Re:Fliers Must Turn Off Devices, but It’s Not Clear Why
by andrewescott on Sunday November 27, 2011 @11:22PM
(#3284516)
If all electronic devices were dangerous, airlines would be asking passengers to remove the batteries from their wristwatches for the duration of the flight.
If it were true that the RF energy levels emitted by FCC Part 15-covered consumer electronics could interfere with aircraft systems, it would be utterly unthinkable to permit them on board in the first place, whether "powered off" or not. The TSA would be confiscating Game Boys, not bottles of water. Since that isn't happening, it's difficult to avoid the conclusion that the prohibition is just one more exercise in bureaucratic security theatre.