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Galley Gossip: The REAL reason for no cell phones in flight
Recently someone asked me what the real reason was for no cell phones in flight. My reply, "Does it matter? You still have to turn it off and put it away."
There are three things flight attendants should not discuss with passengers. They are religion, politics, and the reason why cell phone use is not permitted in flight. This is because everyone has their own opinion and people feel strongly about what they believe to be true. It's not easy for some to agree to disagree and be done with it. The last thing we need in flight is a passenger who wants to argue. Trust me, we get enough of those without engaging in controversial conversations.
When it comes to why cell phones aren't allowed on airplanes, a lot of passengers have come up with conspiracy theories. These grand theories all revolve around money. Call me crazy, but if the airlines could make a buck off of cell phone use in flight like they do with wi-fi, don't you think they would have figured out how by now? And regardless of what I say, these same suspicious passengers are still going to do what they want to do - until I ask them to turn it off!
In 2006 Scientific American published a report that stated an average of four calls were made per flight. With so many people unable to "turn it off" literally, can you imagine what that number would be today! On a flight from Dallas to Oklahoma City I had remind sixteen passengers - sixteen! - not once, not twice, but three times to turn off and stow their electronic devices after we had backed away from the gate. And those were only the passengers I had caught red handed. These days passengers are pretty sneaky with their electronic devices. It's impossible to check under every thigh and inside passengers pockets to make sure passengers are complying with only a few minutes left before take-off.
"When I forget to turn off my phone by accident, I notice the plane still finds the airport," said one reader.
Thank God for that!
Do I think one phone will affect the outcome of a flight? No. Do I think several phones "accidentally" left on will bring an aircraft down? I don't know. Maybe it depends on the number of cell phones that are left on and the aircraft equipment type. All I know for sure is I'd rather not find out the hard way. While there hasn't been a case of a crash caused by cell phone interference, there are numerous reports that cell phones do in fact interfere, especially on smaller planes "where instruments are more sensitive because they rely on small changes to indicate direction," explained a pilot. Whenever I start to discuss cell phones in flight someone always brings up Myth Busters Episode 49: Cell phones on planes. Personally, I wouldn't put a plane full of passengers lives in jeopardy because of what a television show had to say. And while they considered the theory "busted" the caveat was: why take the chance.
"Some European carriers allow mobile phones in flight - certified by the aircraft maker. They'd never approve it if it were unsafe," said our very own Gadget Guy, Scott Carmichael, during a recent conversation.
May I point out we're not in Europe! And batteries get run down searching for a signal. Signals are intermittent at best because the plane is moving at four to five hundred miles per hour. On top of that, "European carriers have pico cells on board to make sure in-flight calls are safe. US aircraft aren't equipped," explains Mary Kirby, Flight Global's Runway Girl.
Why aren't US carriers equipped like European ones? I think it's safe to assume it's because that would cost money. A lot of money! Passengers already complain about ticket prices that are cheaper than they were twenty years ago. No joke! Are you willing to cover the cost that will no doubt be passed on to you, the consumer, in the form of higher ticket prices when you're already angry about having to pay for checked bags? That's what I thought.
Now just for a moment let's pretend cell phones have been proven to be safe to use in flight. Do you really want to sit next to the blathering idiot going on and on about how important he is, or the kid who wants to know what the "mutha F'er" did next, or the elderly woman discussing her rashes and lab results with a loved one? Didn't think so. As for me, I'd rather not have to start policing passenger's conversations when they become too loud and bothersome to those seated around them.
Photo courtesy of Getty Images and Jung Hong
Filed under: Airlines, Galley Gossip
Reader Comments (Page 2 of 2)
Billey Jul 21st 2010 1:26PM
When are you people going to realize that this whole ban on cell phone is for your safety, Like its been said. we only have about 12 min from the time we get notice of ditching to store the bev carts and everything in the galley, get in the aisle explane what's going on, why we are ditching, explane the brace position's and show you the brace position, get back to my seat so i can man the door, and by this time it's only mins before we hit ground, then after we hit ground we have to get all you out of that plane within 90 seconds. Now all in that while you was too busy talking on your phone, freaking out about the plane crashing you didn't hear a word of what i said, so what are you gonna do try and get my attention so i can reexplain it to you. And secondly you buisness men think our job is so easy, i would like to see you go threw the month long training that we have to go threw, staying up till 3 in the morning studying, doing hands on aircraft evacs, to get back up at 7 and be in class by 8. I would love to see you spend 16 hours in a metal tube dealing with ppl who have they nose up turned because you get to sit behind a desk all day. don't get me wrong i love my job because there is no other job were you get to wake up in a different city everyday..
