Just Plane Reading (below 10,000 feet)
I like to read. I also like to read on my Kindle and when I fly it can be challenging. Since the Kindle has an "on/off switch", I have to turn it off when the cabin door is closed at the gate and keep it off until the plane reaches 10,000 feet. Depending on where you're flying from, this can be a long time. Also, when the plane starts its descent, usually a minimum of 25 minutes before touch down, I have to turn it off (and stop reading wherever I am).
The beauty of the Kindle and other devices like it is the convenience off not carrying books and magazines. However, for travel entertainment purposes, when I no longer can use the Kindle (due to the regulations), I can either sit in my seat and read the Skymall catalog or pack books and magazines in addition to the Kindle. This defeats the purpose.
I sincerely doubt that the Kindle, iPad and devices like it have any impact on the safety of air travel as they are unobtrusive and consume the same (or less) space than an actual book. They also provide the ability to switch off the wireless signal.
This petition is targeted to request the airlines and TSA to reconsider the rules which govern the use of eBook readers and tablet devices like the iPad. Please open up the skies so travelers can read from boarding to arrival on their eBooks just as others do on paper.
We the undersigned kindly request that you review the policy that bans the use of Kindles, iPads, Nooks, and other eBooks at certain times on an airplane. Specifically, we are referring to time after the aircraft door is closed until the plane reaches 10,000 feet and then once the aircraft descends through 10,000 feet on the way to land. As these devices do not create a wireless signal, we see no safety concern with this request. This will permit those who choose not to carry books and magazines to read from the time they sit in their seat until the point the plane lands.
Thank you for your consideration.
