Airline allows cell phone calls in-flight

SANTA BARBARA, CALIF. -- The Dubai-base Emirates airline has announced a policy of allowing passengers to make cell phone calls during flight, and is reportedly the first airline in the world to do so.

The airline's Airbus A340 has been modified to prevent calls from interfering with aviation electronics.

Calls are allowed only at cruising altitude during the day, and passengers are encouraged to use "silent mode" so other passengers aren't disturbed by ringtones.

Meanwhile, the Australian airline Quantas has announced plans to allow the use of cell phones for text messaging and e-mail, but not voice calls, during flights.

Is this the way all airlines should go -- combining convenience with common sense? Or should airlines, the FCC and FAA just maintain a comprehensive ban?