Olbermann has a piece on

[shraby]

saying that cell phones will be able to be used on airplanes...I thought this was already possible. On 9/11 didn't people make cell phone calls to their relatives from the hijacked planes?

[xultar]

1. They were using the GTE Air Phones. n/t

[shraby]

2. Okay. I didn't realize that. I thought some used

their cell phones.

[xultar]

5. You are right about a flight attendant on the NY flight. I think as the

plane was coming back into NY she called her husband and left a message. Most used the GTE airphones because they were rounded up away from their seats.
The GTE operators were given high praise for helping the passengers who called get in touch with their families and the FAA.

[The Velveteen Ocelot]

3. Cell phones work on airplanes.

But their use is illegal because they tie up cells for miles. There is a hefty FCC fine for using cell phones in flight, but they are developing phones that don't mess up other transmissions or possibly interfere with aircraft systems.

[LSparkle]

4. You can use them on planes but only before they take off

Once you're off the ground, you're stuck with the Airphones.

[Shopaholic]

6. Great. Just great.

One of the things I love about flying is that I'm able to get away from the sound of phones ringing. Not anymore I guess-although KO's report did say that it was probably several years away from being widely available.

[onecitizen]

7. I thought you meant........

a hairpiece! Ha!