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Silence is Golden to Airline Travelers ; But Many Business Fliers Want Cell Phone Ban Overturned, Surveys Show

Posted on: Thursday, 28 July 2005, 15:00 CDT

WASHINGTON -- A majority of business travelers want to change the rules so they may talk on cell phones during commercial flights, but most of the general public is happy with the current ban.

Those were the findings of separate surveys detailed at the House aviation subcommittee hearing Thursday. Members heard a variety of views on the Federal Communications Commission considering revising the prohibition on cell phone use after flights leave their gates and while planes are airborne.

About 53 percent of business fliers said they want to use cell phones in the air, while 63 percent of the general public was opposed to that idea, according to polls done for the Association of Corporate Travel Executives and the Association of Flight Attendants.

U.S. Rep. John J. Duncan Jr., was among several House members of the committee who opposed any federal rules changes to give airlines the option of leaving cell phones on during flights. A 1991 federal rule, designed to avoid electronic interference with a flight's radio communications, could be lifted for certain electronic devices if current testing shows they no longer disturb the flight crew's communications.

But even if the safety question were resolved, the noise problem would remain a top concern for many.

"I have very, very strong opposition to the lifting of this cell phone ban," Duncan said at the hearing. "I come down very strongly on the nuisance side of this equation."

Duncan read from one citizen's letter to the FCC where he defined "hell" as sitting between two windy cell phone users during a five- hour continental flight. "Hideous," the citizen wrote.

On the other side, Greeley Koch, a spokesman for corporate travelers, said businesses want to improve return on their travel investment by "boosting the productivity and effectiveness of the business traveler." The cell phone is a tool for both current business and arranging future business, he said.

Business fliers could be required to use headsets, talk softly and set their ringers to vibrate or silent mode, he said.

The debate will not end soon. Even if the FCC approves use of a transmitter on aircraft that safely allows use of cell phones and other wireless devices, nothing could happen without agreement by the Federal Aviation Administration. The FAA is awaiting results of tests by the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics, which will finish its report in December 2006.

Also, the Department of Justice and the Department of Homeland Security have said they are concerned that terrorists could use cell phones to plan attacks or detonate explosive devices on aircraft by remote control.

Flight attendants have complained that passengers already get upset about noisy passengers, passengers reclining their seats, flight delays, etc., so arguments about noisy cell phone users would be another stress point, their association's president said.

"Declaring open season for cell phone users on board aircraft threatens to create an unmanageable situation, undermining authority in the cabin and jeopardizing aviation safety," Patricia Friend, the flight attendants' president, said.

One compromise, some said at the hearing, would be to allow text and graphics communications on flights -- e-mail and Internet access via various electronic devices including cell phones -- but no voice communications.

Amtrak handled the competing interests by designating separate train cars as either "no-cell" or "cell-OK." But open-cabin aircraft do not allow a similar approach, Friend said.

Richard Powelson may be reached at 202-408-2727.

OTHER VOICES

I feel that using cell phones on commercial airlines is essential in this day and age. I had never really thought about the cell phone usage on planes until 9/11, but if something similar did happen in our nation or any other nation around the world, that last cell call could help ease a little of the pain of the families.

BONNIE S. KNOX

*

As a fairly frequent coach class traveler, I would be extremely annoyed if I were trapped next to a cell phone user throughout a flight. I cannot see a necessity for using a cell phone while en route except as entertainment and think the aggravation to others would not be worth it ... Its difficult enough being packed in like cattle without having to listen to the health, love life, daily schedule, or business bragging (these being the main topics of cell phone users I hear) of the passengers around me.

BETH FORBES-SMITH

*

I do not believe that cell phones should be used on commercial airline flights. I believe that with what just happened in London this should not even be under consideration. This should be tabled until we can block cell phones from being used as detonators! The House has more important issues than this. If some one has to place a call of importance most airlines have in-cabin phones available for use for a fee and have had for the past 10 years!

ROBERT W. GEORGE

*

I really dont have a problem with cell phones on airlines. Sometimes it may be needed to contact someone if a problem arises. And as most cell phone users in vehicles drive me nuts anyway, why not the airlines too.

SAM K. HEATH

*

Cell phones on planes would definitely be a nuisance! In my profession Im on conference calls 80-90 percent of my day via office phone and/or cell phone. My cell phone is on 24 hours, seven days a week and I personally look forward to flights so I can have a break from using my cell phone. There is nothing more annoying than having to listen to a loud one-sided cell phone conversation at restaurants Please, not airline flights too!!! What a nightmare to be relaxing and enjoying your flight and have to listen to five different cell phone conversations at once!!!! If cell phones are ever allowed on planes I would hope airlines will offer NON-CELL PHONE USE SECTIONS!!!!!

GWEN SUMMEROUR

* Well now, I THOUGHT that we are sternly commanded to put away laptops and turn off cell phones on airplanes because they interfere with plane electronics! Was that just a ruse to make us use the exorbitantly expensive Airfone beside or in front of the seats? I have never been disturbed by cell phone conversations before takeoff or after landing, so I assume in-flight conversations would add nothing to normal background noises in flight. The cell phone is convenient for alerts about delays or travel plan changes and certainly would be useful for business travelers, so if our handy little devices really dont sabotage plane navigation equipment, why not make them legal?

LUCINDA DENTON

CELL PHONE ETIQUETTE

* Speak softly. Cell phones are usually more sound-sensitive than regular phones, so you don't need to yell to make yourself heard.

* Respect the personal space of others by taking your conversation 10 or more feet away from people.

* Do not interrupt a face-to-face conversation to take a cell phone call.

* Keep private matters private. Nobody wants to hear you fight with your spouse over your cell phone.

* Use the phone's "vibrate" function instead of the ringer in public.

Source: ask.yahoo.com

Source: News Sentinel

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