Allowing the use of electronic devices during flights

The news that even the EU will now allow the operation of electronic devices throughout a flight, including during taxi, take-off and landing, spells doom for those who tend to consider aircraft as the last refuge of those who abhor babel.

While the measure will save those who are addicted to their tablets and music players the annoyance of having to disconnect for all of 20 minutes of time aboard their plane, the implication of the freeing of smartphones from enforced airborne slumber is enormous. More so if authorities in India — a nation known for its volubility — extend the facility to flyers here. Just think of the pitch and tenor of usual lastminute phone calls before the glare of the cabin crew forces reluctant talkers to finally terminate their conversations, and imagine that continuing throughout the flight!

In the west, the withering gazes of co-passengers usually prevent prolonged conversations within the confined spaces of trains already. The same protocol will obtain on flights too, no doubt. Indian travellers, however, are normally immune to subtle displays of displeasure. If using devices on board does become the norm, perhaps airlines could then introduce silence zones within their cabins — even at premiums — as many frequent flyers would be glad to pay a little extra for peace and quiet in the sky.