Just a couple of thoughts:

First people get dumb in high stress situations. Done it, seen it. It's as prevalent as group think and spectator behavior.

Second, having a small, think large point and shoot camera belt pouch, go bag. Something you can in the 2 seconds it takes to un*** your seat, with cash, documents, and medications isn't a bad. I regularly use a vest for the same purpose.

Cramming my 6 foot and change frame into an airline seat is tight enough without my thighs bulging with my go bag.
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Hope for the best and prepare for the worst.

The object in life is not to be on the side of the majority, but to escape finding oneself in the ranks of the insane