Seat-back confusion

NEW Federal Aviation Administration guidelines have banned passengers from placing personal items in the seatback pockets on aircraft, according to the New York Times.

The prohibition is contained in a 2007 cabin safety directive, but has only started to be enforced in recent months, with instructions from various FAA offices to a number of regional carriers.

According to the guidance the only items allowed in the seatback pockets are in-flight magazines and safety cards - leaving passengers unsure about where to place their iPods, books and other personal items.

A number of carriers say they’ve asked the FAA to look at the ruling again, but there’s also speculation that the move is helpful to airlines because having it would save time cleaning planes, meaning they could be turned around faster.

The recent introduction of checked baggage fees on some carriers may also be leading some passengers to overload the seatback pockets, the Times report said.