Bose Headsets

[FFinTPA]

Last friday I took a PIT to LAS flight which was tremendously confusing to me as a CP flyer...Understand US IS my fav set of wings and confusion, disappointment, and dismay is rare in my experience. I was told by a FA tht my Bose couldn't be used in the seat for movies or music as it was not compatable with the system....Not only is this incorrect, but in over 350 segments I have never had a comment. Furthermore, there seems to be lots of confusion in using the headsets during takeoff...I want to be a good patron, but the mixed instructions are quite confusing albiet embarrassing at times. Please shed the light and official rules. Anyone?

[CO757]

Originally posted by FFinTPA:
...Furthermore, there seems to be lots of confusion in using the headsets during takeoff...I want to be a good patron, but the mixed instructions are quite confusing albiet embarrassing at times. Please shed the light and official rules. Anyone?<font size="2" face="Arial, Verdana ">I'm going to conclude you mean that sometimes you are told you can or can't use the headphones during takeoff...correct?

While there is no rule that prevents a customer from using these (noise cancelling headphones) on a Continental flight, I make a point to suggest to the customer that they not wear them during takeoff or landing (since many incidents occur during this time). I am not trying to make it difficult for the customer, rather I tell them I suggest it so that in case of a "incident" that they will want to hear what the flight attendants or cockpit have to say.

Just my 2 cents worth.

[DASH]

Interesting topic...

I had a pax on board the other day who put these on during taxi. I approached him and asked him to remove them, citing too that he would want to hear our commands in an emergency. Pax was quite pleasant and explained their function to me. I allowed him to wear them for takeoff but afterwards I thought that as they are an electronic device should I have allowed him to wear them during this phase (and until the seatbelt sign has been switched off inflight).

Nonetheless if they are safe to use in this regard I would still be inclined to ask a pax to remove them. I just don't want to send out a message to others that it's fine to switch on their Discman etc whilst on the ground.

I'd appreciate your thoughts!

[FFinTPA]

I appreciate your responses, meaning both insights...What I do know is I can hear voices with clarity, even the pilots instructions as the decible levels do no block voice communication levels, but only levels os sound such as the drone of the engines, air noise, etc...I often can communicate better with my companions and to the FA's as well...One FA at US related to me their manual permitted the devices but I have not recieved a copy of the regs as yet...Believe me, I love to fall asleep as soon as possible when seated due to my schedule, but am vigilent to instructions by the crew...What got me was the downright rude confrontative nature by the FA telling me I couldnt use them to listen to inflight movies and music, whil in the Attache magizine the headsets are advertized specifically to improve the inflight entertainment...Go figure...In essence, I am a major supporter of the FA's as I see multiple times weekly your unreal routine and do want to be helpful, but not pulled intellectually from one flight to another...Thx, in advance for any guidance...

[hillbillyfa]

At Northwest it is a pretty cut-and-dried policy..."all electronic devices must be turned off and stowed until the aircraft reaches a safe altitude". We include everything in that...headsets, noise reducers, Gameboys, all of it.

It might sound mean, but it sure does cut down on the confusion.

The Hillbilly FA images/icons/grin.gif

[jetstewus]

I think there is some confusion (at least on my part) about these devices. Some of our premium classes of service on trans-atlantic flights are provided with noise cancelling headsets. They are noise cancelling in the sense that they have better sound quality when used with the entertainment system. I've tried the Bose headsets on and I think they are something different...mainly to drown out sound so you can rest.

I have been trying to get clarification on the use of the Bose sets during taxi, takeoff and landing, but even our own people confuse what I'm talking about with the entertainment headsets we use in international.

I'd say it's best not to use them during the "critical phases of flight." Better safe than sorry.

If you are able to use the Bose headsets to tap into the entertainment system, we are still instructed to charge on domestic flights. You are paying for the entertainment, not the headset. Some flight attendants choose not to fight this battle, especially since so many other U.S. carriers are no longer charging at all.

I don't reckon this clears it up but if I can get a firm answer when I get back to work, I'll let you know! images/icons/wink.gif

[FFinTPA]

May I ad that I was in First Class where the entertainment is free...I appreciate anything you can find out for me.