Cell Phones on Flights and around the World
March 12, 2008. The use of cell phones during flights has been a controversial topics. For travelers who want some rest and relaxation on the way to their luxury vacation rental, the idea of noisy neighbors with "cell yell" sounds awful. For business travelers and tech junkies, the idea of staying connected would be a blessing.
According to a recent article on MSNBC.com, European and Middle Eastern carriers are seriously considering proposals to allow cell phone use during international flights. The United States floated a similar idea for years, but tabled the proposal in early 2007.
The FCC has already approved in-flight broadband, which could bring high-speed Internet to the skies very soon. Jet Blue has rolled out a program that offers email and instant messing, and Alaska Airlines, American Airlines and Virgin America are creating their own offerings. Users would access the web via laptop computers or smart phones.
Speaking of phones, CNET recently updates its guide to world phones, which can be used in multiple nations using different cellular protocols. These days, some travelers can use the same phone in Mexico they use in New York. Perhaps that's some consolation for having to go without on the airplane.