And Bill if you are going bash make sure you have your facts.
European regulators have cleared use of mobile phones and BlackBerry devices for passengers while flying, Airbus announced Tuesday.
Approval by the European Aviation Safety Agency means that, from September, passengers aboard Airbus aircraft outfitted with the OnAir system will be able to send and receive phone calls, SMS messages and e-mail messages while flying at altitudes above 3,000 meters, or 9,840 feet.
Cabin staff members will be able to turn off the system or restrict usage to text services like SMS, as they see fit.
The cost of a call, however, might make for short conversations.
While OnAir does not set the fees, Lake said the expected cost would be around $2.50 per minute for calls and 50 cents per SMS message.
So there you have it. One it depends on the type of aircraft and the Equipment which is airbus an bet to have the system to be installed is going to cost a nice few $$$. Which means for us customers the airfair goes up, cuz as it is airlines are pennie pinchers.
kaisatsu Jul 25th 2010 6:59PM
This is the second time I've seen the argument that providing Europe-style in-flight cell service would mean higher ticket prices. I don't buy it. The only flight I've been on that offered in-flint cell phone service was a RyanAir flight that cost a whopping $25. Of course the per-minute and per-SMS rates were sky-high, but if the extreme end of the LLCs can afford the up-front cost, hoping to recoup it through the usage fees, I seriously doubt that it would drive ticket prices up. I think it damages your argument to fall back on the fare-increase scare tactics.
Bill Jul 21st 2010 3:12PM
I love when you stewies complain about how hard your job is. 16 hours in the tube. Perhaps you'd be better off behind the counter at Starbucks? We all have to deal with the public in our jobs. I've been in the Hotel buisness my entire career. I have stories about the ignorant public that would dwarf any you can tell. But I love my job, so I deal with it.
Most attendants I encounter appear to be unpleasant people, unable to deal with the stress of the public. Maybe they should have a class for that. Disney, The Ritz-Carlton, they all provide training on how to deal with the public.
The business I conduct on my phone pays your union salary. The business I conduct on my phone paid the hospital where my wife had our child. So I told the nurse who told me to get off the phone the same thing I tell stewies...I'll get off when I am ready.
And since you ask Prof, I fly overseas every month. Far more pleasureable people who understand customer service. Funny, I have never had a Singapore airline attendant rudely ask me to turn off my phone. They typically bring me a cocktail and tell me it is time to turn it off. Kindness and persuasion....something ignorant american air staff know little about.
Jenny09 Jul 21st 2010 8:39PM
Bill just like I love my job, I love to fly, i love the paxs that i have on my routes. As far as conplaining about how hard our job is a lot of us are just venting because majority of the time the only other ppl that understands what we put up with on a day to day baises is other fa. Also with you being in the hotel buisness for your entire career i can bet you my bottom dollar that you have days when you need to vent because of all the stupid things you had to do that day. we all have stories that we think could trump the next persons story because thats how america is we are always trying to one up the other. I am sorry that most of the FA's you encounter are unpleasant ppl and i hope that your not the type of person to generalize a group based on a small amount of that group you've encounted because trust me there is some really nice FAs out there, and everyone has they way of dealing with stress, some ppl read, some ppl vent, work out and some ppl bottle it up till they blow up on that one pax. Honestly theres a lot of companys that should have a calss for things like that and how to deal with the public. Also your right your business and being on my flight is paying my bills, just like how at the end of my legs and i check into your hotel, I'm paying your bill too it goes both ways and we can sit here and argue who's job pays for whos bills and union and ext.
For me I have always found it if you ask your pax in a nicely pleasnt " excuse me sir, but we are going to be closing the door would you mind turning off your divice so we could leave on time" btw i do this about 5 min before i make the announcement about it so you can finish your convo. And you would be surprised at how many ppl will compley with what i asked because it was in a nice voice and professional v.s "You need to turn off your phone now" It's not that american aircrews don't have the kindness and persuasion because we had to get the some at some point, it's just that when you get on a flight with them most senior FA's a lot of them have been with the company for so long that they have seen it all and they are tired of the same song and dance and yes i know your next thing is then they should get a new job. but as we all know it's easier said then done. But i've never had really any problems with my pax because if you are nice an courteous to your paxs you can get a lot more out of them and the same thing goes for the pax if your nice and courteous to us it's makes for a nicer flight.
