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British Airways to allow cell phone use on London to New York flights
British Airways has just announced that, beginning this fall, they will allow cell phone use in-flight, but only on business class flights between London and JFK. While talking on cell phones will still be prohibited, the airline will allow passengers to send and receive text messages and have access to the internet.
A BA spokesperson says that the airline will listen to feedback from customers in deciding whether to eventually permit actual cell phone calls. [Desperate plea: Don't do it!]
This move follows a decision made last year by Emirates, which became the first airline to allow in-flight cell phone use, as well as similar experiments by Qantas and bmi.
What do you think, Gadling faithful? Smart idea by an airline trying to please its business-class passengers, or dangerous step on an insidious path leading to constant cell phone chatter on every flight?
More here.
What strange things have been found on planes?
Filed under: Airlines
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 3)
DjC Jan 30th 2009 6:52PM
I am often amazed at the lack of discretion in some people. Shocked that they carry their phone conversations with abandon, speaking as if they are the only person in existence. Airing their side of the conversation for everyone to hear.
It's a similar experience to be sitting in a movie theatre, enjoying a good movie when suddenly a pair of attenders decide they want to have a conversation during the movie.
Some would see this as a bad thing. We all pay to go see a movie. That is the primary reason- to watch a movie in the quiet of the theatre. While others feel they have payed money and therefore have the right to do as they please. In their case, it's to carry on a conversation during the movie, disturbing the rest of the movie watching audience.
Will this also become the case for passengers. It starts with the texting, soon phone calls will be permitted. The fee to board a plane comes a much higher price tag than a movie ticket. Then do I, as a passenger, have even greater right to do as I please. To carry on a one sided conversations on the phone. Possibly loud enough that the entire cabin is aware of every intimate detail of my life?
It becomes and issue of selfishness and disregard for those around you. It is "what I want, mind your own business" mentality.
We even have laws in some locals. Laws prohibiting the use of phone, without the use of a headset while driving. Still I see countless drivers not paying attention, oblivious to the traffic around them- holding a phone to their ear.
While I would love to be able to use the phone while in flight, a great convenience it could be. I think we can just do with out it. I could be wrong. Maybe people can be civilized and show better judgement and courtesy while in flight. Maybe we will just have to implement talking/no-talking sections.
Arlen Feb 1st 2009 6:42AM
The rationale for not permitting cell phone use was and should be that somehow the cell phone transmissions might interfere with the electronics of the aircraft. If that reason is and therefore
was erroneous then the only reason not to talk on the cell phone would be a question of politeness. Permitting texting, however, which does not involve talking should be permitted if not otherwise hazardous to the plane. It is no
different that using a DVD player or other device which may be permissible in the aircraft. Finally why is this privilege extended only to those sitting in business class. Some " businessmen" do sit in coach particularly during this economic decline.
Fritz Feb 1st 2009 12:21PM
The facts show that the terrorists of 9/11 were in First Class. Texting would have allowed more terrorists to communicate easier all through the aircraft, thereby making the takeover much much much much more easier. I mean we already have texting going on in church, what's next? Texting is a major problem in schools and the workplace. Enough is Enough!
Alan Feb 1st 2009 6:40AM
I never get a signal in the air anyways!
Johanna Feb 1st 2009 7:18AM
I think text messaging should be allowed. Talking is very disturbing to passengers to have to sit and listen to someone talking. This might be a good thing for some people who get bored or are nervous on a plane .
WIlson Feb 1st 2009 7:37AM
Anyone that thinks people are rude for using their cell phones in public places are stuffy and cranky old people. How is it any different than people sitting together someplace and carrying on a conversation( and no I don't condone chit chat in the movies, but restaurantsts, planes etc are fine by me).? Gee, I'm sorry that your upset that your nosey self can't hear the other side of the conversation, that must be what's bugging you. Get over it and get with the times. Those without cell phones are dinosaurs.
STAN Feb 1st 2009 7:44AM
Bad enough to listen to someone talking on the cell
while shopping but to be sitting in a seat and having
someone on the cell and you can not move away from
the area. Let them text but keep the voice off;;;;
Jim Feb 1st 2009 7:51AM
Not a good idea at all !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Most people have cellular manners on the ground , imagine what they'll be like in a cramped plane !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
pete Feb 1st 2009 7:53AM
The bottom line is this: I won't be flying BA again.
