Cellphones on Planes - no need for snakes

By Nick November 12, 2006

Snakes on planes cellphones on planes? Which would you prefer? Ok… it probably won’t be that bad. But who really wants cellphones on planes? Well, the new trend started by Emirates Airline will allow passengers to use their phones during flights.

USA Today has an article on it.

“…the airline expects to have a system installed in the first of its Boeing 777 fleet in January that enables cellphones to operate at minimum power levels that won’t interfere with in-flight systems. The system is to be rolled out in 100 of the Dubai-based carrier’s aircraft in succeeding months.”

The article also states that Quantas will probably be the next to join Emirates with cellphones.

Have no fear

Luckily, for those who prefer silence on flights, passengers will not be able to gab all flight long for the following reasons.

Only cellphones with international roaming can be used
A maximum of five people can be on the phone at one time
It’s wayyyy too expensive at $3.50 a minute, so most people won’t be willing to pay for it

But still not good

Even though in the next few years it doesn’t seem like we quiet travelers need to worry about loud cellphone users, I’m still not fond of the new trend. As technology improves, and airlines get better mobile phone technology, the price will decrease, and use will increase. It was only a matter of time until the airline industry took this step, and it will just make the iPod even more valuable to all travelers.

Topics: Travel News |