On commercial flights, we're frequently told that all passengers are
"required to comply with lighted signs and placards, and all crew member instructions".
But when it comes to the CFRs, the closest I can find is 14 CFR 121.571
(a) Each certificate holder operating a passenger-carrying airplane shall insure that all passengers are orally briefed by the appropriate crewmember as follows:
(1) Before each takeoff, on each of the following:
(i)Smoking. Each passenger shall be briefed [...] This briefing shall include a statement that the Federal Aviation Regulations require passenger compliance with the lighted passenger information signs, posted placards, areas designated for safety purposes as no smoking areas, and crewmember instructions with regard to these items.
(iii) The use of safety belts, [...] This briefing shall include a statement that the Federal Aviation Regulations require passenger compliance with lighted passenger information signs and crewmember instructions concerning the use of safety belts.
These rules seem to say passengers only have to follow instructions regarding Smoking, and Seatbelts.
Is there some specific, Federal Rule1, other than catch-all 91.3, that requires general compliance with all instructions?
What if I want to leave my tray table down? Or keep my electronics on? Or put my feet in the aisle?
1Not a contract of carriage with the airline