Mobile Phone Use on Planes Opposed By Majority

SURREY, ENGLAND, September 11, 2010 (Press-News.org) The majority of UK travellers oppose the use of mobile phones on planes, according to research commissioned by independent consumer site www.mobilephone-expert.co.uk.

1000 individuals were asked if they welcomed the change in legislation that allows passengers to use their mobile phones for calling and texting after take-off. 38% claimed it would disturb their peace, followed by 34% who thought that it was about time regulation was relaxed. 28% didn't care either way.

The research revealed significant differences in opinion according to age: 49% of over 35s said mobile phone use on planes would disturb their peace compared to an average of 30% in lower age brackets.

Ryanair became the first European airline to relax its rules on mobile phone usage on flights last year and is currently rolling out the service across its fleet.

Rob Webber, commercial director of Mobile Phone Expert, says: "Airlines are obviously under pressure to compete for business by differentiating themselves in any way that they can. We would have thought, however, that over the 35s would provide an attractive demographic for the travel sector. If half of them feel strongly enough to avoid travelling with a particular airline because it allows mobile phone calls during the flight, then this small change to the rules could have a huge impact on an airline's business."