International airline to allow cell phone chatter on planes

[KnoxVegas]

This week's sign of the apocalypse:

NEW YORK (CNN) -- From cell phone use to high-speed Internet access, the connected life is spreading to the skies.

In January, Emirates airline plans to launch mobile phone usage in its planes, making it the first airline to allow passengers to make cell phone calls on its flights.

http://www.cnn.com/2006/TECH/12/21/wired.airlines/index.html

This is something that I hope never comes to the US. Yes, in an emergency situation, I think you should be able to use your mobile. The people on UA 93 demonstrated that. But the free use of mobile phones, while in the air is a threat to public safety. Think about it for a moment. All of the annoying habits of mobile uses, that usually you can move away from on land, now brought to a confined space, 30,000+ feet in the air. Planes might not start falling out of the sky but I am sure that emergency landings will increase, if this were allowed on US-based carriers.

Same goes for the clowns that use their wireless cards to send emails while in-flight. The jury may still be out on whether or not this causes problems with the navigation but it is still against FAA rules.

[Adam G]

I agree... I do a lot of flying for work and groan when I'm seated next to the guy who speaks on his cell phone until the very last second before takeoff, and then is on it again the second the back wheels hit. I couldn't imagine a 2 hour flight sitting next to that guy if he had free reign all flight long. But how exactly will this increase emergency landings?

[Jolly Roger]

You're far too kind using the term "clown"

[Gvlax]

only in old planes where wiring was not so insulated will cell phone chatter bring down planes. Thank you Mythbusters for this knowledge. New planes will not be affected. although i will kill someone if they were talking for 3 hours but texting would be nice on long flights.

[KnoxVegas]

Reason I think planes will be making emergency landings is that people will turn on each other, not because of the use of mobile technology.

As for the use of clown, you can insert your own derogatory sentiment if it suits you, er them.