An article in last weeks NY Times confirmed what I've been dreading. The FAA will soon allow the use of cell on planes. I predict more air-rage from the haves and the have-nots. And the want to's and the don't want to's. I'm a have that doesn't want to. I get more reading done on a plane than I do before I go to bed. It will be difficult to have to listen to the person seated next to me drone on and on.

Hey fodorites! It's for you

Time to buy stock in companies that make earplugs...

deargodofallthatisgoodandpure!

You know business class is going to be a nightmare. Coach will be hell because no one seems to know how to talk softly on a cell phone. I'm glad that I have noise dampening earphones to plug into my iPod!!

I haven't had a chance to read today's paper but I thought that cell phones were prohibited because they can interfere with the flight instruments and that's why you could use them while taxiing but not during take-off. Oh, I just answered by own question...crap, that's too bad!

NY Times, Oct. 5, Business Page, "Almost Here: Cell Phones at 37,000 Feet"

Just what we need. Ugh!

Have you ever sat next to someone in a doctor's office on a cell phone? At least in this case you could get up and walk away! Consider me southern (I am), but this just seems rude to me. I don't mind conversation if the person next to you is in on it, but when any conversation (including the those loud ones between passengers) becomes intrusive to those around you- I consider it rude.

It's bad enough now when the plane lands and instantly twenty or so cell phones all around me go into use. Now we'll have to endure entire business meetings, baby sitting consultations, and crass gossip endlessly while we fly.
I don't have a cell phone, but may get a dummy one to take along. And as soon as the person next to me starts going on and on, maybe I'll start a "conversation" on mine -- my mind is already spinning with ideas of what things to "talk" about.

Everybody who uses a cell phone on a flight should be charged $10 by the flight attendants. Everyone who didn't use a cell phone on the flight should be given $10 by the attendants when they exit the plane. Phone users trying to get around the charge would be talking so softly and descreetly you wouldn't hear them.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW!!??

Jor, That is the most simplistic thing you could have come up with. And I think it is absolutely Brilliant! I love it.

I like Patricks idea - too funny. And it would be fun to do too!

OK, Patrick, in the name of Fodorite collegiality, we will all support each other to develop the script...here's a start:
"The pus is WHAT color? And how long has it been draining?..."

Next?

I do think this thread is going to be veeery interesting! Can hardly wait for all the witty suggestions. Keep them coming.

"Well, my infection has gotten worse too, and when I got on the plane I sat in the wrong seat and had to move over one."

It will be a nightmare. It is bad enough people already use them on public transportation vehicles. I can't figure out why someone needs to use the cell phone as soon as someone takes off or lands. Usually plans are made to meet someone before taking off to the destination. Most of the cell phone gibberish is usually asking about what someone had for dinner, the only reason I know this is that the person I sat next to talked so LOUD. I don't think it has to do with have and have nots, I just get sick of people talking so loud. Europeans are right, Americans love to talk really loud. Maybe they want to believe they are special.

Patrick & Seamus,

" No no, not if I cough, only if I breathe heavy. Yes yes, it is very contagious. Be sure to bring more rubber gloves when you pick me up...bye bye."

L'Italy-I guess there are no loud Italians, si?

Kal,
did you mean Stephanie?