Andy Abramson posted a great comment about American Airlines blocking Skype from their new inflight internet WiFi access. Now, only the wisdom of Solomon can understand either this rule or how American Airlines is interpreting the “federal ban on phone calls.”

Should we believe that somehow, using VoIP during a flight will present a security risk compared to being allowed the use of a cellphone the second you land and right before flight? There’s a great line from Man of the Year where Robin Williams’ character explains that if old ladies in walkers are trying to blow up planes, the game’s over.

We understand that using a cellphone during a flight could bother airplane electronics — but if you can use WiFI, then how does a VoIP conversation pose the same threat. Unless, we are to believe that somehow allowing Skype or telephone conversations during a flight will somehow allow devastation to occur? We don’t get it. Isn’t blocking more than 4 ounces of liquid already protecting us?

Does this mean that all IM communication will be blocked, or is it just the verbal communication that Feds deem destructive?