Posted on: Tuesday, July 8, 2003

Airline loosens cell phone restrictions

By Barry Shlachter
Knight Ridder News Service

American Airlines, seeking to make flights more enjoyable and productive for travelers, is giving passengers more time to chat on cell phones at either end of their flights.

The Fort Worth, Texas-based airline is permitting use of cell phones, two-way pagers and other personal electronic devices until the aircraft doors are shut and again shortly after landing.

What's good news to cell phone addicts might make the flying experience annoying to those sandwiched betwixt a caller, say, making amorous smooches to a far-off love interest and another loudly detailing bargains snared at a New York shoe store.

"When you're that close, sitting 18 inches next to someone, it's kind of nice to make them turn the phone off," said Arnold Velez, who travels frequently on business as president of Clear Channel Outdoor Dallas/Fort Worth.

Before, such communications gear had to be shut off when the "Fasten Seat Belt" sign lit up. Now, a flight attendant will inform passengers when the door is shut and such devices must be stowed.

"We wanted to offer this as a convenience, and to be the first to expand our cell phone policy in the cabins," said Laura Mayo, an American spokeswoman.

The move is the latest that airlines, including American, have made to try to bring higher-paying business travelers back on board. But Mayo said the move benefits all passengers who use cell phones.

The Federal Aviation Administration approved the changes after a year of testing, Mayo said.

However, Continental Airlines already allowed passengers to chat on cell phones until the doors were closed. Yesterday, it relaxed its policy even more to permit their use soon after landing, as under American's new rule.