No matter how hard they try, airports in general stress me out, as I'm not the most prompt person to begin with, and I'm constantly searching for my ticket and passport, convinced that I've managed to lose one or both. But I've found that the stress of traveling most often subsides once I get on the plane. I can plug in my headphones, pull out a magazine (I always start with magazines before pulling out a book; it's like an appetizer before the main course), recline my chair (but only a bit — I have strong feelings about those people who act as though putting their head in your lap is totally okay), and get set for my journey. Barring turbulence or having a crying baby nearby, I'm content to stare out the window and listen to the hum of the plane.
So I was a bit put off by the decision of the European Commission last week to allow cell phone use on airplanes. The phones can be used in planes throughout Europe once they reach a flying altitude of 10,000 feet. The BBC explains how it works:
The plan is to install small mobile phone base stations, called pico cells, in aircraft that will be switched on after take-off. The base station generates a bubble of coverage in and around the aircraft.
The people who developed the technology say that the pilots can turn the "bubble" on and off at will, and suggest creating etiquette guidelines for flying. I think it'd be smart to create spaces within the plane where people can use their phones without disturbing other passengers and to limit phone usage to text only while passengers try to sleep. But I'm concerned that people wouldn't pay attention (as it is, despite the threat of getting ticketed in many states, people continue to drive and chat at the same time) and flights would go from a haven of reasonable quiet to a cacophony of mindless chatter. Thankfully, we won't have to worry about loudmouth callers in the U.S. for a while, as the FAA has no plans to allow phone service on planes.
What do you think? Would you use the time in a plane to catch up on your calls? Or should planes be quiet havens?
Image: Ofcom via the BBC
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I think cellphone usage on planes is a horrible idea. People already have no etiquette when it comes to talking on the phones, so why should we have to deal with that one airplanes. Also, it's one of the few places where people go and are actually forced to unplug, and that's a good thing! With terrorism too, I can't imagine how it's even an option- or perhaps it is just a cover to eavesdrop.
Anne
I'm torn about this. As a business traveler I would LOVE to be able to finish up phone calls and get some work done with my cell phone (internet anyone?) while on a plane. As a leisure traveler, it would PISS me OFF to spend 4 hours stuck next to a teenage girl who needs to spend the whole time talking with her BFF and lamenting over her guy's latest behavior.
And you KNOW people won't lower their voices even with the tight proximity to others!
For now, I guess no cell phones on the planes are a good thing....
I also strongly disagree with the European Commission's decision. While I wholeheartedly support Internet access on planes, please, please, please no phones.
We've all seen a glimpse of this future, should phones and conversations be allowed. After the plane has landed and prior to the doors opening, loud "Hey, I just landed" and "dude, I'm here" bloom all around. We can all survive that during the five or so minutes it takes to disembark, but can you imagine hours of that? When trying to relax or sleep? Ugh.