Thanks for that response beana, I see your point about your friend not being aware of your last minute delay to check airline info.
BMED i clicked on that link but couldnt navigate to the mobile phone regs. I know that gadgets such as furbys and psp's (if they are being used in connection with another handheld) are not to be used in flight. However have heard that some airlines are begginning to allow the use of mobiles in flight as some a/c are being fitted with certain equipment to stop the interference. can anyone shed some light on this?