■
INFORMEDdebate
SHUTTERSTOCK
from members:
YES
Bonnie Hoffman
Bigfork, MT
They may be very
useful in case of
an emergency.
Jessica Walker
Tuscaloosa, AL
FRANCE FREEMAN/CHRIS A RUSNAK
People have to
use their cell-
phones for work
and personal
purposes, which
never stop whether you’re
on a flight or not.
Abubackarr Yanssaneh
Miami, FL
I want to be able
to call whoever
may be waiting so
I can let them
know the plane
will be landing soon.
Should in-flight
cellphone calls
NO
be permitted?
from members:
Steve Underwood
Oregon City, OR
The Federal Communications Commission has proposed
allowing passengers to use their mobile wireless devices, including cellphones, while flying above 10,000 feet. Supporters
say that cellphone use does not interfere with aviation safety,
and that on foreign airlines where it’s permitted passengers’
calls tend to be short and unobtrusive. Critics argue that allowing
voice calls in-flight would compromise flight attendants’ ability
to maintain order in an emergency, increase cabin noise and
tension among passengers and add unacceptable risk to aviation security. They also point out that a majority of the traveling
public want the cellphone ban maintained.
I don’t want to
have to listen to
others’ personal
conversations.
[Their use] would
cause tensions in the air.
Megan Miller
Round Rock, TX
[It] could potentially increase terrorist activity and
allow for unruly
passengers
onboard.
What do you think?
Mark Anderson
Harrisburg, PA
Find out more about this topic on the Web:
• www.faa.gov/ (search “FAA to allow airlines to expand use of
personal electronics”)
• www.nashvillescene.com (search “In defense of cell phone calls
on airplanes”)
Calls just interrupt
everything going
on around you.
Besides, how
much reception
could you possibly have?
• www.pcmag.com (search “FCC, please don’t allow phone calls on planes”)
