I was just on an airplane from Amman, Jordan to Baghdad, Iraq. Every other person had their cell phone on for the entire flight. Granted they were not talking on the phone, but the phone was on and they were using various functions. The flight attendants were not alarmed and did not take any action like they would have on a U.S. flight.
2007-06-17 03:07:36 · 10 answers · asked by jrjameson 3 in Travel ➔ Air Travel
Hot topic!
When I was a Flight Attendant, we were told that yes, it messes up with the navigation equipment onboard. There were even a couple of events that were cited. I remember either a Korean Air or a flight in Korea (something to do with Korea!) went off-course thanks to cell phone use. I'm not sure if the passengers were even aware of what happened so obviously, nothing extreme happened.
BUT this was a long time ago and now it's claimed that the technology has changed and cell phones no longer pose the threat they once did. Remember the brain cancer debate over cell phones?
Google "cell phone navigation equipment flight" and you'll get more than you ever care to read on the subject.
If they were not receiving an outside signal, technically, it shouldn't have been a problem. Electrical equipment itself doesn't do anything. It's the radio waves. Even radio operated toys are banned by the FAA.
My philosophy, predicably given what I did for a living, is, better safe than sorry and keep the ban. Turning the phone off for the flight is hardly a huge demand to make of people, even if the actual risk is small.
Let's just say, you probably weren't put in huge jepardy with those lit phones. Foreign carriers are often much more lax than those in N. America. Also, given the current politics in the area, people probably have a different perspective on "risk management". Kind of like telling a guy about to go into battle to lace his shoes before he trips over them...
If you want to follow up on the incident, write or email them. Airlines take passenger feedback seriously (especially when it makes sense ;) I wouldn't even argue the safety so much as the customer relations aspect. It's not allowed on U.S. carriers and made you feel a little jittery...
Let them know!
2007-06-17 04:57:01 · answer #1 · answered by Eclipsepearl 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
No cell phones do not threat the airplane at all. The only reason the FAA bans cell phones on airplanes is because cell phone companies complain the if people did get a signal at 35,000ft that it would hit to many cell towers and the companies would have problems charging people. Again the cell phone wont do anything to the plane, all it might do is create a little bit of static on the airplanes radio's that's it. No electronics pose any danger to the planes electronic equipment.
2007-06-17 06:15:28 · answer #2 · answered by Steven H 5 · 1⤊ 1⤋
If cell phones were indeed a serious threat, does anyone really think they would be allowed aboard aircraft? Security wouldn't let anyone get near a plane with one.
They don't even check to make sure they are all turned off.
I think it's safe to say that nobody needs to worry too much about cell phones.
2007-06-17 10:31:14 · answer #3 · answered by Pat S 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
As far as I know cell phones can interfere with the electronic equipment on board and cauase a serious hazard.
2007-06-17 03:11:57 · answer #4 · answered by @homeincapetown 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
I thought that the cell phones could interfere with communications between the pilot and the air traffic controller.
2007-06-17 03:10:24 · answer #5 · answered by la buena bruja 7 · 0⤊ 1⤋
Don't use that airline again!
Don't really know, I guess I don't have the knowledge, but from what I've heard it can interfere with the electronic equipment of the pilot. I wouldn't take that risk...
2007-06-17 03:12:03 · answer #6 · answered by Amelie 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋
i don't think so, its just the mobile companies complains , but the airplane is not effected.
and look now, some airlines provides cell phones services. how could they?
2007-06-18 10:13:25 · answer #7 · answered by Jordanian 3 · 1⤊ 0⤋
They MAY interfere with navigation equipment, which is why they aren't allowed to be used on takeoff and landings on US flights.
2007-06-17 03:10:44 · answer #8 · answered by Paul Hxyz 7 · 1⤊ 0⤋
none what so ever but getting a signal above 10 000 feet will be hard they also do not affect medical equipment them just want you to use there system to make money
2007-06-17 03:10:29 · answer #9 · answered by David T 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
you should report to stewardess-after all-your life could be at risk-through their stupidity
2007-06-17 03:10:20 · answer #10 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