Airline passengers split over using phones in the air

Whether you regard your next flight as a chance to kick back and relax or a valuable window to catch up on lost work may depend on where you live, according to a survey of 8,000 passengers in 10 key travel markets. While airlines seem determined to keep passengers connected 24-7, most people from France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, Britain and the US are happy to have their phones rendered unusable while en route, the poll suggests. Indian, Chinese and Arab passengers, by contrast, are generally keen to make calls. Some 69% of Germans reckon it’s not necessary to be permanently available, compared to just 12% of Indians and 18% of Chinese, according to the survey. The risk of disturbance was cited as the chief concern surrounding inflight phone links, with Japanese travellers most worried. Many Asian flyers said they’d pay for connectivity even if the flight cost much more. While Eastern passengers may be keen to work -- or chat -- they’re also most concerned about the contents of refresher packs handed out by airlines.<br/>