From The Washington Post:

The Federal Communications Commission is considering loosening a ban on using cell phones in airplanes.

FCC officials will discuss at a meeting Wednesday changes to rules that bar people from using wireless devices while flying, spokeswoman Lauren Patrich said yesterday. “Relaxing or replacing” the rules are among possible outcomes, and the prohibition may be scrapped altogether, she said.

I can’t tell you how much I dislike this idea.

But I’ll try.

Airplanes are one of the last remaining cell phone-less environments (if not the only one) left on earth. Even Third World countries are starting to get invaded. I’m not complaining, though; I’m decidely naked without mine.

However, when we are already in an enclosed and cramped space for long periods of time, surrounded by literally hundreds of people, contending with screaming babies, turbulence, and either poor or non-existent food, do we really need this additional annoyance? Is there really anything that we, as the unwashed masses, really need to communicate to the outside world as we wing our way across the country? I presume that the people you’re going to see already know you’re coming, and that you were prescient enough to turn off the stove before leaving the house. Chill out and watch the movie.

Business-people maybe need uninterrupted communication. Feel free to expense the $2.00 a minute on the AirPhone.
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I cannot imagine (and frankly don’t want to) sitting in a plane for five hours, surrounded by 300 people screaming into their cell phones to hear themselves over the din, blissfully ignorant of anyone around them. Especially as all of my flights originate from, or return to, LA… if I might perpetuate the stereotype.

Missing Cambodian soldiers from the Vietnam War, emerge from the forest...25 years later
>Fight inconsiderate cell phone use (via kottke)