Cell Phones on Planes:Annoying and Dangerous

Most recently, the proliferation of cell phones and other electronic/wireless devices on aircraft has caused real concerns. Currently cell phone use is only permitted while the plane is at the gate. While some would like the government to lift or modify its restriction on the use of cell phones after takeoff, there is evidence that such use can interfere with aircraft electronic systems and distract passengers from hearing emergency safety instructions.

Valerie Walker, safety chair for AFA-CWA at United Airlines, also points out that the union is concerned about potential security risks if passengers with bad intentions could coordinate terrorist actions with passengers on the same flight or on the ground. "In this era of heightened security, it just doesn't make sense to loosen standards. We don't need to make it easy for terrorists to coordinate an attack," she noted.

"In addition, unrestricted cell phone use in the cabin would lead to heated arguments among passengers. At 40,000-feet we, as safety professionals, shouldn't have to also worry about having to control emotionally escalating incidents."