British Airways will allow telephone calls during flights aboard airplanes as the latest technology in accessing Wi-Fi eventually expands across its fleet of airplanes — and this article also discusses the reasons why I still oppose this policy.
British Airways to Allow Inflight Calls. Why I Still Oppose This Policy.
The technology that allows each person to connect to multiple portable electronic devices simultaneously — as well as delivering reliable broadband internet capable of supporting streaming, online gaming, video telephone calls, and more — is Starlink, which is considered to be the most advanced satellite constellation in low-Earth orbit in the world.
“Enabling fast, reliable Wi-Fi on your flight is part of our journey to bring you the best possible on-board experience. To make sure every customer has an enjoyable flight, we ask you to follow these guidelines”, according to the official Internet web site of British Airways — and those guidelines are as follows:
• If you’re making a call, keep your voice low and use headphones.
• Please always use headphones when watching or listening to content on your device.
• Please do not access anything offensive, or watch or download inappropriate content (please note some sites are blocked).
This all sounds like great news — until one arrives at the realization that not all passengers are considerate in the real world.
An increasing number of people refuse to wear headphones for some reason — even in hospitals. Some people are outright loud. Other people tend to engage in pornography or other inappropriate content and unintentionally share it with others.
I have read articles from writers who were against telephone calls aboard airplanes simply because the technology could not handle the simultaneous load from multiple passengers which caused the technology to slow down significantly or fail — and they have since changed their minds now that the technology has improved…
…but does permitting telephone calls aboard airplanes improve the overall experience for everyone?
Is British Airways Bucking a Trend?
Interestingly enough, this news comes at a time when restaurants and bars have increasingly been embracing policies to encourage environments that are free of telephones to encourage more socializing while enhancing dining experiences. For example, greater than 350 locally owned Chick-fil-A restaurants across the United States participated in what was known as the “Cell Phone Coop challenge” back in March of 2016 during which customers received a free dessert simply for putting away their mobile telephones into a small square box that was placed on each table at the restaurant. The name of the small square box was the Coop…
…and the promotion has reportedly been revived at select locations of Chick-fil-A restaurants earlier in 2026.
The restaurants and bars that are encouraging this policy range the entire spectrum from casual eateries to upscale dining establishments. The movement aligns with broader societal shifts — including restrictions on the use of mobile telephones in schools, social media bans for minors, and a resurgence of interest in physical media.
Final Boarding Call
So let me see if I understand this correctly: if I am seated near a window, I should keep the window shade down so as not to disturb other passengers with unwanted ambient light from outside even though I like the natural light and want to look outside — but everybody should be allowed to talk on their telephones anytime they want during the flight as other passengers are trying to relax or sleep?
If no other form of communication was available, I can understand the need for telephone calls — but texting and e-mail messages are just two of the forms of silent communication that are as readily available as voice calls. I really do not want to hear both sides of a conference call aboard an airplane while I am trying to relax.
On the other hand, some exceptions to restricting telephone calls aboard airplanes should be granted — such as if someone simply needs to listen in on a conference call without talking; or for those passengers who must address an emergency that arises and requires immediate attention — but otherwise, I cannot at the moment think of a telephone call that simply could not wait until after the airplane has landed.
After reading this argument in favor of allowing voice telephone calls aboard airplanes that was posted by Barry Graham — who is a reader of The Gate With Brian Cohen — I am open to perhaps allowing passengers aboard airplanes to use electronic voice communications for a trial period to see if it actually works and whether the concerns of those who are opposed to it are verified. When I give an opinion in an article — even when I am adamant about a point of view pertaining to a topic — I try to keep an open mind when opposing views are presented to me, as that is one way in which I continue to learn.
Other than for the aforementioned exceptions, I am still at this time opposed to the implementation of mobile telephone calls aboard airplanes — but not as opposed as I would be about passengers using the speakerphone function, as hearing one side of a conversation is more than enough for me. I do not need to hear both sides of a conversation — or, even worse, all sides of a conference call.
What are your thoughts? Do you have any hang-ups about receiving this latest information with the wish that they would put this implementation on hold; or are you receptive about conversations flowing aboard the airplane all throughout the flight? Please cast your vote in this poll:
Loading ...In the meantime, other articles at The Gate With Brian Cohen which pertain to telephone calls aboard airplanes include:
- Telephone Calls To Be Permitted During Flights Within Europe
- Guest Article: Why Telephone Calls Should Be Permitted Aboard Airplanes During Flights
- Forget Mobile Telephone Calls Aboard Airplanes For the Foreseeable Future, According to the Federal Communications Commission of the United States
- Stupid Tip of the Day: Do Not Talk on the Telephone After Airplane Doors Closed — Otherwise…
- Should an Emergency Telephone Call Delay a Flight?
- Poll: Are You In Favor or Against Telephone Calls During Flights?
- Telephone Calls: Should They Be Allowed During Flight?
- Telephone Calls: Should They Be Allowed During Flight? It Could Happen Soon…
- Use a Mobile Telephone and Risk Losing Elite Status?
- Airline Passenger Arrested For Refusing to Turn Off Mobile Telephone
All photographs ©2017, ©2018, ©2021, and ©2024 by Brian Cohen.
