Aug 7, 2008 11:25 pm US/Eastern
Age A Factor In Who Wants Airline Cell Phone Use
BALTIMORE (WJZ) ―
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A new report shows nearly half of airline passengers would like to be able to use cell phones while flying.
CBS
A new report shows nearly half of airline passengers would like to be able to use cell phones while flying.
Dennis Edwards talked to passengers to see if they agree with the findings.
The answer was yes and no. It all depends on what age group they're in.
Cell phones are now an indispensable tool, but do airline passengers need to use them while flying? A Department of Transportation survey shows four in 10 people feel their in-flight use should definitely or probably be permitted.
Among those 65 and older, 60 percent oppose it while half of 18 to 34-year-olds disagree.
"I think it would really be useful to be able to use your cell phone on a plane whether one wants to call family that's waiting for you or conduct business," said Arthur Ewenczyk of Washington, D.C.
These stats appear to indicate a major generation gap, but there appears to be a pretty good reason for it.
For some older travelers, permitting flight cell use depends on whether you're taking off or landing.
"I don't think they should be used in taking off and landing. OK, I think in flight there shouldn't be a problem as long as it's kept within reason," said Ed Savoca of Lancaster, Pa.
"In flight no, I think they're too distracting. Not only for the person that you're talking to but the person sitting next to you that is speaking too loudly," said Barb Roark from Tampa, Fla.
So older travelers say no cell phones in flight. Younger travelers want to keep talking. Maybe the tie breakers are among those whose ages fall somewhere in between.
"As long as you use it with conscientiousness, I think you should be able to use it," said Lauri Fetzer.
"The safety measures can be mitigated in today's technology to avoid any conflict from the safety point of view," said Janet Ceddia.
The FAA prohibits the use of cell phones in flight because of potential interference with communications equipment, but that could change should the U.S. follow the European Union's move to allow it.
(© MMIX, CBS Broadcasting Inc. All Rights Reserved.)
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