JD Jul 27th 2010 3:03PM
That is one of the most arrogant, "I am more important than you" attitudes I have ever seen in a posting. We get it, you make a lot of money and think you are above the rules because of it. Get off the phone in a hospital and get off the phone on a plane and get off the phone anywhere where you are required to get off the phone. Actually, do us all a huge favor and stay off the phone in public because no one wants to hear your blowhard arrogance.
bri Jul 21st 2010 8:01PM
I can't even believe that ppl are still debating this topic, we been having to turn off our phones for years.
How about this one for try I tell you to turn off your phone the way i see it you have 2 options you can do as i say and turn off your phone, or you can risk deplaning an getting a citation for interfering with a flight crew member.
sounds bitchy? well look at it like this i have 6 or 7 legs a day, on them i have to tell anywere from 5-10 ppl to turn off their cell phones. Thats about 70 ppl a day that i have repeat my self to when we are all growin adults and how hard is it to follow a simple rule, we follow them everyday so why should it be any different on an airplane. we all know that 80 to 90 percent of ppl fly for business so all your work colleagues, and clients and family knows that your flying that day, and the other 10 percent is for leisure travel and once again when you go on vacation everyone on your facebook, twitter,myspace and the whole office knows. So whats to hard to turn off that phone and enjoy the beginning of your vacation or if your on business enjoy that 1-3 hr break you get from the office. If it's imporant they will leave a message, because to be frank we all are traped in a metal tube for how ever long that flight is so why should the whole plane know about your business deal, or family issues, or the person in 5B is going to get a mole removed from her Butt. I don't.. do you
Jeremy Jul 21st 2010 7:53PM
I just think it's pretty funny how I can't bring shampoo on the plane, but I can bring on all kinds of devices they tell us will make the plane crash, and they just trust me to shut them off.
In practice, I just drive. Flying has become a miserable, hateful experience and I'll gladly pay several times as much and take days to get there rather than go through it if I don't absolutely have to.
Bill Jul 21st 2010 9:16PM
Well stated Jenny. Hopefully more staff will follow your lead and example. You are correct. It is all about how you ask. If the senior staff can't figure that out, time for them to go. The only constant in a well run business is change. If US carriers can't figure it out, there will be less of them around.
Good luck to you....I hope to encounter more employees with your attitude.
Bill Jul 21st 2010 9:30PM
Jeremy you are right on. No common sense to the process. And you can read Bri's comments and see why it is an unpleasant experience. Flight staff think they are superior; think they are the air police and can have you deplaned at their every whim. Because they have to do their job 6 or 7 times a day, they are tired and cranky and don't owe us any courtesy or polite words. They can't manage to prevent oversized bags from being brought on so we can push away on time but dammit, disregard their direction about turning off your phone and feel their wrath.
More like Jenny....fire Bri and the rest. Enjoy your car ride Jeremy....if more do it we will have leas airline staff to deal with...
Brian Jul 21st 2010 10:56PM
In point of fact, the FAA leaves the decision about electronic devices up to the air carrier (see FAR/AIM 14 CFR Part 121.306 Electronic Devices). While no one can prove that cell phones or digital wrist watches interfere with airplane avionics, nor can anyone prove definitively that they don't - ever - in any circumstances - interfere. So, the carriers and their insurance companies decide it's easier to ban them.
Many have noticed that passengers and crew on private jets and general aviation use their cell phones in flight (with the permission of the pilot, per other sections of the FAR/AIM). Rememder also that the passengers aboard the 9/11 flight that crashed in Pennsylvania used their cell phones extensively before deciding to counter-attack the hijackers. Also, many airline passengers forget to turn off their cell phones that may be in bags in the overhead racks during a flight. There is lots of evidence that cell phones don't make much difference to airplane avionics, but you can't prove a negative.
FSUgirl Jul 23rd 2010 1:05PM
I was on a flight once, where the Pilot announced who ever has there cell phone on needs to turn it off. It was obvious that it was interfering with something and he could tell.
Timo Kiravuo Jul 24th 2010 7:02PM
I think that to understand this issue you need to understand a little bit about processes and electronics.
