ATA Airlines Passenger Arrested for Using an iPhone in Flight

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ATA Airlines Passenger Arrested for Using an iPhone in Flight

6:45 am on October 16, 2007 | Category: Wireless Technology, Mobile Devices, Cell Phones, Law, Editorials

A man traveling to Hawaii was recently arrested for using his iPhone in “airplane safe mode” on an ATA Airlines flight, according to a recent blog entry at The Consumerist.

A member of the cabin crew apparently asked the passenger to turn off his phone, on the grounds that “talking on a cell phone” in flight is prohibited by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA).

The passenger, who identifies himself as “Casey,” explained that he was using the iPhone’s music and video functions, and was using flight-safe mode, which switches off all wireless voice and data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth capabilities.

“I again explained that I am not using the cell part and it is disabled,” wrote the passenger, who identifies himself as ‘Casey.’ “I go on to explain that I have been on other airlines that have specific written rules that say cellphones in airplane mode are OK above 10,00 feet, so how could it be a FAA rule.”

At this point, the airline employee apparently became hostile, shouting “you have to do anything I say, I am going to have you arrested!”

Upon arrival, the passenger was escorted off the plane, humiliated in front of other passengers, and arrested by police, but released minutes later when cabin crew could not prove that he had done anything illegal.

ATA Airlines has since promised to review its ‘phone-use’ policy, in response to concerns over this incident.

“Our existing rules have no clauses relating to the iPhone which, as you know, has been on the market only for the past five months,” commented ATA Airlines spokeswoman, Maya Wagle “We are sorry that the passenger was upset. That is the reason we will assess our existing policy.”

This case is a clear example of how the increasingly blurry line between cell phones and portable entertainment devices can create confusion and even conflict.