“Please turn off all electronic devices during takeoff.” It’s an annoucement frequent fliers are very familiar with and hear at least once each time they fly. But how often do you break the rules about cellphone use on planes once the doors close for departure, and what are the consequences? 

A group of high school students on a flight from New York to Atlanta found out yesterday. They were kicked off an AirTran plane, along with their chaperones, after some of them didn’t put away their cellphones and take their seats.

According to AirTran’s parent company Southwest Airlines, the flight attendants reminded the seniors from the Yeshiva of Flatbush in Brooklyn several times to stow their mobile devices and settle in their seats. After many unsuccessful requests, the captain attempted to restore order, but he also failed. So the cabin crew and captain ejected all 101 students and eight chaperones from the Boeing 737 (which seats about 137 people, leaving the aircraft nearly empty).

The students, who were embarking on a three-day field trip that was to include a visit to Six Flags and a rafting excursion, were then put on different flights to Atlanta. According to Rabbi Seth Linfield, executive director at Yeshiva of Flatbush, Southwest Airlines offered vouchers for future travel to the faculty members and students who were on the plane.

Do you agree with the cabin crew’s decision? Are you guilty of occasionally not complying with this safety measure?

— Monique Barrett, advertising and editorial coordinator