Continental Airlines eases restriction on use of cellular phones

Continental Airlines today announced a policy revision allowing customers to use their cellular telephones sooner after an aircraft lands at its destination.

Under the new policy effective today, 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 fall, Continental will complete installation of Verizon Airfone JetConnect two-way email capability throughout its narrowbody fleet.