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Turn Off the iPhone or Go to Jail

Passenger detained for using phone in 'airplane mode'

By Colleen Barry, Newser Staff

Posted Oct 12, 2007 7:33 AM CDT

(Newser) – An irate flight attendant attempted to have a passenger arrested for refusing to turn off an iPhone on a flight to Hawaii, even though it was reportedly in "airplane mode" and didn't violate any FAA rules. The mode turns off all cell, WiFi and Bluetooth signals, which could interfere with a plane's electronics, making it safe to use as an MP3 player or video device on a flight.

"You have to do anything I say. I am going to have you arrested," the ATA flight attendant threatened, according to an account of the confrontation on Consumerist.com. Attendants said using the phone violated FAA regulations but couldn't name which ones. The passenger was detained after arrival, but released without charge.

ATA Airlines (Getty Images)

iPhone (Associated Press)

Apple's iPhone (Getty Images (by Event))

iPhone (KRT Photos)

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Turn Off the iPhone or Go to Jail

Passenger detained for using phone in 'airplane mode'

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