Some (nowadays most) electronic devices have some sort of communication abilities that do actually interfere with the planes avionics and radios. So instead of announcing: "Please turn off Computers, phones, ipods, ipads, ect. But kindles, nooks, ect. are permissible." they just say to turn off all devices for simplicity.

What's the point? I mean you REALLY need that ebook so friggin badly you prefer the maybe over the if? I mean really are you so self diluted that you must absolutely have to have your little electronic gadget on? Give me a break and get over yourself. It's a POTENTIAL SAFETY HAZARD. ENOUGH SAID. NO ONE owes you a reason why. YOU ARE ON A PLANE WITH OTHER PEOPLE, NOT JUST YOUR PRECIOUS SELF. So next time, leave your gadgets in your bag until you are told it is alright and shut the hell up.

Lay off the caffeine, get over yourself and take a Xanax.

I asked a perfectly reasonable question.

Douche.

Thanks Kent.

I get the certification thing. Would be nice if electronics were allowed on again during those 2 hr 59 second ground holds ;-)

Now how about those static discharges? Do they cause any trouble with your instruments?

Yeah, I remember the bad old days. 6 hours on the tarmac a JFK, with the pilot stopping now and then and offering bathroom breaks.

We eventually returned to the terminal, where everyone was allowed off to get food etc.

Of course, half the passengers never noticed what gate we went to, so we had another 2 hour wait while everyone was rounded up.

The last family got quite a reception when they sheepishly stepped aboard the plane.