cell phones

[waltdisneyworlddreamer]

1st time flyer--- Do cell phones work while in flight?? Are you allowed to use them? I might need to call mom to calm my nerves.

What about my camcorder? Can I use it to film my children's reactions, since this is their first time flying too?

 

[kelleigh1]

You can not use your cell phone during flight. They will announce this prior to departure, but once the doors are closed, phones are not to be turned on.

I'm not sure about the camcorder, but you're not able to use any electronic devices during takeoff. They'll announce when you need to turn everything off and then will later announce when you can begin using certain approved electronic devices.

 

[kaytieeldr]

Cell phone use is NOT permitted on the plane once the doors have been closed and may not be used again until at least landing, or inside the destination airport, depending on the airline. Announcements will be made. Cellular phones and similar devices can interfere with the operation of the aircraft and you really don't want to be responsible for that, do you?

The video camera probably can be used, again in compliance with announcements from the Flight Attendants.

Bring things to distract yourself - books, magazines, your kids... if you're truly concerned, you might want to see your physician.

 

[Mycroft]

Cell phones are not allowed to be used while in flight. They ask you to turn them off as soon as the cabin door is closed.


I believe camcorders may used during the flight with the exception of takeoff and landing. They ask you to shut off all electronics during these times.

ETA: Wow! I've got to learn to type faster. lol

 

[wfloyd]

Not only is cell phone use not permitted but you are usually not able to get a signal in the airplane during the flight. Until the re-fit the airlines to be capable of handling this, it is almost a moot point.

 

[korrie leslie]

Camcorders are definitely okay, I have recorded my children in flight before.

 

[DebbieB]

Some planes have the airfones in the back of the seat in front of you (I know USAir has them). You have to use a credit card, not sure how much it costs.

 

[cranbiz]

Now I heard something that peaked my interest on my way down Saturday. The FA on my Southwest flight stated that cell phones had to be either off of placed in "Airplane Mode". I did not think that she was making a joke on this and I haven't heard of airplane mode before.

Could it be that new phones have some sort of mode to allow operation on Planes?

I do agree that it wil be very difficult to get a reliable signal during flight.

 

[CarolA]

Some planes have the airfones in the back of the seat in front of you (I know USAir has them). You have to use a credit card, not sure how much it costs.

A LOT! I am pretty sure it's like a $10 activation fee and something horrid like a dollar a minute.. You need to be really desperate (or drunk LOL!)

As for video cameras, people will complain if you use the light but otherwise I would think it's OK. Also, please dont' videotape stranges. (I once saw someone grab a camera because the woman on the flight was taking videos of all of us... I have no idea why she wanted a video record of all the folks on the plane with her??? Can you imagine watching that home video? LOL)

 

[CarolA]

Just a though. My phone is one of those Treo's which has about 10 different functions. So you can turn off the phone part and still use some of the others (like the solitare game!) Maybe that is what the FA meant by "airplane mode"????

 

[MAH4546]

Now I heard something that peaked my interest on my way down Saturday. The FA on my Southwest flight stated that cell phones had to be either off of placed in "Airplane Mode". I did not think that she was making a joke on this and I haven't heard of airplane mode before.

Could it be that new phones have some sort of mode to allow operation on Planes?

I do agree that it wil be very difficult to get a reliable signal during flight.

Yes, phones have "airplane mode". My phone has this. It allows you to use a phones other features - video camera, camera, games, etc. - while the phone part if shut off, so you can't make/receive calls or SMS.

 

[cranbiz]

You learn something new every day!
My phone nas some of those features, but I did not look to see if I could disable the phone part. I guess it's time to break out the manual.

 

[marc1477]

No cell phones. Camcorders should be ok once in the air. Just listen to the flight attendent.

 

[mill4023]

Yep. FAA prohibits cell phone use from the time the door is closed until after landing.
Camcorders, cameras, gameboy's, etc. are allowed during the flight.
Except NO electronic devices of any kind can be used during takeoff and landing.