In a Harris Interactive survey of 2,030 US adults of whom, 1,778 have actually flown in an airplane, a full three quarters say that
cellphone usage on airplanes should be restricted to "non-talking features." In other words, email, texting, and surfing the Web. That's a pretty significant majority seeing as how the EC has cleared the way for
calls within European airspace. 69% of consumers agreed that if voice calls are permitted, a special "talking zone" should be established so that other passengers are not interrupted. While the survey reflects our own opinions, take note that the results benefit sites like Yahoo! Mobile, the very company which commissioned the survey. It's also worth highlighting a comment made by a certain Miss Teen, South Carolina who said, "That some US Americans
should be unable to do so, because, uh, some-a people out there in our nation don't have cellphones, and such as, maps." Good point.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
Le Chiffre @ May 21st 2008 9:25AM
Hell No to calls, but data Yes.
I mean i often fight the urge to cease the phone of a passenger in a Bus or Train and give it wings. In a Plain, I can't think of a more insane thing to do. its too tight spaced and people need their peace
Randy @ May 21st 2008 9:56AM
I most certainly agree. No to talk, yes to data. So long as your phone doesn't make an obnoxious sound when you receive a txt msg.
I recall this one lady on my bus who talks LOUDLY into the phone and she won't quiet down or stfu even when asked politely. And she's gotten into arguments about it w/ several people. I'm waiting for someone to snatch her phone and toss it. I suspect it will happen if it hasn't already.
All too often I find that people who yack on the phone constantly seem to have no sense of courtesy.
kookoobirdz @ May 21st 2008 10:48AM
No to voice, yes to data... BUT. But if your iPhone or whatever makes that POP POP POP speaker noise as you peck at the keyboard, you had better set it to silent or I will stab you in the neck with my plastic fork.
med1320 @ May 21st 2008 5:17PM
If I wanna talk on the plane with my phone I will and I don't care what others think. So piss off all of you. You can't tell me what I can or can't do. Assholes!!!!
SimbaDogg @ May 21st 2008 5:39PM
talk about a no brainer
email, sms, web usage, aim/gmail chat/any other chat program vs talking on the phone?...
plus if your phone supports it like mine, you could easily handle voip to take care of that voice nonsense
Student Driver @ May 21st 2008 5:46PM
I don't even care about the survey. It's just great seeing that babbling quote almost useful somewhere. And then, it's capped with "Good point."
slamEVIL @ May 21st 2008 6:16PM
you did good engadget. you did good.
Michael @ May 21st 2008 8:29PM
The only problem is that older users may not be familiar with text messaging, iming or w/e so they're out of luck haha.
martin.applewhaite @ Jun 3rd 2008 9:19PM
US Americans... lol @ Miss Teen USA
Martin0641 @ Aug 1st 2008 4:25PM
Once again, missing the point. It's never been a safety issue for phones on planes, it's an FCC rule about not clogging up cell towers in swiftly moving planes.
I think a talking area would be nice of the airlines to provide, but the simple constitutional fact of the matter states clearly that whether you personally like it or not is not one of the criteria for this law. If the FCC lifts the rule, and I want to talk next to you about my bowel movements, that's my business. If you don't like it, so what. There is no ban against being offended.
Americans, you don't get to Cherry Pick your freedoms. The amount of people I hear these days who think their personal feelings and preferences need to be drilled in as law is both frighting and, ultimately, self-destructive.