Will Cell Phones be eventually allowed on flights- your guess?
 

I am sure there have been many postings debating the merits of allowing the use of Cell Phones while an airline is in flight. My question, instead, is what do the Flyertalk community think is going to happen.

According to many insiders and experts- it is only a few years away from happening. Not because most travelers want it (they don't) but because there is so much money to be made by allowing Cell Phones in flight. Money always comes out first- regardless of public opinion.

So, what do you expect to happen in the end (regarding cell phones during the flight)???

I think they will be allowed (if tests will indeed reveal they do not interfere with "vital aircraft systems", contrary to what we heard every time aircraft doors close:)). investments are not huge and installing node in aircraft will allow a/c to charge exorbitant fees for roaming.
I wonder if they will have to register as a telecom provider (United Wireless :)) - probably they do.

2nd possibility is that technology will go forward by incorporating Wi-Fi capability into the cell phones which will allow to use wireless which is already there (actually now one can make calls from wi-fi enabled planes using your laptop and headset). I'd bet on this option in a long run.

Ax

Personally, I think its only a matter of time.

Since we're on the topic of offering $0.02, its going to be only a further matter of time before there's a cell-phone rage incident in the air. After that, your favourite airline is going to be charging a premium on tickets for 'quiet' flights.

-seenu

Yes, it will happen, and I'd guess within the next couple of years. Probably begin with non-US airlines, though, as the FBI is making a stink about it right now.

If it happens, there will likely be cell phone zones and cell free zones, similiar to the trains in Europe.

I would hope that most airlines would ban their use while the plane is in flight. There is nothing more annoying than someone sharing their conversations with everyone else. It is annoying enough having to listen to conversations before and after take-off. (And I'm not referring to, "Hey honey, I just landed. Pick me up outside baggage claim."

I am sure they will be allowed at some point, but I hope differently. I can't stand listening to people on their cell phones.

It certainly won't be free, and it will probably be at least as expensive as Verizon AirFones, if we're lucky. I'm not sure how many passengers will want to bother if they'll be paying $2.99 per minute for the privilege.

I can't tell you the last time I saw someone using an AirFone.

I say if it happens and is affordable, it will get rescinded. Imagine all that annoying jabbering. It would be as bad as second hand smoke. :D

It's about time that they allow the usage of such devices. I can't stand paying $8 USD/min for those in-flight phones. :mad:

$8 a minute doesn't sound like much to pay for the privilege of annoying everyone within earshot, does it? :p

If they divide the plane into CELL PHONE ALLOWED AND NOT ALLOWED sections, how would that work?

Would standbys be forced to sit in the section that allows CELLPHONES? (Because they did not get a reserved seat earlier. Or what if you were put in a NO CELL PHONE row, couldn't you hear the person talking next to you in an authorized area?

Reminds me of the smoke I had to put up with in non smoking (in airplanes 15 years ago) from the next row- which allowed smoking.

One of the few places where you can escape from the damn things. :) I always have my phone turned off when at home because it interferes with my radio and my surround system. They make all sorts of really loud high pitched noises whenever a mobile/cellular phone is within close proximity.

I think its inevitable that cell phones will one day make it into the flights. I just hope they invent better ear plugs (or a Bose QC3 that'll block out all noise) by then.

But is it really worth it?