FCC Continues to Nix Inflight Cell Phones

Sometimes, a government agency makes a wise decision. Bless their bureaucratic little hearts, the Federal Communications Commission reaffirmed its earlier decision that passengers still may not use cellphones on planes while in flight. The official reason given was that there is still no solid information on whether cell phones interfere with cell towers on the ground and, perhaps more importantly, with an aircraft's communication system. My brother-in-law, the Airbus captain, claims that cell phones, like video games, distract passengers' attention while the crew is making its announcements. Even though many cell phones feature a "flight mode" that turns off the transmitter off, but still permits other functions, but those remain distractions.

For my part, I don't care why the FCC ruled as it did. I'm simply glad of it. Flying these days isn't all that much fun anymore -- what with security rigmarole, tight quarters and minimalist food. To be trapped in an aircraft cabin with one-sided conversations all around would amount to cruel and inhuman travel punishment. It is annoying enough to be assaulted by relentless and usual trivial jabber in the waiting area and on-board before take-off and immediately upon landing. I've never figured out why so many people feel obligated to call someone and report, "We just landed. We're taxiing now. I'll be getting off the plane in a few minutes."

So thanks, FCC. Stick to your guns. Oops. No guns allowed when we're talking about airplanes.