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Traveler FAQs with Mark Ellwood

Contributing editor Mark Ellwood answers two frequently asked questions about plane travel, telling us once and for all whether we really have to turn off our phones and if there’s any way to avoid sitting next to that carry on dog.

Released on 09/02/2016


(upbeat rock music)

Yes, you should. Don't be one of those people.

The rule started in the 1990s when there were fears

that new cell phone technologies

could cause planes to malfunction.

Of course, there is no evidence of that

but pilots say they do cause interference on radio waves.

So don't make a pilots job harder. Turn off your phone.

Yes, you can.

Call your airline in advance

and find out if a pet is scheduled to travel on your flight.

If you're allergic, bring your allergy medication

as well as some anti-bacterial wipes.

If the pet does end up a little too close to you,

pull a flight attendant aside discreetly.

They can't kick that dog off the flight

but they can try to reseat you.

(upbeat rock music)

Directed by Phil Falino. Edited by Anna Nguyen.