969 — Using Electronics on Airplanes

You’re not leaving on a jet plane if you don’t turn off your cellphone. Learn why in this episode.
Slow dialog: 1:28
Explanations: 3:52
Fast dialog: 17:28
Flight attendant: I’m sorry, sir, but all passengers need to turn off their portable electronic devices for takeoff, so you’ll need to turn off your laptop.
Alec: I just need to finish one last email.
Flight attendant: Sir, we can’t take off until you turn that computer off.
Alec: Fine. It’s off. Why all the fuss, anyway?
Flight attendant: It’s regulations. Signals emitted by electronics may interfere with the plane’s communication systems or navigation.
Alec: All right.
Flight attendant: Sir, you’ll also need to turn off your tablet computer and your cell phone. Those are also considered portable electronic devices.
Alec: You’ve got to be kidding me. You mean I have to sit here twiddling my thumbs while I wait for the plane to take off? I thought the FAA eased up on those regulations.
Flight attendant: I’m afraid not, sir. Please power down all of your devices so we can proceed with takeoff.
Alec: Okay, fine. What am I suppose to do until we get the all clear to use our electronics again?
Flight attendant: Perhaps you could read a magazine.
Alec: That’s what I was doing on my tablet before you made me turn it off.
Flight attendant: Perhaps you could take a flying leap out the window.
Alec: What did you say?
Flight attendant: I said, “Look at that luggage heap out the window.”

Script by Dr. Lucy Tse