The Economist on In Flight Cell Phone Use

I'm one of those fliers who remembers when GTE had seat back phones on airplanes and offered a flat fee for year's use of calling. What a deal.

But over time, the in seat phone, along with their not always perfect sound connection disappeared from the flying tubes. In today's era we likely don't need seatback phones, as WiFi in the sky and a service like Skype (if permitted) would enable the same (or better) experience.

My view on in flight phone service? Create a phone zone in business class. Charge more. Give the business traveler what they want, and let them pay for it.

You can read a perspective on this over at Gulliver, the Economists business travel blog where they pondered the question about using mobile phones in flight.