Four out of five air travellers say the introduction of mobile phones on aeroplanes would be a major distraction and they prefer them to be banned.

In a recent survey travel website totaltravel.com asked 1490 people whether mobile phone usage should be allowed on aircraft. The answer was an emphatic no.

More than 80 per cent of respondents answered no, claiming that having to listen to fellow passengers talk on their mobile phone for hours would be irritating.

 11 per cent supported the use of a mobile on a plane with these people claiming that they would use the time to do business and phone family and friends.

Totaltravel.com global marketing manager Paul Fisher said people might have to get used to the idea.  Emirates this year became the first airline to introduce in-flight mobile phone services on a Boeing aircraft.

Qantas  has also admitted that they are evaluating new technology that will allow customers to use the internet and email, and send and receive text messages from mobile phones or laptops.