It's Official: The Chattering Class Can't Use Cell Phones Aloft

The Federal Communications Commission says it's not moving forward with proceedings that might have permitted individual cell phone owners to make and receive calls aboard commercial flights.  Since the FCC began its inquiry in December 2004, thousands of airline passengers have written the agency begging that they be spared from having to listen to other people's phone conversations. 

The FCC says it will continue to monitor the possible use of cell phones--European airlines are preparing to allow in-flight cell phone calls by the end of the year.  And still on the drawing boards is the possibility of Wi-Fi service during flights.  That, of course, is a whole lot quieter than cell phone conversations, most of which would have begun with the line, "You'll never guess where I'm calling you from" for at least the first couple of years.  For now, though, only an overly talkative seatmate or fussy child stands between you and a quiet flight.