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Passenger arrested for not turning off his laptop
A 35 year old "well dressed businessman" was arrested yesterday when he refused to turn off his laptop for the final approach of his Qantas flight. The passenger was on board flight QF418 from Melbourne to Sydney and apparently found whatever he was doing on his laptop to be more important than listening to flight attendant requests. Upon landing, all passengers were told to stay seated while the Australian counter terrorist first response force arrived, taking the man into custody.
Witnesses report seeing the man being interrogated by 6 armed police officers in the airport terminal, but he was later released with no charges filed against him.
The only statement Qantas made, was that a male passenger had failed to comply with a captain's directive. Let this be a lesson to everyone; listen to the flight attendant, and turn off your laptop when you are told to. There may be no evidence to confirm that a laptop will interfere with flight controls, but a 4 pound laptop can become a cabin projectile when the aircraft touches down.
What strange things have been found on planes?
Filed under: News
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 6)
Bob Skilnik Sep 4th 2008 2:59PM
It would have been entertaining to see of a 4-pound laptop would have fit passed his sphincter muscle without much problems.
anthony Sep 5th 2008 1:26PM
what is so important on a lap top that can not wait..between melbourn and ????? move on passengers ..and lesson to the flitte attendant..they there for your .life....
Lloyd Sep 5th 2008 5:28PM
PUT DOWN THE LAPTOP... NOW!!!
These airlines guastapo are just nut cases, next they will just shoot the passanger dead and get away with it!
RB Sep 4th 2008 5:57PM
"Let this be a lesson to everyone; listen to the flight attendant, and turn off your laptop when you are told to. There may be no evidence to confirm that a laptop will interfere with flight controls, but a 4 pound laptop can become a cabin projectile when the aircraft touches down."
Gee, Daddy, may I go to the restroom, now?
You need to dial the autocratic prose back a bit. We get enough of it on the plane!!
Maureen Sep 5th 2008 12:40PM
What planet are you one?
Debbie Sep 5th 2008 1:36PM
"Gee, Daddy, may I go to the restroom, now?"
......RB, you're a jerk. I had a family friend that died on the United flight that crashed near Sioux City several years ago. An autopsy determined that he was struck in the head by flying debris. Follow directions -- it's for your safety....and more importantly, for everyone else's safety!
Jeff Sep 5th 2008 1:41PM
Debbie, what, are you stupid? When a plane crashes, don't you think there might be debris flying? Think about that before you run your mouth, moron.
Cliff Sep 5th 2008 9:17AM
The Captain shortly will be making minimum wage and his big decision will be when to flip the hamburger. Airlines care so little about their clients that they DESERVE to go out of business.
Dennis Sep 5th 2008 10:33AM
Obviously a rocket scientist right ? You know crap about what it take to fly an airplane or you would not make such dumb ass statements.
Herman Sep 5th 2008 10:17AM
What's the big deal about not being able to have your laptop during a flight from Melbourne to Sydney?
I did without mine for 21 days on an Australia-New Zealand Cruisetour using Qantas for the flights and suffered no ill effects.
MMO Sep 5th 2008 10:22AM
You are so ignorant to think that a captain will soon be making minimum wage! OMG! If the airlines go "out of business" like you say they deserve, the only people it will effect will be the share holders because unlike the pilot, they do not have a skill, except to run a company bankrupt. The pilot on the other hand will go on being a pilot and making a living. And further more, airlines DO care about their passengers safety...dumb a$$
jim Sep 5th 2008 11:16AM
YES they deserve to go broke. I just took a Delta flight from JFK to vegas and they announced $150 upgrade availablity. I offered $300 for 2 upgrades and they declined b/c my ticket did not "qualify". The plane flew to vegas with 1st class 80% empty!!! I understand if i paid less for my ticket give others first shot at the upgrade...but if the others don't want to buy the upgrade ticket up until boarding time then Delta would rather have the empty seat than take my $300!!!??? PLEASE GO BANKRUPT!!!
schoontz Sep 5th 2008 12:18PM
real smart comment when they all go out of business then what?hotels rental cars what next..how will you then travel ...glad to see you have all the answers
eatahabanero Sep 5th 2008 12:54PM
Are you serious then how would you eat? how would our soldeirs come back from overseas? How would we travel? how would the mail be delivered? how would your packages that you order get delivered?
I guess we all should go back into the viking days and sail everywhere what a idiot idea you have. No airlines means thousands out of work and no way to transport produce.
Corona0218 Sep 5th 2008 9:17AM
People need to get rid of the attitude and listen. He was asked to put it away. Even if it was important business, he still should have saved it and locked it away. Flight attendants are the authority in the sky. You have to listen to them. I bet now he regrets his little insurrection. They had every right to lock his hard-headed butt up.
VINFLYER Sep 5th 2008 10:00AM
He was asked to turn it off. Not put it away.
melissa Sep 5th 2008 2:08PM
I agree with you, rules are rules and are made to be followed no matter who you are. What is up with people, no respect!
alr Sep 5th 2008 2:56PM
Flight Attendants are NOT the authority in the sky, the Captain is!
df Sep 5th 2008 9:19AM
gee, well, I think that that IS a Federal Aviation regulation.....so where does it say that one has to follow it only when its convenient?? and where does it say that ok you can ignore a Captains directive in the AIR in a TUBE because its inconvenient??? People as passengers sometimes need to just grow up and comply with rules---they apply to everyone.
Maz Sep 11th 2008 6:29PM
Good on you DF. Not only is it an FAR that all electronics must be turned off for take off, landing and at altitudes below 10,000 feet; there is also the much ignored regulation that "Passangers must comply with all lighted signs, posted placards and crew member instructions whillst onboard the aircraft."