Noise cancelling headphones, flight attendants and travelers who are tools...

[munitalP]

MEL/SYD yesterday, 0715 (QF410) flight, 767 - I had 30K (by choice - bulk head behind me, no one next to me)

The bloke in 29J put his over ear Bose NC headphones on before departure. A FA (slightly cranky but bearable) asked the gent if he had the headphones turned on. He answered yes (while still wearing them showing absolute contempt to the FA). The FA then explained that she had recently been directed by QF that NC headphones must be treated the same as any other electronic goods and would he please turn them off until the seatbelt sign was turned off.

29J proceeded to ignore her - I know, he was diagonally in front of me, and the light was still on on the headphones which I could clearly see.

FA came back after safety demo and again told 29J to turn them off - which again he ignored her. I was in half a frame of mind to just reach over and smack him around the ears, but self restraint kicked in.

On descent, the same story, again 29J ignored the FA another 2 times, then after finally acting on her wishes, as soon as she was out of site, the red light was on again.

This man made me so angry that I wanted to scream at him - but for obvious reasons I couldn't.

I hope 29J reads this, because frankly sir, you are a wanker.

You think that you are above the law, you show contempt to those in authority and there is no way you would ever be a friend of mine.

Now obviously this is only my view, and I am sure that not everyone on this site would agree with my views...

Mr!

:evil:

 

[nlagalle]

MEL/SYD yesterday, 0715 (QF410) flight, 767 - I had 30K (by choice - bulk head behind me, no one next to me)

The bloke in 29J put his over ear Bose NC headphones on before departure. A FA (slightly cranky but bearable) asked the gent if he had the headphones turned on. He answered yes (while still wearing them showing absolute contempt to the FA). The FA then explained that she had recently been directed by QF that NC headphones must be treated the same as any other electronic goods and would he please turn them off until the seatbelt sign was turned off.

29J proceeded to ignore her - I know, he was diagonally in front of me, and the light was still on on the headphones which I could clearly see.

FA came back after safety demo and again told 29J to turn them off - which again he ignored her. I was in half a frame of mind to just reach over and smack him around the ears, but self restraint kicked in.

On descent, the same story, again 29J ignored the FA another 2 times, then after finally acting on her wishes, as soon as she was out of site, the red light was on again.

This man made me so angry that I wanted to scream at him - but for obvious reasons I couldn't.

I hope 29J reads this, because frankly sir, you are a wanker.

You think that you are above the law, you show contempt to those in authority and there is no way you would ever be a friend of mine.

Now obviously this is only my view, and I am sure that not everyone on this site would agree with my views...

Mr!

:evil:

Whilst I agree with you about ignoring the FA, I think that is a stupid rule. Pilots wear NC headphones, should they turn them off too?

You can hear conversations without a problem, and can hear the announcements if they are plugged in and even if they aren't. I don't see what the problem is.

 

[serfty]

... Pilots wear NC headphones, should they turn them off too?

Maybe, but I can gaurantee they are plugged into the aircraft, not an "ipod".

...
You can hear conversations without a problem, and can hear the announcements if they are plugged in and even if they aren't. I don't see what the problem is.

Not always true.

I had an embarrassing situation on the way back from the Feb FT AGM when I did not hear PA's due to the effectiveness of my NC's 'phone plugged into my Laptop. i.e. I missed the Flight Crew PA, "Prepare the cabin for Landing". (http://www.frequentflyer.com.au/community/open-discussion/isolating-earphones-22504.html#post313865)

You cannot expect an FA to know how effective such equipment is in a type by type basis; it varies greatly with brand, model etc.

 

[anat0l]

Whilst I agree with you about ignoring the FA, I think that is a stupid rule. Pilots wear NC headphones, should they turn them off too?

Pilots also use communications equipment that is a transmitter - should we tell them to put it into flight mode, then switch them off:?:

It does seem rather odd that NC headphones haven't been cleared for minimal to no interference (similar to digital cameras, pacemakers, etc.). Of course, there are other reasons why people should remove headphones on takeoff and landing (hint: your hearing through headphones may be good - others not).

