What would you have done?

[TightSlot]

Originally Posted by Rwy in Sight

And one more question: how can a F/A can confiscate a mobile? He or she can ask the offending pax but it can and would be ignored! What can you do in that case!

Under these cirumstances, an FA speaks with the delegated authority of the Captain ( usually double check with him first to make sure he's happy before I speak to the pax). I usually mention this to problem pax whenever possible, as in "The Captain requires that you switch off that phone immediately". This usually works, and on the rare occasions that it doesn't, the groundwork has been nicely laid for a hopeful arrest and prosecution: It certainly alerts all concerned to the fact that the situation is serious, and is being taken seriously, and will make it easier for witnesses to come forward later, and alerts others who may help if the FA is attacked.

I cannot, offhand, think of circumstances under which I would physically remove a phone from a passenger. It ramps the situation up to a dangerous level very quickly, and risks alienating or involving surrounding pax. However, what works for me may not for others, and vice versa.