Hearing cell phone conversations while flying might become your newest gripe with the airlines, as the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is proposing to allow cell phone usage in-flight.
The FCC toyed with the idea of allowing cell phone usage previously in 2004 and were met with a negative response. A decade later, the response is unchanged by many.
Sixty-one percent of passengers surveyed are not ready to say goodbye sleep and hello to that loud annoying person retelling their not-so-funny story about how drunken grandma fell out her seat at Christmas dinner. Besides, who wants to endure late-night pillow talk while on a red-eye?
Flight attendants say mobile usage will add another level of stress to their job. Veda Shook, the international president of the Association of Flight Attendants cited safety and security concerns.
The FCC will present its proposal in December, but not without challenges. Since cell phone networks access land-based towers, airplanes will have to develop technology to accommodate cell phones. Second, individual airlines have a say in implementing the policy. Those looking to attract business travelers may view the proposition as an added feature, while other airlines may nix the idea completely.
Recently, passengers protested the ban of electronic devices such as phones, tablets, and e-readers during takeoff and landing causing the Federal Aviation Administration and airlines to relax restrictions.
After standing in long security lines and enduring an invasive body scan, who really wants to be forced to listen to Chatty Kathy? Not I.
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