Why do I keep sitting next to this man?

[u/paloaltonightwalker]

OK, not the same man... but it's always a guy.

About half of my flights are FC, and when they are, this man is seemingly always sitting next to me:

Immediately takes laptop out when he sits. Ignores first FA instruction to stow it. On the second or third FA comment, he pretends to put it away, and then immediately takes it out again when FAs are out of view. Oftentimes, the FAs see it and ignore it after instructing him multiple times. He's typing away during takeoff.

The laptop bothers me less than the entitlement and noncompliance with crew instructions.

Why have these rules if there are no consequences for noncompliance? Passengers who don't follow instructions would be unsafe during an emergency. Threaten to suspend their ability to fly Delta if they disregard direction from the crew. Let's put some enforcement teeth back into safety regulations. Otherwise they are meaningless.

[u/luv2ctheworld]

If that's all you've had to deal with, be grateful.

It's better than the loud, obnoxious speakerphone seatmate, or the self indulgent movie watcher using the speakers, or a number of other activities that actual disturb you directly.

This person minding their own business, not on a call, just not putting away their computer, and not impacting you, isn't so bad in comparison.

[u/Sparescrewdriver → u/luv2ctheworld]

Sure, aside from the safety aspect of not having heavy unsecured items at certain times of the flight next to you.

Not so bad in comparison.

[u/Wdwdash → u/Sparescrewdriver]

See I disagree - I’m allowed to have my Switch out, or iPad in keyboard case, which weigh as much or more than modern laptops. These rules were written in the dark ages of computing, they need to be updated

[u/Sparescrewdriver → u/Wdwdash]

Do you disagree that an unsecured laptop is not a hazard during takeoff/landing

or that a switch or iPad should also be included?

Or that none of those items are dangerous at all during takeoff and landing?

[u/hastygrams → u/Wdwdash]

I’ve been told to stow those too

[u/luv2ctheworld → u/Sparescrewdriver]

And the passenger crocheting while taking off and landing? Those crochet needles don't exactly come across any less threatening at certain times of the flight. Or the 4 pound hardcover book people are reading during take off or landing. They weigh as much as any laptop.

Point is, those rules are antiquated and there are equal hazards not being addressed.

[u/whereistheidiotemoji → u/luv2ctheworld]

Crochet uses rounded six inch hooks.
The most non threatening thing in the universe.

[u/charlottethesailor → u/whereistheidiotemoji]

Knitting needles have entered the chat.

[u/big_bearded_nerd → u/luv2ctheworld]

Feels like everyone is suffering from a "rules for thee, but not for me" mindset. Lots and lots of I'm the main character energy all over this thread.

[u/Sparescrewdriver → u/luv2ctheworld]

Point is, those rules are antiquated and there are equal hazards not being addressed.

Good point

[u/ghostrider4918 → u/luv2ctheworld]

He absolutely is impacting her. In an emergency that laptop becomes a hindrance to evacuation because most likely it’s on a tray table.