The FCC, the FAA, airlines and technology companies are working to make cellphones work safely on airline flights. But as problematic as the technical issues are the social ones.
During the American Airlines test, “we told everyone that the softer you speak, the better the conversation,” Mr. Ford said. “Yet the moment we gave out the cellphones, they all started yelling.”
Swell.
38 view(s)
I detest people who yell on cellphones, yet I find myself doing it. I think it’s a natural response to having to strain to hear over the ambient noise. It’s even worse where reception is bad and your signal keeps cutting in and out.
I also find with the new smaller cell phones I have difficulty getting the speaker on my ear. Moving the phone 1/8″ away from my ear canal results in me not hearing anything at all.
I know just what you mean. While I dislike the idea of having a cell phone (like my Tungsten W) that *requires* a headphone to use, using a headphone when possible is almost always a better conversation with my cell.
Not to be a nasty nay-sayer, but I’m all for keeping cell phones off during the flight. The last thing I want to do while flying is work and if cell phones can be used, I’ll have to work.
Flying is my time to study, reflect, and just enjoy the ride… even if that ride is riddled with screaming kids, a large, sweaty fat man that takes up half my seat, and some jerk that MUST recline his seat because those 3 inches make all the difference.
… and some jerk that MUST recline his seat because those 3 inches make all the difference. …
… in whether my laptop screen is barely visible, or whether it will be crushed by self-same jerk’s abrupt reclining.
I admit it’s kind of nice to be out of cellphone range sometimes. On the other hand, there are times when I’m flying on business that I’d very much like to call Margie …
True… The wife factor is pretty high, but that’s why I always call right before I get on.
And I see you’ve had the same jerk almost break your laptop as well.
It’s not like the setup (in coach, at least) is amenable to using a laptop on the plane. When the seat reclines, it’s usually impossible to do so, assuming the action hasn’t broken the screen off.
I usually at least glance behind me before reclining my seat, but, then, we all know I’m a few sigmas off.
And these are the same people that point while giving directions over the phone, too!