Frequent fliers in the US know all too well the feeling of being “out of touch” that begins prior to takeoff with the announcement that all mobile phones must be switched off. European airlines have had the same policy of mobile phone-free air travel for years, but the European Union voted Monday to begin clearing the way for travelers to use their mobile phones on flights throughout Europe.
Mobile phone use was originally banned on flights over concerns that the devices could disrupt instruments onboard the aircraft. But new research shows that GSM mobile phones (the standard in Europe for the past 20 years) pose no threat to aircraft instrumentation, and can safely be used on flights.
Under the new EU ruling, Flyers will be allowed to use mobile phones on board an aircraft once it reaches 10,000 feet. Laptops, iPods and other electronic devices will also be allowed once the plane reaches this height, and travelers with so-called smart phones will be allowed to send and receive e-mails, and even surf the Web on their phone, thought they will have to pay extra for an internet connection.
The EU ruling body admits that there are many issues left to settle, including pricing of in-flight mobile phone service and setting rules for in-flight “phone etiquette.” This last point is a particularly touchy subject with some European airlines, including Lufthansa, who has vowed not to introduce in-flight mobile phone use on the grounds that it is disruptive to many of their passengers who simply want to relax on board the plane.
Other European carriers such as Air France-KLM are already experimenting with in-flight phone service on a few of their European flights. So far, the company claims that in-flight mobile phone service is a big hit with its passengers, despite some concerns about travelers being exposed to annoying one-sided conversations on board the plane.
The EU has been very clear that the new ruling will not allow travelers to make calls during takeoff or landing, and that the standard reminders to turn off all mobile phones will continue to be used. The flight crew will notify travelers when it is permitted to use a mobile phone — once the plane reaches an elevation of 10,000 feet. The cabin crew will also be empowered to switch off the in-flight mobile network at any time in the event of turbulence or any security incident on board the plane.
With the new rules to take effect immediately, analysts believe that most European flights will be equipped for in-flight mobile phone usage by September of 2008. Americans, however, will likely have to wait much longer, as the FAA appears to be dragging its heals on the subject of in-flight mobile phone calls in the US.
