So last week the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee passed a bill placing a permanent ban on using cell phones to  make in-flight phone calls. Honestly, I couldn’t be happier. Let me tell you why. Last week I went to the doctors office and ended up sitting in the waiting room for twenty minutes listening to the most obnoxious person having the most obnoxious phone call. During the twenty minutes I learned that the lady was allergic to peanuts, hated her kid’s second grade teacher and was having trust issues with her husband. Imagine being stuck on a three hour flight where everyone around you is calling everyone they have ever met and their brother. There is no such thing as cell phone etiquette as it is- so throw 146 people in a metal tube with unlimited cell phone access and guaranteed that hostility would increase even more! Apparantly I am not alone-According to a Department of Transportation Survey nearly 60 percent of flyers are against the usage of cell phones during flights. I am willing to bet the other forty percent are the people who have no concept of cell phone etiquette.

The airlines are a hot topic of discussion these days. I know I have already written a few posts about it this month. I was reading this article today about flying and surviving, but it almost seems like the flight crews are the one that need help surviving! Read a few of the cases that this article listed as examples of passengers that got out of hand:

• Christina Szele of Queens, N.Y., who reportedly lit a cigarette on a flight between New York and San Francisco, punched a flight attendant and broke through the flex cuffs the crew used to restrain her. (Ms. Szele was indicted by a Denver grand jury last week.)
• Zoltan Lensky of Slovakia, who apparently got drunk on a flight between Atlanta and Vienna, slapped a flight attendant’s hand and tried to set an onboard curtain on fire.
• Jacob Kline of New Mexico, who allegedly overindulged on a flight between Dallas and Charlotte, N.C., pinched a flight attendant’s bottom and threw ice at his fellow passengers

Holy cow people! There is an interesting correlation that you will notice in these cases that all of them had something to do with intoxication and cigarettes. Something to be aware of- in case you aren’t already- that if you are drunk when you show up for your flight- the gate agent/flight attendant have the right to not let you get on the plane. Now you can see why! Travel is stressful and especially when you are dealing with long security lines (and lets be honest TSA agents aren’t always peaches), extra fees, and flight delays, so take some time to unwind and remember why you go through all that pain- because traveling is fun!

Have a horror story and need to vent? The article mentioned flightsfromhell.com, this website allows you to submit entries of your awful flight experience. However, after reading some of the entries- I wonder why would people take such the time to write such long entries? I’m talking long, and most aren’t even that bad and some seem highly exaggerated. You can also check out AirRage.org if flightsfromhell doesn’t meet your fancy.

* I know it must look like I’m an advocate for airlines- but I promise I’m not. I do have a sister-in-law who is a flight attendant and another brother-in-law who is a pilot- it just helps me gain perspective that flight crews are human with real feelings

People forget that an airline is a business. Businesses have the right to refuse service. Yesterday American Airlines cancelled a flight because the crew showed up late and the passengers were so angry and hostile- that they didn’t feel comfortable working the flight (click here to read article). Also yesterday a fussy first class passenger was upset that they let coach get off the plane first, he went out an emergency exit(click here to read article)! Are you kidding me? People are getting so disrespectful and are full of entitlement issues that it’s insane! First off the crews were probably late because they were on call crew and somebody called in sick, so it probably wasn’t even their fault. Also, first class passenger- guess you didn’t get home any faster because you spent your evening in jail! Traveling is already stressful enough that you should not pack your tempers with you, as Mrs. Potato Head would say, “I packed your angry eyes just in case!” Well how about we start leaving our angry eyes at home, and focus on the golden rule, treat others the way you want to be treated.

Great news! How often have I been on a five hour flight and thought to myself- it would be great to be able to write a few emails, check up on my face book page, and read some online news. This is soon to be a reality! Unfortunately not all airlines will offer the service complimentary- although I suspect it will for our first class travelers. However at this point are we honestly surprised? Airlines are hurting and looking for any way shape and form to turn a profit these days.

American, Virgin, Jet Blue, Southwest, and Alaskan Airlines are all either currently testing in flight or about to roll out these services on their longer flights in the next few months. It’s a pretty exciting advancement for the travel world. It will definitely change the face of traveling for business that’s for sure. It’s a great day when I get to mix my love for technology with my love for travel.

Click here to read the article