Return to main articleTravel Predictions for 2008
Prediction: Love 'em or hate 'em, cell phones will come to airplanes—sort of.
Reason: European airlines like Lufthansa have offered in-flight Internet for years now, but the U.S. is catching up, with JetBlue launching limited Wi-Fi access for mobile devices in 2007. Still, most developments are happening in Europe. OnAir, a joint venture with Airbus and SITA, will conduct a test with Air France in early 2008, making the airline the first to allow passengers to make in-flight cell phone calls (other planned partners include bmi, TAP, and Ryanair). The Federal Communication Commission renewed its ban on cell phone use on U.S. flights last March, but expect time-strapped executives to pressure the FCC to remove it. However, a vocal majority of silence-loving fliers will push back, and airlines will have to resurrect the concept of a special section—not for smoking, but for yammering.
