Cell Phones in Flight?

Photo by Gus Ruballo on Unsplash

Recently, I took an early morning flight from Washington DC to Dayton.  I was returning from a University of Dayton college reunion weekend with my housemates from 30 years ago.  It was a weekend packed with laughter, sharing of memories, and lack of sleep.  Needless to say, I was ready to embrace the opportunity to close my eyes, reflect on my treasured friends, and transition back to my 54 year old life. 

The flight was full.  I boarded the plane and sat in my assigned middle seat.  Next to me was a lovely looking young woman.   We all settled in while urged to stow our carry on bags, buckle up, and turn attention to the flight staff review of safety measures.

Now I readily admit, I have been known to listen half heartedly as the flight attendants demonstrate how to buckle a seat belt or place the oxygen mask in the event of a rapid change in air pressure.  I always say a prayer that such unfortunate action will not be necessary.  I am, however, a cooperative passenger willing to respect their role, follow direction, and keep my elbows away from others’ personal space.

Once the cabin doors closed, we were encouraged to turn all gadgets to airplane compatible settings.  The young woman next to me must not have heard correctly.  As pre flight instructions began, she decided to make a call from her cell phone. I was stunned!  Not only was this just plain rude to the flight attendant who politely requested the attention of all passengers, I wondered whether her cell phone microwaves would interfere with the entire air traffic control system as the plane thrusted towards the sky.  To my surprise, she just kept talking and talking and talking. 

A bit later, as the flight attendant moved through the aisle taking beverage orders, my hope was that my now annoying neighbor would be busted.  The attendant took a double look at her and said, “You cannot be on your phone!”  The young woman boldly stated she was using her phone via Internet.  No rule stated she must hang up.

And so the flight went.  I tried to disrupt her continuous long -winded conversation by displacing her in my quest to use the lavatory.  I heavy sighed, gave dirty looks, and commiserated with surrounding passengers to no avail.

I de-boarded the plane and made my way through the terminal.  I walked behind my flight nemesis as she continued talking on the phone the entire way to baggage claim.  I wondered what could have possibly been so important.  I also felt sympathy for the person on the other end of the line.  From where I sat, there was no pause for listening. 

As the airlines navigate the use of cellular devices, I hope there is careful consideration to flying etiquette.  I raise my hand and say the use of cell phones for talking should be banned while