I don't think jailing is fair, because some other crew orders can be disobeyed without penalty, at least in the U.S.
The seat belt sign goes on, folks are told to fasten their seat belt, but are free to roam the cabin and use the lavatory. What's worse, a passenger floating during turbulence or a cell phone turned on?
Passengers are told two carry-on bags, but allowed to carry on 3 or 4. What's worse? Screwing up the weight and balance and additionally burdening the crew, or a cell phone going on?
Passengers are told to watch the safety video and read the safety cards, but allowed not to, even in the exit rows.
Then passengers are told "Safety is our first priority." Is it? Passenger convenience and safety seem to be about equal priorities these days. So, when passengers are told to turn off cell phones, they say. "Oh, that's nice. Let's turn on the phone and play Tetris."
The airlines should decide what rules are going to be enforced, enforce them, and get rid of the others. The present selective enforcement breeds a lax attitude in passengers. The message the airlines are sending to passengers is, "Safety rules and crew orders can be followed at your discretion."
Last edited by Eboy; 10th Sep 2002 at 13:51.