In any case, I really admire your restraint. At a minimum, I would've probably tapped the guy on the shoulder and given him a piece of my mind.

 

[milehighclub]

Some devices are banned for other reasons (that may not be obvious) but is easier to blanket them all under the one rule.

There wouldn't be enough time to give an individual reason for every electrical device and the implications for using it during critical phases of flight

There is currently a review of all personal electronic devices and their classifications

 

[JohnK]

Personally I would have reported him to the CSM after the flight. They would know his name from the passenger manifest and can get the rest of the details from his booking.

I have reported people in the past for using their mobiles/PDA's/iPhones during takeoff or descent.

 

[blue_bug]

Switching off the NC headphone during take off and landing must be a recent change in the policy. I remember when I got my QC15 early this year, I had read on Qantas website that it was ok to use them during take off and landing.

But I agree, with just NC on and not plugged into anything, it's hard to hear what FA are saying, so much so that I usually remove them from my ears just to hear what they are telling me.

 

[737]

Whilst I agree with you about ignoring the FA, I think that is a stupid rule. Pilots wear NC headphones, should they turn them off too?

You can hear conversations without a problem, and can hear the announcements if they are plugged in and even if they aren't. I don't see what the problem is.

The whole issue of noise cancelling headsets is a touchy one. While many F/A's enforce the rule, a lot don't which causes a lot of confusion for passengers. As a blanket rule, "Unlike Qantas-supplied noise cancelling headsets, passenger headsets are not certified for use during taxi, takeoff and landing." (that is a directive to us Cabin Crew).

Whenever I am on board I will ask you to remove them completely, even if they are switched off. The purpose of noise cancelling headsets is to cancel out noise, and that is exactly what I don't want you to do during the critical stages of flight. Even though they may be turned off, they still provide some form of insulation to surrounding noise.

It seems more and more frequently with the evolution of iPhones/eBooks and all the new technology that people think they are immune to what can be used and what can't. I ask that you please don't get offended that I ask you to turn off your noise-cancelling headsets and take them off, or even if your iPhone is in flight mode it still needs to go off .

I also urge all of you, if you see someone who is not following the rules, and Cabin Crew may have missed it, please tell them (before the seatbelt sign goes on of course if possible) as 200 eyes and ears are better than 7, so that is why we need you all the be paying attention

PS: From my experience, Pilots will usually have one ear covered and one not, and of course, those headsets are necessary for the safe continuation of your flight.

 

[nlagalle]

The whole issue of noise cancelling headsets is a touchy one. While many F/A's enforce the rule, a lot don't which causes a lot of confusion for passengers. As a blanket rule, "Unlike Qantas-supplied noise cancelling headsets, passenger headsets are not certified for use during taxi, takeoff and landing." (that is a directive to us Cabin Crew).

Whenever I am on board I will ask you to remove them completely, even if they are switched off. The purpose of noise cancelling headsets is to cancel out noise, and that is exactly what I don't want you to do during the critical stages of flight. Even though they may be turned off, they still provide some form of insulation to surrounding noise.

It seems more and more frequently with the evolution of iPhones/eBooks and all the new technology that people think they are immune to what can be used and what can't. I ask that you please don't get offended that I ask you to turn off your noise-cancelling headsets and take them off, or even if your iPhone is in flight mode it still needs to go off .

I also urge all of you, if you see someone who is not following the rules, and Cabin Crew may have missed it, please tell them (before the seatbelt sign goes on of course if possible) as 200 eyes and ears are better than 7, so that is why we need you all the be paying attention

PS: From my experience, Pilots will usually have one ear covered and one not, and of course, those headsets are necessary for the safe continuation of your flight.

This morning I fell asleep with my headphones on and woke up as we landed into SYD.. no one woke me to take them off.

p.s. i usually wear mine on both, but then my little piston plane is a tad noisier! but i do know what you are saying.

 

[nlagalle]

Maybe, but I can gaurantee they are plugged into the aircraft, not an "ipod".Not always true.

You cannot expect an FA to know how effective such equipment is in a type by type basis; it varies greatly with brand, model etc.

Yes i know that, just making a point though. I can keep my NC headphones plugged into the plane too..

