A survey, commissioned by Yahoo and conducted by Harris Interactive, found that the majority of Americans, 74 percent, favor mobile phone use being restricted to non-talking features like texting and games.

Regionally 83 percent in the West were in favor of limiting cell phone use to silent features only. If talking on cell phones were permitted, 69 percent of Americans would want a designated area for plane passengers to talk. Seventy-six percent of older people favor designated areas for talking compared to 64 percent of younger people.

Forty-three percent of 35-44 year olds would want to be able to check their email on their mobile, while 62 percent of 18-34 year olds would want to text and 29 percent would want to instant message.

"There is an increasing debate about the use of mobile phones on airplanes," said Bruce Stewart, vice president and general manager, Connected Life Americas, Yahoo!.

"This new survey overwhelmingly proves the desire of consumers to stay connected to the people, information, interests and passions that are important to them while in-flight, but they don’t want to be forced to listen to the conversation of the passenger sitting next to them."
 

The survey found that 89 percent of respondents prefer electronic tickets to paper tickets, 56 percent have used Internet check-in and 69 percent have used self-service kiosks instead of check-in counters. More than half (54%) wanted more self-service options.

Respondents indicated that they planned to use a variety of self-service features in the future. Seventy-five percent will use online booking, 69 percent online reservation changes, 61 percent online check-in, 60 percent an email notification service and 58 percent will print their boarding pass at home.

They also preferred more self-service options online and at the departure gate. Eighty-two percent wanted to be able to select or change seats online, 55 percent wanted to be able to change reservations, 49 percent wanted to update frequent flier information and 45 percent wanted to purchase upgrades online. At the departure gate 62 percent would like to be able to receive last minute upgrades, 46 percent make last minute seat changes, 27 percent get transfer information and 21 percent check additional luggage.

"The consumer has spoken and the message is clear," said Giovanni Bisignani, IATA director and general CEO. "Self-service is part of full-service expectations."