On a business trip a decade or more ago, a colleague of mine decided to try out all of the ring tones on his new cellphone. On a Eurostar from Brussels to London, while passing through the Channel Tunnel. Looking around at the irate expressions on the faces of our fellow passengers, I had the distinct impression that we would be lucky to make it back to London in one piece, but fortunately my colleague soon tired of the game and stashed the phone away.
Fast forward to today, and we learn that the FAA in Washington is giving serious consideration to allowing cellphone use during passenger flights. The technical issues that led to the ban on the use of these devices were resolved (or debunked) some time ago, and a few international airlines, including Emirates, are already permitting their use.
Unions representing cabin staff are aghast, and rightly so. Phone usage in flight is likely to be very expensive, which may deter kids from calling all their pals to announce "I'm on the plane", but cost is unlikely to be an issue for the armies of bankers and hedge fund managers up at the front of the bus, just salivating for a new opportunity to bray into their iPhones.
How long before inconsiderate phone use triggers an all-out brawl in business class? I'd say before breakfast time on the first day the restrictions are lifted. Just one more reason to be glad I don't fly much any more.
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