Cell phones on planes, the approaching reality
Today’s technology is enabling people to use cell phones from planes. Is everyone thrilled over the thought? I’m certain some travelers will be delighted in the event of an emergency. But, they may not be as happy when they receive their bills that may resemble the national debt. One of the last refuges from ring tones is undoubtedly coming to an end.
Ryanair is the first no frills airline to enable in-flight calling. Ten planes are already equipped. When the service launches, fourteen planes will allow passengers to make calls and send text messages from cruising altitudes. But there will be limitations on the number of people who will be able to “communicate” simultaneously.
The watchdog group Ofcom states it is talking to all concerned parties to clarify what steps can be taken to ensure consumers understand the costs of making calls from on board an aircraft.
Unfortunately, Ofcom can only regulate planes registered in the EU. The group is fast to say the use of mobile phones on passenger aircraft has “raised concerns about passenger welfare and the potential for discomfort, antisocial behavior and ‘air rage’ on board.”
As a frequent flyer, I welcome having access to WiFi on long haul trips. But the last thing I want to hear is someone else’s conversation. Invariably, people who use their cell phones as extensions of their personal and professional lives tend to speak more loudly than others.
I know what my response would be if I were seated next to a non-stop talker. At the very least, I’d ask him or her to find another place from which to make calls. Some passengers would. Then there are others who’d shoot a dirty stare and continue talking. Should earphones and microphones be mandatory?
What would you do?
There are so many options to contemplate and some of them aren’t in the least bit polite. And it’s against FAA regulations to either make a quick exit when you’re at cruising altitude much less push another passenger.
Karen Fawcett is president of Bonjour Paris.
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3 Responses to “Cell phones on planes, the approaching reality”
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“Pardon me, I don’t want to interrupt your conversation — your insights into Britney’s rehab progress and future dating prospects are simply fascinating — but would you mind if I took this opportunity to index and cross-reference the extensive collection of internet porn I have stored on my laptop?”
I have heard (even) more stupid conversations than that one. I’d love to see the resulting bill.
As for a porn collection, if it’s a man who’s talking, I bet he’d be fascinated and would even help. Thank goodness for earphones and very thick eye shades.
Since the offender would be involving me in his/her conversation, I would insert my two cents or more and offer tons of advice and anecdotes on whatever the subject is.