[jimworcs]

This is exactly why we need regulation....and these rules should also set standards for how goverment agencies respond, such as Customs, TSA, etc. In our case we were repeatedly told that we had technically departed and that it was not possible to allow us to leave the secured area. Four hours later, it suddenly became possible and people were able to go to the toilet and a woman was allowed to purchase something from a store. Unless the law changed in the middle of our event, they were either a) Lying that it was "illegal" to let us out or b) Willing to break the rules only when faced with a full scale rebellion.

The lack of common sense amongst the staff can be astonishing. It was totally obvious that regardless of "federal regulations", the rules would have to be relaxed to let people go to the toilet. Instead of making people uncomfortable and agitating them for hours before relenting why can't the staff simply use some common sense and allow passengers access to basic comforts?

Too many airline staff have become cynical and lack any compassion for the challenges people face when travelling. Not all travellers are experienced and think about what might happen. On our flight, one elderly lady had packed medication in her hold luggage. When she raised the issue with a staff member, instead of a simple bit of compassion, explaining that unfortunately this could not be accessed and that it was always advisable to pack medications in hand luggage, she was publicly berated and made to feel an idiot. It was her second trip abroad ever and the previous one had been 15 years before.