That's nothing, on a recent Newark to Portland flight, the passenger across the aisle from me didn't see take-off as a good reason to end her conversation and kept on chatting about her pick-up arrangements until the seatbelt sign was turned off.

Posted By Ian on June 12, 2008, 11:56 AM

Thanks Beth -- that's precisely why allowing cell phone use during flight is such a horrible idea. If people knew how to talk on a cell phone in a normal conversational (or quieter than conversational) tone of voice, that'd be one thing, bus seems like most people only know how to shout into theirs.

Posted By Bob Mathews on June 12, 2008, 12:33 PM

Had one phone caller call his lady friend and discuss their sexual likes and dislikes from their previous encounters. Just what I needed to hear.
Another called everyone he knew about some state politics and legislation - like he is just so important - and we are in tourist class.

Posted By Martha on June 12, 2008, 1:53 PM

The etiquette problem is not a travel phenomenon. People are easily bored in our fast-paced, media-rich world. They selfishly inflict that boredom on the hapless victims in their phone books. If these bored people were walking down the street doing the same things, you wouldn't be nearly as bothered by it. The process of traveling, however, tends to compress together large groups of bored people, leaving the rest of us unable to escape, and THAT is why it annoys us.

Posted By Jennifer Singh on June 12, 2008, 2:24 PM

If they ever allow mobile phone usage during flights, I will be very, very disappointed. The shift away from etiquette in favor of a person's "right" to put themselves first all the time that seems to be the trend in American society right now is very well illustrated in the way that many people use their cellphones in public. It is an inconsiderate use of public space to force those around you to endure one side of a conversation that has nothing to do with them. That is why it is such a blessed relief to have that space 30,000 feet in the sky be an enforced cell-free zone. Long live the ban!!

Posted By J Fisher on June 12, 2008, 4:29 PM

I am AMAZED at the usage of cellphones by every age but more so with youth!! I would DIE if it was EVER allowed to happen on flights..there are folks who would spend the ENTIRE trip(no matter the length) talking about absolutely NOTHING of importance but just annoying babble!! It is also a hazard on highways as folks are chatting instead of watching out for safety issues..scary!

Posted By Martha on June 16, 2008, 12:14 PM

This is one more reason why the idea of airlines suspending their policy of cellphone use is frightening. I can't imagine (or rather I can) taking a flight across country and hearing your seatmate(s) yakking the entire way. Can anyone say, noise canceling headphones?

Posted By Karen on June 16, 2008, 12:28 PM

I am a 11-year flight attendant on a major carrier. The day folks are allowed to use their cells during flight will be my retirement day. As a culture we are just not mannerly enough to handle this, as some European cultures only MIGHT be. I disagreed strongly when my airline allowed folks on some planes (the ones least likely to suffer interference w cockpit equipment) to use their phones on taxi-in and out. THAT is when an emergency evac is going to happen. I do not want to compete w cell conversations to shout commands. I want people to have their hands and heads free to listen and follow instructions. I do not want to evacuate people who are shouting into their phones, "Honey, there's been an emergency! We're getting off the plane!" etc., etc. When the airplane door is closed, cells should be off immediately. And yes, no matter who says what, SOME phones SOME times interfere with SOME planes in SOME situations, I have experienced this myself several times. Even if they didn't, cells need to be off for the reasons outlined above. If people want to send email or text msgs that is another thing as long as it can't interfere w equipment, but once the seat belt sign is off, never during taxi or takeoff or landing.

Posted By Toni Vitanza on June 16, 2008, 12:38 PM

Actually the problem lies with not only manners, upbringing and the "ME ME ME" generation, it deals with the handsets themselves. They do not allow two way transmission simultaneously, NOR do they have feedback to the speaker's ear. In otherwords, in a land line phone, you can hear yourself speak, and therefore conversations are quieter. but with cellphones, you can't hear yourself through the phone, so you speak louder to hear yourself. You know, like when Gomer Pyle called long distance, he spoke louder cause his voice had to travel a greater distance.

Posted By s. kleinschnidt on June 16, 2008, 1:03 PM

Wait untill the FAA decides cell phones can be used in flight. Then American will charge you $15 for allowing you to use your cell phone. The flight attendants will monitor who paid and who didn't.

