Cell Phones on Airplanes

We are already surrounded. In the checkout line at the grocery store, on an elevator, even in a public restroom, people's cell phone conversations fill the air. Elementary school students to senior citizens, professionals to those on a fixed income are toting cell phones and spending hours on them daily. Despite incessant use, no phone etiquette seems to be in place in our culture. The incoming call takes ultimate priority, no matter the locale. Rings and tones fill the air with no respect for the location. Few places allow an escape from the ringing and the chatting. Wedding ceremonies and theatrical performances are often preceded by a request to turn ringers off. Doctors' offices post signs telling patients that phones cannot be answered during appointments. Even when signs are posted, people are not able to resist the call.

Obviously, there is a great lack of phone etiquette if Americans have to be told to turn their phones off. When on the phone, people tend to ignore all those that surround them. Inappropriate conversations are not censored for the children that might be passing by. Store clerks, and all the others following in line, are made to wait while a phone call is continued. Restaurants that use to be filled with intimate conversations are now crowded with incoming business and personal calls.

No one wants to give up their phone, but are we ready for more privileges? Are Americans ready to have the right to make and receive calls on a flight? Airlines in Europe and the Middle East are readying the technology for making phone calls, text messaging and emails in flight. United States flights will likely have Wi-Fi capabilities by next year, but it is unknown when they will extend to allow cell phone calls. Will Americans learn some phone etiquette before this hits our borders? What must come first: learning to use cell phones respectfully in public or the right to use them on crowded airplanes, no matter who is inconvenienced?

Airplane rides, if not already uncomfortable enough with small seats and lacking leg room, might soon be infiltrated with phone conversations. Upon landing, passengers already experience the chatter of numerous phone calls within the tight quarters of a plane. As soon as the plane lands and the attendant gives the o.k. many passengers are calling loved ones or business associates to get on with their day. How will flights change if this is permitted for entire flights, day and night? After Americans travel abroad and experience in flight cell phone use, it will undoubtedly be permitted on U.S. flights soon. The question stands, how much will Americans endure to have their cell phone accessible?