Fallout: Is the TSA Banning Electronics And More On Airplane Flights?

In the wake of the passenger yesterday who tried to ignite some kind of powdery substance while a Delta flight from Amsterdam began its descent into Detroit, the TSA has issued some new rules that frequent flyers fear will ban such things as laptops, iPods, and just about anything else for much of a flight.

Because it's a holiday weekend, there aren't any TSA officials around for public comment, but a posting on Air Canada's web site today seemed to suggest the TSA is banning laptops, books, MP3 players and just about anything else other than an airlines' in-flight magazine during the last hour of a flight.  Of course, since passengers can't operate electronic devices the first 15 minutes or so into a flight, that means for any flights less than 75 minutes in duration, you better get used to chatting up your seatmate.

Here's whats on the Air Canda site: "New rules imposed by the U.S. Transportation Security Administration also limit on-board activities by customers and crew in U.S. airspace that may adversely impact on-board service. Among other things, during the final hour of flight customers must remain seated, will not be allowed to access carry-on baggage, or have personal belongings or other items on their laps."

Personal belongings or other items on their laps?  Because they might "adversely impact on-board services"?  Why would typing on my laptop or listening to the Rolling Stones on my iPhone affect the collection of used plastic cups or discarded newspapers?  

This also means there will be no use of in-flight lavatories during the last hour of a flight, so if you'd be advised to check your watch frequently.  And Air Canada and British Airways also announced today a limit of one carry-on item in the wake of the incident.  Consumer travel writer Chris Elliott, writing this morning, says a Northwest flight attendant with whom he spoke, recommended passengers allow THREE hours at the airport before a domestic departure, FOUR for international. 

It's beginning to look more attractive to drive or take the train to more and more distant destinations!