Today, the New York Times outlined the difference in cell phone use when flying in the U.S. versus flying abroad. When flying domestically, in-flight cellphone use is currently banned by the FCC. According to industry officials, cell phones can be used on more than 15,000 international flights a month.
I can see the arguments on both sides, especially on long flights crossing an ocean. In today’s hyper-connected world, it’s tough to be out of touch for 10 or more hours, although there is typically Wi-Fi on long flights. However, on short 45 minute flights, I don’t see the need to allow cellphone use. Can you really not afford to be reachable by phone for 45 minutes? Since Wi-Fi is becoming more ubiquitous on flights, you could still stay reachable – just not by phone.
At FlyMiwok, our operators don’t allow cell phone usage during a flight, either. Apart from the FCC ban, most flights are less than one hour, so you will not be “off grid” for that long. In addition, since our operators fly small planes and not big jets, interference with navigational equipment has not been studied as much as it has for big airplanes. And since safety comes first, our operators cannot allow in-flight cellphone use. We hope you agree with our and our operators’ maxim.
Veit Irtenkauf – Chief Product Officer – FlyMiwok, Inc.
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