Kent Vining Feb 1st 2009 8:22AM
The real issue about cell phones, for me, is the added noise pollution, especially on longer flights. UI believe the technology is there for earphones (not Bluetooth) and sensitive headset-style microphones with sophisticated noise filters to eliminate ambient noise that could help the callers from needing to scream into their phones. Also, I always am wearing my Bose headphones, so that would cut down on my noise-based discomfort substantially.
Hey, maybe Bose can make the combination headphone, headset microphone and handsfree device for airplanes.
jbroad7300 Feb 1st 2009 2:56PM
Why is the headline for this article called "Good News"?
Steve Feb 1st 2009 8:28AM
Talking NO people lose enough IQ points once they Board an Aircraft I do not want to hear the conversation.
Texting should be allowed
Maria Feb 1st 2009 9:32AM
This is bad, really bad. Can you all imagine how LOUD the plane will be because everyone will be trying to talk louder than the one next to them?
First texting then it will be talking. I for one, either as a FA or a passenger DO NOT LOOK FORWARD TO IT AT ALL!! The passengers and rude enough without allowing the phone usage.
I think once there is an accident and some people don't get off the plane because they were busy on the phone this may change the rules. It will take death to reverse the thinking.
Ron Feb 1st 2009 9:54AM
Get over yourselves! Some people have a crusade against others using/talking on their cell phones. They say "it disturbs them", and then suggest that the talker do that somewhere else. Why doesn't the offended just stay home? In public, we all must put up with each other. Politeness is important, but people annoy other people, period. It's just a fact of life. I am annoyed by a lot, but I don't think we should label every annoying behavior "offensive" and try to have it banned.
And by the way, that engine noise in the cabin is really loud and annoying. I wish they'd turn those down. It's really hard to hear my cell phone conversation with those things running all the time.
dave Feb 1st 2009 11:07PM
please allow use of the cell phones.there isnt any service anyway when your in the air.
Maria Feb 1st 2009 10:19AM
Ron, good point, people will even be trying to talk OVER the engine noise! And, by the way, "some" people have no "cell phone etiquette". Why do you need to have the ringer on in a restaurant? Epitomy of rudeness! My ringer is always put on off or vibrate.
I was out to lunch one day and the woman at the table next to us had her phone on. She had to have gotten SIX calls and we could hear everyone of her conversations. RUDE!
I am past myself. Maybe you need to look in the mirror? Perhaps you are one of the one's that needs to have his phone on in a restaurant?
MacDaddy Feb 1st 2009 10:37AM
In this ME world we live in this wont last long.there will be fights because theMEs will be RUDE like the ones who sit threw green lights texting or talking LOUD and being OBNOXIOUS That is a long flight and imagine trying to get some sleep while a ME is yacking about NOTHING for hours .I give it six months !
MacDaddy Feb 1st 2009 10:36AM
Another ME !
Lea Feb 1st 2009 10:39AM
I agree with one of the previous posters: why is talking on your cell phone anywhere in the world any different than talking to your companion? In fact, it causes less noise than would having a conversation with a person next to you. I have no understanding of the prerogative of people who think it's rude to have cell phone conversations in public, at restaurants, etc. Yes, I would rather be having that discussion with my friends in person, which would somehow be deemed more appropriate? This is arbitrary and illogical.
Additionally, if added noise is the true issue here, then we shouldn't allow children on a plane. I would always rather hear the din of an adult's conversation than a baby screaming relentlessly. I believe children are much more disruptive in this regard. But would you dare call a baby rude? I will, and I do now. That is the true universal rudeness: thinking it's okay to drag your screaming or ill-behaved child around in restaurants, grocery stores, or on planes. To believe that I should have to tolerate a child's noise but my having a conversation is a no-no is ridiculous and hypocritical.
Carol Feb 1st 2009 11:35AM
Your last sentence explains why cell phones should be prohibited in airplanes. Unfortunately, few people have any sense of courtesy in even face to face conversation. Once on a cell phone, most think they have somehow created a zone of privacy in which they may be as loud, vulgar, and obnoxious as they please without regard for anyone else. Cell phones should be prohibited in any confined space where others are forced to endure the rudeness of the user. That includes planes, trains, busses, restaurants, and theaters. Just because you have the capability to annoy does not mean that you should be allowed to do so. Perhaps there should be a fourth class of seating, rude idiots class where folks who care only for themselves can be seated next to each other. I recommend that such seating be somewhere near the cargo.