Inflight connectivity: Airline passengers split over using mobile phones

Most people from France, Germany, Japan, Sweden, UK and the US are happy to have their phones rendered unusable while en route, while Indian, Chinese and Arab passengers generally want to make calls.

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 per cent of Germans reckon it’s not necessary to