Twice as many people oppose mobile phones being allowed on aircraft as want to use them, and business travellers are against their use by a majority of three to one.
A YouGov survey of 380 respondents found 56% of corporate travellers are against allowing mobile phones on airlines, with just 16% in favour.
The same survey suggests 46% of all passengers disagree with allowing mobile use, compared with 23% keen to have the chance to say “I’m on the plane”.
The poll, carried out on behalf of the Business Travel Show, bears out other surveys of business-passenger opinion. Trade unions representing cabin crew have warned the use of mobiles in the air could lead to incidents of air rage.
UK telecom regulator Ofcom has issued proposals to license mobile use in the air and trials are expected to begin early next year. Ryanair has said it will install the base stations allowing phone use on one-quarter of its fleet as soon as the technology is certified.
But calls will not be cheap. Recently enforced European Commission limits on roaming charges will not apply in the air.