Vast majority of americas say “no” to cell phone use in-flight

In a new nationwide survey, Travel Leaders Group asked Americans across the country if they are in favor of the Change and 73% of those polled do not want pocket knives allowed in airplane cabins. Also, a vast majority (nearly 80%) indicate they do not want fellow airline passengers to have the ability to make cell phone calls inflight. The survey includes responses from 1,788 consumers throughout the United States and was conducted by Travel Leaders Group – an $18 billion powerhouse in the travel industry – from March 15 to April 8, 2013.

"The results are very clear. Most Americans would prefer the status quo with regard to cell phone use inflight. Because so many Planes are flying at near capacity and many passengers already feel a lack of personal space within the airplane cabin, it's understandable that they want to continue to have some amount of peace and quiet whether they are on a short commuter flight or a flight that lasts several hours," stated Travel Leaders Group CEO Barry Liben. "Hopefully officials who are studying the idea listen to what the public has to say.  The same is true for pocket knives in carry-on baggage. This is a real hot-button issue. The TSA's rationale is that they are aligning their policy to match international rules. International air carriers have different rules for the allowable size and weight of carry-on bags – we don't follow those guidelines.  The rationale doesn't make sense when so many consumers and flight crew members are opposed to the idea."  

Pocket Knives in Carry-On

Beginning later this week (April 25), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) will allow certain items on onboard airplanes as part of carry-on baggage such as: pocket knives with blades less than 2.36 inches, toy bats, two golf clubs, and ski poles.

When asked, "Are you in favor of this Change or against it?" 73% of those polled said they are not in favor of allowing pocket knives on Planes.

Studies are underway to determine if full cell phone use is safe while inflight and a decision on whether to allow such use (not just "airplane mode") is expected this summer.  In Travel Leaders Group's survey, nearly 80% of those polled are against allowing passengers to make cell phone calls during flight.