Or that sophisticated. If it can be done without disturbing others, that would be one thing. But we all know from personal experience that, if not the vast majority then at least a far too great number of, cell talkers are inconsiderate and do disturb others, either with the volume of the conversation or--a problem common among Americans--the subject of it.

In most places, my response to an inconsiderate cell-phone talker/shouter is usually to grin and bear it. At most, the rube earns a scowl. But on an airplane, I won't hesitate to tell a shouter or loud talker to be quiet and stop disturbing others. I would expect that many airlines will find their FA's called in to referee such disputes frequently. Perhaps that will incline the FA's to "bump" the switch for this service into the "off position."

To the other airlines: DON'T DO IT!