Another Airline Loosens Cell Phone Usage Rules

America's Continental Airlines has followed the lead set by American Airlines last month and has also announced a policy revision allowing customers to use their cellular telephones sooner after an aircraft lands at its destination. Under the new policy effective cellular phone use is permitted after landing when advised by the flight attendants. Previously, phone use was restricted until the aircraft door opened at the arrival gate.

"Many of our customers will find it beneficial to take advantage of a few extra minutes of 'talk time' as their aircraft taxis from the runway to the gate," said a Continental spokesperson.

The policy on telephone use at departure remains unchanged -- phone use must be discontinued when the cabin door is closed.

Most Continental aircraft feature telephone service from Verizon Airfone for in-flight calling. By this autumn, Continental will complete installation of Verizon Airfone JetConnect two-way email capability throughout its narrowbody fleet."

Posted to the site on 8th July 2003