Virtual Pets and Flying Question

[TammyAlphabet]

My DD has a virtual pet called a Tamagochi. They are like the old ones from a few years back except these can talk to other tamagochi's within a very short range wirelessly. Can she play with this on the flight? I know that the flight attendent would not let her play with her nintendo DS on our last trip because they are wireless, so I am not sure what the answer is.

 

[dudspizza]

My DD has a virtual pet called a Tamagochi. They are like the old ones from a few years back except these can talk to other tamagochi's within a very short range wirelessly. Can she play with this on the flight? I know that the flight attendent would not let her play with her nintendo DS on our last trip because they are wireless, so I am not sure what the answer is.

You should be able to play with either, but only when electronic devices are allowed for use....

Duds

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

I know that the flight attendent would not let her play with her nintendo DS on our last trip because they are wireless

I believe that this FA was misguided. Plenty of wireless devices are used on aircraft when electronic devices can be used - laptops, Blackberries, etc.

What airline was this?

 

[TammyAlphabet]

This was southwest. I know they make you turn off your cell phone so I figured that they couldn't be used because of the wireless signals sent. Except with the Nintendo DS and the tamigochi, they are very short range. I looked all over the TSA website and couldn't find anything addressing this issue.

 

[bubba's mom]

We've flown SW for a couple of years now (since it arrived in Phila.) and DS has always played w/ his DS....never told he couldn't except taking off and landing.....TGFDS!

 

[disneyldwjr]

This was southwest. I know they make you turn off your cell phone so I figured that they couldn't be used because of the wireless signals sent. Except with the Nintendo DS and the tamigochi, they are very short range. I looked all over the TSA website and couldn't find anything addressing this issue.

I don't think they will be allowed because they are a wireless transmitter. Even short range they could interfere with the communications on the plane.
I am surprised that blackberries are allowed as they are nothing more than a very sophisticated phone.
I would call your airline and ask them.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Thanks for all the replies. I might need to call the airline. Just to be sure.

 

[CarolA]

I don't think they will be allowed because they are a wireless transmitter. Even short range they could interfere with the communications on the plane.
I am surprised that blackberries are allowed as they are nothing more than a very sophisticated phone.
I would call your airline and ask them.

Blackberries and Treos are allowed as long as the phone part is off...

And the truth appears to be that the "equipment malfunction" is not really true as is evidence by the fact that some airlines have been testing the use of inflight wireless internet access and the FAA is considering allowing the use of CELL phones in flight. (I have written the FAA to complain, I figure if I have to spend two hours trapped with a man who thinks the WHOLE world needs to hear what a great deal is doing I will kill him LOL!)

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

At this time, airlines generally will not allow any electronic device that transmits. For example, on American Airlines, they always make point that if your laptop has wireless capability, that capability must be turned off while in flight.

There are exceptions. For example, Lufthansa offers wireless Internet in flight. The technology was developed by Boeing — a company that presumably understands something about airplanes.

I would plan on not using the Tamagochi while in flight, unless the wireless transmitter can reliably be turned off.

 

[disneyldwjr]

Blackberries and Treos are allowed as long as the phone part is off...

And the truth appears to be that the "equipment malfunction" is not really true as is evidence by the fact that some airlines have been testing the use of inflight wireless internet access and the FAA is considering allowing the use of CELL phones in flight. (I have written the FAA to complain, I figure if I have to spend two hours trapped with a man who thinks the WHOLE world needs to hear what a great deal is doing I will kill him LOL!)

OH GOD NO!!!! Cell phones on planes, what is the address to complain?

 

[tjmw2727]

My dd's used the Nintendo DS and GBA last week on SWA from PHI to MCO. Once the "safe altitide" is reached they could be used, I insist on headphones however. I personally would not let my dd's bring or play with the virtual pets on the aircraft because IMHO they are really annoying and I wouldn't want them to bother others sitting around us.

TJ

 

[TammyAlphabet]

The problem with the tamagochi is that it cannot be turned off. I am going to have her put it in her checked luggage. Better safe than sorry.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

The problem with the tamagochi is that it cannot be turned off. I am going to have her put it in her checked luggage. Better safe than sorry.

