after landing and then turn it off again prior to deplaning is close to zero.

All of the above suggests to me that they don't really think this is a big safety issue. If it was, I suspect the rules would be enforced more rigorously.