Originally Posted by
WeekendTraveler
But any cell phone conversation at a crowded airport gate is still more noise, and even if someone isn't sleeping or having a phone conversation, it can be extremely irritating. Why not just listen to music or do anything other than talk on the phone?
If something is "extremely irritating," you could always get up and move. I would not sit or stand next to something I found "extremely irritating." I get up and move around at airports all the time - primarily because I prefer to not be in close proximity to others when there are usually many empty spaces.
As for why people would choose to talk on the phone, they might be reconnecting with loved ones, conducting business, etc. - again, if something bothers you, you can remove yourself from the situation, especially in large spaces like airports.