I took a quick look on Internet. It turns out that Tamagotchi devices use an infrared port — not a wireless (radio) transmitter — to connect to other Tamagotchi devices. So the ban on transmitters (such as cell phones, WiFi, and 2-way pagers) during flight does not apply.

That still raises question about the ban on any personal electronic devices turned on during takeoff/ascent and approach/landing.

Keep in mind that checked luggage will be on the same aircraft — just a few feet below the passenger compartment. If the airline doesn't allow electronic devices to be on in the passenger compartment, they shouldn't be on in the luggage compartment either.

Whether Tamagotchi devices are banned (because they can't be turned off) and whether they actually create any sort interference with the cockpit (highly unlikely) are two different issues.

I suppose leaving the Tamagotchi at home is not an option?

 

[disneyldwjr]

The problem with the tamagochi is that it cannot be turned off. I am going to have her put it in her checked luggage. Better safe than sorry.

I would not put it in the checked luggage, that little virtual pet may grow feet and walk.

 

[disneyldwjr]

I took a quick look on Internet. It turns out that Tamagotchi devices use an infrared port — not a wireless (radio) transmitter — to connect to other Tamagotchi devices. So the ban on transmitters (such as cell phones, WiFi, and 2-way pagers) during flight does not apply.

That still raises question about the ban on any personal electronic devices turned on during takeoff/ascent and approach/landing.

Keep in mind that checked luggage will be on the same aircraft — just a few feet below the passenger compartment. If the airline doesn't allow electronic devices to be on in the passenger compartment, they shouldn't be on in the luggage compartment either.

Whether Tamagotchi devices are banned (because they can't be turned off) and whether they actually create any sort interference with the cockpit (highly unlikely) are two different issues.

I suppose leaving the Tamagotchi at home is not an option?[/QUOTe
How about just taking the batteries out of it (if that is it's power source), or, will it virutally die?

 

[TammyAlphabet]

If we take out the batteries, it will virtually die!! ha ha. My DD is pretty attached to this thing (this week that is) and we are leaving on Friday. I am not sure that I would be able to pry it from her little hands without alot ( and I mean alot) of tears and protest. Not the best way to start a trip. thanks for the research however. I am in a quandry. (not totally an unfamiliar place for me!!)

 

[disneyldwjr]

If we take out the batteries, it will virtually die!! ha ha. My DD is pretty attached to this thing (this week that is) and we are leaving on Friday. I am not sure that I would be able to pry it from her little hands without alot ( and I mean alot) of tears and protest. Not the best way to start a trip. thanks for the research however. I am in a quandry. (not totally an unfamiliar place for me!!)

Well, tell her that pets are not allowed at Disney Resorts, virtual or not.
If that does not work, tell her that it is too hot for them there.
Or, how about this, tell her you have to take the batteries out of it and it will die if you do. We have yet to figure this one out, so, it really is not a lie.
The above two are definitely stretching the truth.
At any rate, good luck and when you do find the answer, please, let us know.
Have a GREAT trip.

 

[TammyAlphabet]

Thanks. I saw a lady at the school this afternoon that told me that she flew last weekend and they had the tamagochi's on the plane with no problem.

 

[Horace Horsecollar]

Thanks. I saw a lady at the school this afternoon that told me that she flew last weekend and they had the tamagochi's on the plane with no problem.

When the flight attendant announces, "FAA regulations require that all personal electronic devices must be turned off at this time," what will you do?

Yes, if you leave it on, you can almost certainly get away with it — just as the lady you saw at school got away with leaving her electronic Tamagotchi devices turned on. I really don't think the airplane will fall out of the sky. The airline employees and the Federal Air Marshall will never know, and may not care anyway. Also, I doubt the TSA is looking for Tamagotchi devices at airport security checkpoints.

My biggest concern would be the message that disobeying the regulations sends to children.

See Advice on the Use of Portable Electronic Devices.