Cell Phones to Be Allowed In-Flight in Europe

Cell phones not in airplane mode will now be allowed on European Flights.

From US News:

 European skies may soon be alive with the sound of small talk with new safety rules allowing the use of all portable electronics, including cell phones, at any time during flights.

Under the guidelines issued Friday by the European Aviation Safety Agency, European airlines can allow passengers to use electronics during the entire flight, without putting them into “airplane mode.”

“We’re basically opening the door where, in theory, you’ll be able to continue making your phone call through the gate throughout the flight … like you would on a train,” spokesman Ilias Maragakis told The Associated Press.

I’m not sure this would work the way it works on a train.  While I do try to follow the instructions to shut off my phones as a good rule-follower, my main motivation in shutting off the phone is to keep the battery from dying.

When I accidentally leave it on, it is constantly searching for a signal at that high of an altitude.  So unless they change the way they send signals to cell phones, I’m not quite sure this will have the impact people think.

But I’m also not an expert in cell-phones.  What do you think?  Will this idea fly?

About Jeanne Marie Hoffman

Former bartender, still a geek. One equal part each cookies, liberty, football, music, travel, libations. Stir vigorously. +Jeanne Marie Hoffman Jeanne on Twitter

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2 comments

  1. Cell phones won’t work at altitude much unless the airlines install a cellular repeater service from what I know. I would ask Wandering Aramean, I bet he would know the answer to this question.

  2. Many carrires are implementing wi-fi calling in their plans. Assuming sufficient bandwidth, there will be no need to be within range of cell towers.

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