The process side is that most of the cabin crew processes are related with safety, especially as mandated by regulatory authorities. Some additional processes have to do with actually transporting people and goods and occasionally feeding them. For safety processes we generally prefer something easy. Like turn off all electronic devices. Your average issue cabin crew can perhaps differentiate between iPad and Kindle, but would be challenged between a Sony Reader and some new Android pad.
To make the processes actually work, we have to assume that the cabin crew can tell electronics apart from rocks, books and babies, and that's about the limit of their capabilities. It is not reasonable to expect the cabin crew to differentiate between one particular product and another, or to verify that at the moment a product is operating in a special mode (that the user can change in a moment and that the user does not exactly understand either, nor has verified that the manufacturer's "airplane safe" mode is certified or actually is in any way airplane safe).
On the physics and electrical engineering side, you should understand that all electric devices more complicated than a flashlight are radio transmitters. And some flashlights are, too. Your CD/MP3 player is a radio transmitter and the headphone cord is the antenna. Just plug an oscilloscope to the headphone output and you will see the nice low frequency audio stuff and all kinds of high frequency signals.
Cell phones are especially bad, as they are designed to be radio transmitters and besides the operating frequency send data in bursts (2G up) that can induce a current in other devices. If you have ever heard a sound from your speakers before your cell phone starts to ring, that is your cell phone answering the paging call from the network, sending a "Here I am" message on frequency many magnitudes above your hearing level, but the transmission bursts create a sound on your speakers. (At least GSM users should be familiar with this.)
Also most planes are made of aluminum, which is a metal and does not allow radio waves to pass through, so cell phones work through what passes through the windows an most of the radiation stays inside the plane and is reflected around inside the Farady cage.
This radio signals stuff has to do with all the instrumentation on the plane, and with that most planes in use were designed before people carried and used electronic devices on board, especially digital electronic devices. Modern planes are designed so that the instrumentation is shielded against passengers, but legacy equipment will be in use and, as we look at the processes, it is not a very good practice to have different practices on different planes, with interchangeable crew.
The power of the electronics is of course relevant, also. A wrist watch is usually so low powered that it is not an issue, cell phones and other wireless communication devices are trying to push the signal through and are especially problematic in this relation. Imagine a navigational receiver designed to catch a weak beacon a thousand miles off and somebody starting a cellphone transmission ten yards from it.
Besides the navigational issues, cellular networks are designed for ground based handsets and an areal transmitter can really mess the network up. Depending on the technology, a phone used to talk on a plane can disturb the traffic on tens or hundreds of cells. This would be very bad on the first and second generation technologies, 3G can handle this somewhat better.
As to all the comments saying "I used my cell phone, computer, abdominator and made a bonfire on the deck and the plane did not crash horribly in the Andes forcing me to eat my friends", they are bullshit. The commentator has no information on the work being done at the cockpit, how much they narrowed the safety margin or what updates have been done to the avionics of the plane. On a nice day with good visibility and nothing going wrong, the plane does not crash. But in rain, with the GPS having lost signal, relying in IFR instruments, somebody sitting in a specific position inside the plane can get everybody killed.
So, please, for my health, believe the stewardesses and turn off all the electronics when they tell you to do so, or ask for outside seating.
kiravuo
Bill Jul 27th 2010 3:13PM
Hey JD...we all have a station in life pal...you need to know where yours is...
Last time I checked this was a service economy...if the airlines want my company's business, they'll display a better attitude. When we pay what we pay to fly, I expect quality service. Not a bunch of unionized people who are tired of their repetitive jobs and feel they can inflict their poor attitude on the paying customers. People like me, and companies like the one I own, keep this economy afloat and keep their sorry airlines in the sky....for now.
Fred Nov 4th 2010 3:45PM
As a frequent flyer for years and an ATC radar tech, turn off the phones. I have heard several pilots state that phones have interfered with instrumentation. If you have any experience in electronics, commercial grade is very dirty (reradiation). Based on all the interaction I have had with flight crews, both as a flyer and radar tech, I trust their professionalism. Besides, I am bothered less by a crying baby than a rude cell phone user yelling so I know all his personal information. As for importance, my customers can be touchy if I so up late to prevent revenue loss measured by the hour. I need my rest. As for rude cabin staff, haven't seen any yet as I have only flown close to a million miles.