Cell phone use on flights has become a hot topic of debate lately. Both the Federal Aviation Administration and the Federal Communications Commission currently ban their use on flights.  They believe they jeopardize air travel safety in that they emit radio signals that can aversely affect aircraft communications, navigation, flight management and ground networks. Another argument supporting this is that it is  a matter of decorum: often, people talking on their cell phones during flights, particularly for long periods of time and at high volumes, are annoying other passengers. Both American Airlines and Delta Air Lines provide internet access through Aircell’s Gogo service as a quieter solution.

Though lawmakers want to permanently prohibit cell phones on flights, their opponents highlight the absence of solid evidence that demonstrates there are safety hazards. They suggest that American aircraft carriers ought to follow European regulations, which do permit cell phone use. Pundit Carl Biersack, executive director of Inflight Passenger Communications Coalition, believes “that it works in the international market.” Alternatives to the ban include a provision in the FAA reauthorization bill that would limit the use of cell phones to only flight crews or law enforcement. Another alternative from the Air Transport Association, which represents all American air carriers, proposes that this cell phone issue be placed in the hands of each individual carrier.

Delta Air Lines recently announced the opening of its “social media ticket window.” Essentially, anyone logged on to Facebook can visit Delta’s page and book a flight directly from there. When asked for an explanation as to why the airline came up with this idea, Delta’s vice president of eCommerce, Bob Kupbens, stated, “Our customers are spending more time online and are looking for new ways to connect with us. We’re now delivering technology where our customers are.” In addition, the airline company revealed that this move is not the only weapon in its arsenal to increase brand awareness. In fact, this is only the beginning. Delta also has plans to launch a new iPhone application that will give users the opportunity to track flight status, review SkyMiles balances, and even perform self check-in for flights. Now I really have a reason to check my Facebook.

http://www.facebook.com/delta

If you’re a traveler who has to take two trains, a bus and a cab all in the name of getting to an airport, luck is in your favor. Airports across the country are aiming to become public transportation hubs for all types of transportation operations, from national, regional and local trains and buses, to rental cars, taxis and shuttle vans. These will originate from and end at one place, the airport. Newark, Baltimore, and Milwaukee, already boast such hubs, and these projects are currently in development in Miami, Providence, and San Diego. This innovative move to streamline transportation would make travel less demanding on consumers.  As well, it would reduce the negative environmental impact that transportation has on urban areas. Getting from point A to B has taken on a whole new and less stressful meaning.

Eco-conscious Francophiles are in for a treat.  Hotels in Paris and beyond have seen the (green) light when it comes to offering luxurious yet sustainable lodgings. Fouquet Barriere, one of Paris’ treasured hotels, aims to reduce its CO2 emissions as much as 20% by 2020, and provides its guests with access to hybrid cars or electric scooters in hopes of achieving this goal. Another Parisian favorite, Hôtel Le Bristol, employs an industrial sized processor that extracts water from leftover meals, which is then used to clean the floors. More casual lodgings outside of Paris, such as the three and four star properties owned by the Temmos group, are currently applying for European Eco-label and Green Globe certification.  It seems that France has done it again, bringing us croissants, Brigitte Bardot, and now, a choice of sophisticated yet environmentally conscious places to rest our heads on our travels. Vive La France!