News : Airlines cleared for mobile phone use during flights.

[Anonymous]

Headline: Airlines cleared for mobile phone use during flights.

Excerpt from the link :

"The European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) says electronic devices such as mobile phones can be left switched on during flights.

EASA says that electronic devices do not pose a safety risk.

The announcement clears the way for airlines to permit the use of mobile phones, once they have conducted their own safety reviews.

Currently airline passengers have to switch devices to flight mode and make calls from the airport terminal."

"The agency said each airline would still have to go through an assessment process, ensuring aircraft systems are not affected by the signals from portable electronic devices before establishing their own rules for their operation.

As a result there could be a delay in implementing the new rules at some airlines.

It also says that airlines may opt for different policies on the use of mobile devices."

My thoughts :

I remember some chat about this a few months ago and now with this news it looks like the green light has been given. 

Source : BBC News.

Read more here : Airlines cleared for mobile phone use during flights

[Anonymous]

Yes I agree. These things have one of the most sensitive mics in.

I also find it funny as some can't sit or stand still while on a mobile phone call. Generally pacing up and down.

[jonsie]

Deep joy, phone calls when I'm trying to sleep on a night flight, I foresee much cabin rage!!!

[Bambino]

And none of them putting their phones on vibrate only, so there are different ringtones going off continuously all over the cabin. 

[jonsie]

Ear plugs are supplied on most long haul flights these days thankfully.....

[Bambino]

But how well will they work if it's the person sitting next to you whose phone is going off? I just think that the whole idea of allowing calls in-flight is a bad idea. Even worse will be all the text message signals if the phone isn't on vibrate only. 

[Beenherebefore]

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@Bambino wrote:

And none of them putting their phones on vibrate only, so there are different ringtones going off continuously all over the cabin. 

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Which reminds me.....on the Virgin page there's nothing that I can see as regards any charges to receive calls and texts, presumably they're free so the chances are that phones will be ringing rather than calls being made?

[jonsie]

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@Bambino wrote:

But how well will they work if it's the person sitting next to you whose phone is going off? I just think that the whole idea of allowing calls in-flight is a bad idea. Even worse will be all the text message signals if the phone isn't on vibrate only. 

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A smack in the gob is worth a thousand words...

Totally agree though, we managed perfectly well without phones on flights and no doubt people will totally abuse it and anger other passengers!

[Cleoriff]

Jonsie said

*a smack in the gob is worth a 1000 words*......

'Spit take' time...

[Anonymous]

I totally agree with Bambino, it will be annoying to say the least...No peace and quiet ...I really don't see the need, although I wouldn't mind having wifi available, that would be useful!! I could flying as we speak (type) and chatting away on the Community!!!

[Bambino]

It's noisy enough as it is with cockpit and flight staff announcements, and meals and drinks going up and down the aisles, and babies crying. It certainly isn't necessary to add to the cacophony of noise from phone calls and texts messages in an enclosed plane cabin. WiFi to go online and to send emails, yes. Phones? Nyet!