What we need is to be able to plug iPods etc into the IFE so the PA will override it. problem solved.

 

[bossreggie]

If I had seen this behavior... I would have tapped him on the shoulder. Stupid rule or not and even consistently enforced or not........ If a member of the cabin crew asks you to do something, then their request is to be complied with. EVEN if you think you are in the right.

 

[Ric]

I have reported people in the past for using their mobiles/PDA's/iPhones during takeoff or descent.

Whether right or wrong, I have shouted at a lady across the aisle to switch off her phone when she tried to make a call during the acceleration for take off!! :shock:

 

[JetLagged]

In any case, I really admire your restraint. At a minimum, I would've probably tapped the guy on the shoulder and given him a piece of my mind.

I admire your restraint as well, anat0l - if that person had been within hand-reach I would have been tempted to have pulled the plug on him entirely THEN given him a piece of my mind (and even shorter temper).

 

[JetLagged]

I also urge all of you, if you see someone who is not following the rules, and Cabin Crew may have missed it, please tell them (before the seatbelt sign goes on of course if possible) as 200 eyes and ears are better than 7, so that is why we need you all the be paying attention

Harking back to the dim dark days of CD walkmen - I remember on one SYD - MEL flight reprimanding one pax for continuing to use her device when all electronic and laser equiment was requested to be turned off - she seemed totally oblivious to the request. I said something like: "Well, if we ditch because of you, do expect me to crawl over your carcass on the way out!":evil: Strange look, hostile stare, but she did get the message (and more importantly, the point!) A nice smile from the FA as well!:mrgreen:

 

[737]

p.s. i usually wear mine on both, but then my little piston plane is a tad noisier! but i do know what you are saying.

lol, maybe i've only seen that when they have spoken to me when I have gone to the flight deck

 

[klavdy]

Personally I would have reported him to the CSM after the flight. They would know his name from the passenger manifest and can get the rest of the details from his booking.

I have reported people in the past for using their mobiles/PDA's/iPhones during takeoff or descent.

Interesting.

How do you feel when you are driving at the speed limit and someone passes you?

 

[Pvcmenace]

Interesting.

How do you feel when you are driving at the speed limit and someone passes you?

How hard is it to do what your asked!!!

When i'm driving the speed limit and somebody speeds past then possibly if i see them in a ditch bugger em' they knew the risks, if they have injured another i sure know who is gonna get first attention!

A bit mercenary but where is the due care?

 

[chanteuse]

I also urge all of you, if you see someone who is not following the rules, and Cabin Crew may have missed it, please tell them (before the seatbelt sign goes on of course if possible) as 200 eyes and ears are better than 7, so that is why we need you all the be paying attention

This is great to read! I often wonder whether I should alert cabin crew when fellow pax start doing interesting things. Once on a flight to Perth I had the lady next to me ask me if I knew 'how to work these mobile phones, that text messaging is tricky isn't it.' I told her phones weren't allowed to be on on planes, but she continued to try - I really wasn't sure what to do!

 

[notzac]

This is great to read! I often wonder whether I should alert cabin crew when fellow pax start doing interesting things. Once on a flight to Perth I had the lady next to me ask me if I knew 'how to work these mobile phones, that text messaging is tricky isn't it.' I told her phones weren't allowed to be on on planes, but she continued to try - I really wasn't sure what to do!

Is that the point at which you take it off her and turn it off?

 

[JohnK]

But I agree, with just NC on and not plugged into anything, it's hard to hear what FA are saying, so much so that I usually remove them from my ears just to hear what they are telling me.

Anyone who keeps any type of headphones on their ears while talking to someone else is extremely rude, more so on an aircraft. It does not take much effort to take the headphones off your ears for a short amount of time to talk to an FA. Grow up, it is something I would expect of a 3 year old that does not know better.

Interesting.

How do you feel when you are driving at the speed limit and someone passes you?

Your point has gone right over my head.

But if you really want to know I feel great (and laughing inside) when I pass that driver at Raymond Terrace on the side of the road with a police car behind them.

There is no excuse for doing the wrong thing. And no it is not right just because everyone else is going 10kph above the speed limit....