Can I use my cell phone on a plane?

How Does the Use of a Cell Phone Affect the Operation of a Plane?

Using cell phones in an airplane, though varies depending on airline policy, flight regulations of the country overflown, and the type of aircraft being operated. Here the rules and the justifications that surround restrictions on the use of cell phones while in-flight are outlined comprehensively.

Prohibitions and Restrictions on Using Cell Phones in Aircraft

In the United States, for instance, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has banned the usage of cellular telephones for voice calls on board. This ban was placed because someone thought that cell signals may interfere with important instruments that are in aircraft.

Earlier, in 2013, the FAA relaxed rules for airplanes, permitting passengers to use electronic devices in all phases of the flight but only in airplane mode and when devices are held firmly to avoid causing any inconvenience to the flight. Yes, you can use your cell phone for purposes other than voice like games, photos, text, etc if the airline allows you to.

Current and Proposed Policies Concerning Cellular Phone Usage on Airlines

As for whether or not passengers are permitted to make voice calls over the United States, that falls under the jurisdiction of the FAA; however, it is up to each airline to decide what other cell phone usage is allowable on a plane. These policies differ with the airlines' policy and the type of flight, whether it is a Domestic or an International flight.

For instance, while Delta Airlines does not allow the use of electronics during the takeoff and landing, they allow gadgets to be used in airplane mode once the plane is airborne. Similar policies can be observed in other airlines such as United and American where passengers can carry only one personal item in addition to their carry-on luggage. This is because airlines understand that passengers need to communicate during the journey hence allowing the use of cellular phones in moderation will make customers happy.

On most airlines, voice calls are still not allowed irrespective of the origin and the destination because they are more likely to disrupt other passengers compared to text messaging. However, few of the international carriers have made the voice call facility available on some of its long haul flights. It is advisable to visit the websites of the various airlines to know which of them has banned cell phones during flights.

The use of voice calls is limited because they enable people to communicate and organize in ways that are difficult to monitor and control.

The restrictions imposed by the FAA on the use of voice calls while on an aircraft are to avoid cases of interference between cell signals that interfere with the aircraft's navigation equipment and radio. These are both very important systems that pilots need to facilitate safe flying.

Although FCC and FAA have tested and debunked the myth, aviation authorities claim that the probability is still not zero whereby a voice call could transmit in the same frequency as the equipment, resulting in problems. It is safer to be more careful when traveling half a thousand miles per hour and the airplane is 36 thousand feet above the ground!

Moreover, voice calls are bound to inconvenience other passengers on the flight more than silent texting and email. People have to constantly communicate with each other because flying in a metal tube increases noise, and one loud call from a cell is disturbing. Phone behaviors that could put two people in a confrontational mood are also not allowed by airlines since people in the plane cannot just get out of the plane.

When can Passengers be Allowed to make Calls during a Flight?

For now, while the use of voice calls in aircraft is prohibited, this could be a reality shortly due to technological developments. Increasingly more countries are investing in fitting newer aircraft and retrofitting existing ones with systems that enable connections via satellite links.

Since it utilizes satellites in place of cell towers the system does not pose any threat to jamming instruments. The current trend is that airlines regard inflight connectivity, let alone the resultant ancillary revenue, as a potential, while passengers still expect to be always connected regardless of their flight destination. As soon as hardware universally allows one to make and receive voice connections without jeopardizing the safety and/or privacy of others, be ready for airlines to permit inflight phone calls, for example, through voice over internet protocol (VOIP).

What About Customer Perceptions?

As mentioned, many passengers are violently against allowing voice calls since they can interfere with the other person's right to silence or just be plain noisy in a confined and moving cabin. Some of the findings of the survey included; A question was posed whereby passengers were asked if voice calls should be allowed; at any one time, 59 percent of the passengers responded in the negative while only 23 percent wished to be allowed to make phone use.

However, some of the business travelers interviewed mentioned that they had to stay connected with matters of work relevant in the course of the business despite the modality. And who desires to wake up the near and dear ones with bad news that once the wheels are on the ground? The consensus appears to be, that if voice calls are ever to be permitted, airlines should consider a provision of quiet carriages just like the Amtrak model.

Recommendation on the Use of Cellphones on Aircraft

To maximize your productivity and minimize annoying seatmates, here are some best practices regarding cell phone usage while flying commercial airlines: To maximize your productivity and minimize annoying seatmates, here are some best practices regarding cell phone usage while flying commercial airlines:

1. When you are packing your bags, it is recommended to read through policies and frequently asked questions of your airline for a better understanding. Such details are normally published on their website, and clients get to know them when making a booking.

2. Make sure your phone or tablet is at 100 percent charge before you get into the vehicle. Sometimes, inflight power ports cannot be accessed from the seat, and the access is limited to free connections only. Carry an extra charging pack if you feel the need to continue charging the device during the movie if the initial pack drains.

3. Some airlines prohibit the use of electronics from the start of the flight, so once you are seated, switch your gadgets into Airplane Mode and wait for the announcement that it is okay to use the gadgets. This saves battery power in search of signals, as this is time-consuming and will end up draining the battery.

4. If you want to listen to some music, watch a movie, or play some kind of a video game with sound effects – use noise-cancelling headphones. Be considerate of volume.

5. For texting and email, reduce the brightness of your screen to the lowest level though is necessary to minimize the disturbance of those around you.

6. It is necessary to get acquainted with the possibilities and prices for WI-FI in the chosen aircraft if you are going to be online during the flight. Ground networks typically offer higher rates than airspace networks.

7. Avoid talking for a long time on the phone because these are still prohibited and are considered impolite by other passengers in the confined space.

The Final Takeaway

Finally, each airline uses its policy about the usage of cell phones in the flights and hence it is advisable to check their policy before you board the plane. As the permissions enable multiple ways to remain productive during the flight, do not forget that your fellow crew members and co-passengers also deserve equal courtesy as they permit the use of electronic gadgets albeit with restrictions. As new technologies develop, passengers shall find other options for connecting and communicating during flight than the current fashion of using social networks.

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