Productivity of American Business Travelers Hindered According to Study

[Chuong Nguyen]

I don't really know what the official rules are for cell phones on an airplane, but according to a piece on Engadget Mobile (http://www.engadgetmobile.com/2008/01/17/report-americans-get-productivity-shaft-with-in-flight-phone-ba/), American business travelers lose their competitive edge when they travel because the US does not allow for cell phone use on a plane because of FAA and/or FCC regulations.

While I find the conclusion interesting, I personally prefer the cell phone-free skies of the US. Airlines in the States are adding WiFi slowly, which would mean that passengers still have access to some form of communication whether that be email or instant messaging. I personally utilize email and IM more for business communication than voice so there is no competitive disadvantage for me being an American traveler. As a passenger, I would much rather not have loud people using "outside voices" yapping on their cellphones.

Are the skies more friendly being phone-free or would you rather fly with airwaves from your mobile carrier?

[adamz]

Well, would taking the bus instead increase their productivity??

[Jaime Rivera]

HaHaHaHa! True.

Trust me, the annoying phone yapers are the ones complaining. I travel constantly and am productive sleeping so keep them out!

Wifi is enough.

[Brandon Miniman]

Yeah, WiFi would really be enough. Especially on the airlines where you are packed in the cabin like sardines - it would be very distributing if the guy next to you was yapping on a cell phone.

[Pony99CA]

While I find the conclusion interesting, I personally prefer the cell phone-free skies of the US. Airlines in the States are adding WiFi slowly, which would mean that passengers still have access to some form of communication whether that be email or instant messaging. I personally utilize email and IM more for business communication than voice so there is no competitive disadvantage for me being an American traveler. As a passenger, I would much rather not have loud people using "outside voices" yapping on their cellphones.
Which would be worse -- somebody talking on their cell phone or keeping you pinned in your seat because it took them forever to put their tray table up?

And you have tried using a laptop when the guy in front of you reclines his seat? It's worse if you're 6'2", like me, and tray tables bang your legs already.

Now that there aren't Smoking and No Smoking sections, maybe we could have Yapping and No Yapping sections (people with babies would have to take Yapping :D).

Steve

[adamz]

I think all people on airplanes should only communicate with sign language. :)

[Jaime Rivera]

Which would be worse -- somebody talking on their cell phone or keeping you pinned in your seat because it took them forever to put their tray table up?

And you have tried using a laptop when the guy in front of you reclines his seat? It's worse if you're 6'2", like me, and tray tables bang your legs already.

Now that there aren't Smoking and No Smoking sections, maybe we could have Yapping and No Yapping sections (people with babies would have to take Yapping :D).

Steve

Well, the new Embraer ERJ170-190 line already replaced the "No Smoking" sign for a "Electronic Device" sign so an extra one for "No Yapping" should follow :rolleyes:. If I'm already annoyed by being onboard a plane every week or so, this will just make things worse.

[Rainman]

I'd have to go with the data connection as well. Because honestly, I easily turn into a loud cellphone talker!! Which is why I use IM and email a lot :D