Posted By Rich on June 16, 2008, 3:22 PM

Can someone tell me which (if any) such (foolish) airlines are allowing non-stop cell phone use? Or is it still up for discussion at the FAA? I'd like to know so as to avoid those airlines.

I cannot imagine the sheer torture of being a virtual prisoner on an airplane within earshot of some A-H on his/her cell phone. A friend of mine when on a bus solves the problem by "joining" in & adding to the offender's conversation.

As Toni V. so succinctly pointed out, people do not--or know how to --exercise good manners.

Posted By MariC on June 16, 2008, 6:52 PM

In Italy on a train between Florence and Venice an entire car was subjected to an interminable phone conversation by a young woman who spoke so loudly that there was no way to avoid hearing her. She was louder than the clackety clack of the wheels on the tracks. I tried to focus on the great scenery out the window to make me less annoyed. We at least had that on the train which you would not have on a plane. I hope common sense will continue to prevail and ban phone use during flights.

Posted By Marilyn Long on June 16, 2008, 9:14 PM

I certainly HOPE that airlines will a surcharge/fee for in-flight cell phone use (if it becomes allowed).... as if airline travel isn't bad enough...

Posted By Geoff on June 17, 2008, 9:19 AM

The safest play is to admire their phone, then ask if they wouldn't mind texting. "Say, is that a smartphone? What model is it? Would you mind texting your next message?" Of course, boorish people never recognize their own behavior. I am always tempted to raise my phone and have a mock conversation..."Frank? Sorry, can't hear you! Some rude guy is talking too loud on his cell phone!"

Posted By Steve McCornack on June 19, 2008, 6:28 PM

Readers are correct to assume that there will be a hefty surcharge by both the airline and the cell carrier. There will also be a soundproof section for those of us who don't want to hear about your cat's operation at 90 decibels!

Happy flying, everyone!

Posted By Steve McCornack on June 19, 2008, 6:39 PM

When I speak on my cellphone in public, I speak as quietly as I can because 1) I realize how annoyed I get when hearing other peoples' conversation and 2) I don't want anyone else to know my "business".

Cellphone use has runamuck everywhere...offices, in meetings, walking down the streets, on planes, buses, trains, in movie theaters, in cars and yes......in church!

In public places we should try (except for dire emergencies, of course) doing what we did before there were cellphones....wait until you're "outside".

Posted By Ann on June 23, 2008, 8:58 PM

Even noise canceling headphones don't eliminate an annoying young woman intent on shouting into her phone.
I had a girl two machines away talking on her phone as she occupied a crosstrainer machine, and even turning my headphones up couldn't overcome the drone of her incessant squabbling.
If given a choice, I won't fly on an airline that allows in-flight cell use.
Why are Americans so afraid to be alone with their thoughts?

Posted By dean on July 5, 2008, 12:00 PM

Oh please tell me this isn't going to be a common thing on all flights.

Airlines are our last quiet refuge from a work environment filled with constant meetings, phone calls and emails and a home life filled with "Dad, Dad, Dad, Dad."

Don't get me wrong, I love both and am thankful to work and live in places where I'm so needed, but a flight can be the brief respite between the craziness you're departing from and the madness you're arriving to.

Honestly, I look forward to a little piece and quiet. It's my "Calgon, take me away" time.
And it's an opportunity to do the many things I don't get to do when I'm at home or at work. Like reading or sleeping. Or reading that leads to sleeping. Or just sleeping.

The last thing I want is some random conversations about compost or oil changes barging into such precious moments I hold dear.

If airlines were smart they'd create little enclosed areas on the plane for all the cell phone talkers. Like they do in the airports for the smokers. That way all those that needed to talk could inhale all the noise pollution they want, while all of rest of us would be getting some much deserved r & r.

Dave Huerta
NYCA

Posted By Dave Huerta on January 5, 2009, 1:14 AM

Why is everyone so hyped up on cell phones in the air, how many actually get service that high in the sky, last time i flew, feb of 09, i couldn't even get texting service, so no problem, right?

Posted By Sherry on March 23, 2009, 5:43 PM