I have never been more proud of Global Traveler readers than I was when I read the “Mail Call” section of the December issue.  Five letters were printed from readers who responded to an earlier request for opinions on cell phones in flight.  All five were strongly opposed to cell phone usage on planes.

One reader answered succinctly in two words, “Definitely NO!”  One reader comically tempered her stance against phones by allowing them, if there were soundproof phone booths on board.  Another reader suggested he would pay more to avoid cell phones on board.

We know this isn’t a scientific study, but the response is overwhelmingly against cell phones.  GT readers are well-traveled and probably reflect the general opinion of travelers as a whole.  They are also a smart bunch.

Cell phones have helped travelers immensely.  It’s so much easier to coordinate rides or meeting places with cell phones.  Aside from the logistical specifics, cell phones and conversations should be saved for a later time. Are people that self-absorbed or that important that we need to be connected at every moment?  Whatever happened to those precious few moments of solitude or peace of mind?

The editorial staff of GT solicited more opinions and promised a follow-up in a future issue.  I am looking forward to that expanded coverage, especially the pro-phone people (if there are any).  I would love to see their reasoning.

I completely agree with my GT colleague, Alex, who wrote last week that “travel is a privilege.”  We all need to be grateful for that privilege, even if it means that we must endure the hardship of being off our cell phones for the duration of the flight.  Consider it a travel gift to the other passengers.

— John Wroblewski, distribution specialist