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Technology - June 2008
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Cell phone use controversy in the air
In-flight cell phone use has been approved in Europe and so the conversation starts stateside as to whether there is any reason not to allow it in the skies above the United States. Recently, a passenger found that the US-based carriers are not about to bend or change the rules based on those in Europe. When he refused to hang up his cell phone during a flight to Dallas in May, he received a personal reception from the Dallas police department when his plane landed.
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) cites danger of interference with navigation systems as the reason for not allowing in-flight cell phone use. However, with increased conversation around this topic, passengers have brought up concerns of comfort, more than safety. In a survey commissioned by Connected Life Americas at Yahoo Inc., nearly three-fourths of cell phone users would rather not fly next to someone chatting throughout the flight. While they encourage and embrace allowing the wireless (and silent) features of cell phones, very few passengers care to hear the conversations of others in close quarters such as an airplane cabin.
It seems that acceptance of this practice is underwhelming when it comes to passenger opinion. In other cases, however, travelers find that it could make them more productive, pass the flight time faster, and keep them connected in the case of emergencies. More and more airlines are looking at expanding offerings, and if the FAA lifts the restriction, the real debate may begin. No matter whether travelers are the unwilling participant in someone's call or the caller, etiquette and understanding of others is becoming more necessary while traveling through the air.
Sources: MSNBC, Computerworld
In-flight entertainment takes a front seat
Airlines are competing on many fronts to gain customer loyalty, but one area that has recently heated up is the competition over in-flight entertainment. From audio to video, in-seat capacity to on-demand capability, nearly every airline around the globe is increasing their offering of in-flight entertainment to their passengers.
Currently, international airlines receive praise and awards for their innovative thinking as it relates to entertainment. Korean Air, Etihad Airways, Air Canada, British Airways, and Qantas have garnered the attention of travelers, while Emirates, Singapore Airlines, and Virgin Atlantic also offer attractive options. However, U.S.-based carriers are steadily rolling out new fleets of airliners to accommodate passengers, and entertainment has not been forgotten. US Airways announced late last year that it is working on an upgrade to fiber optics for movie offerings, with other carriers also working to meet the demands of travelers.
While quality and availability of in-flight entertainment is increasing, so are options. Many airlines offer live television, satellite radio, or on-demand and pay-per-view movies. In-flight Internet access is being tested around the globe and Europe has recently begun allowing in-flight cell phone use. Soon, travelers will have access to a wide variety of entertainment choices at their fingertips—whether on the ground or in the air.
Sources: USA Today, The Arizona Republic
