Cellphone Usage On Airplanes?

Next year, Singapore Airlines will begin installing technology in dozens of planes to let passengers surf the Internet on board, during the flight. This new technological feature will also allow passengers to make airbourne phone calls. However, Singapore Airlines is still on the fence about whether passengers should be able to talk on the phone during flights. Besides risking the cellphone’s interference with the airplane’s navigation system, this feature might also turn a “crowded, airborne cabin into a flying phone booth”.

I generally hate flying. I have a HUGE phobia of flying which is sadly extremely ironic as I am an international student. I’ve lived in four different countries and fly on a plane at least six times a year. However, after reading this article about the new technological advancements Singapore Airlines has made and how it can offer passengers the ability to surf the web while in flight; the Facebook-addict in me jumped and my heart started racing. How awesome would it be to be able to chat with friends as a distraction from a major panic attack that usually results from my aviophobia?

Virgin Airlines already does offer this beautiful amenity that’s a thousand times better than all the complimentary bagged pretzels and cashews that other airlines offer. Having WiFi on flights would be a great business strategy that would benefit business travelers, honeymooners and families. One would be able to send off work reports, upload photos from a vacation, or simply pass time by watching Youtube videos.