Southwest passenger cited over cell phone

Dallas police reportedly met jet after traveler refused to hang up

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updated 2:49 p.m. ET May 12, 2008

DALLAS - Southwest Airlines says a passenger who refused to get off his cell phone during a flight found Dallas police waiting for him.

The Dallas Morning News reports that police were summoned by Southwest officials and met the jet Monday when the plane arrived at Love Field from Austin.

Southwest spokeswoman Brandy King says flight attendants had repeatedly asked the man to get off the phone while airborne.

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Police say the passenger was cited for disorderly conduct. His name was not immediately released.

The Federal Aviation Administration bars use of mobile phones when planes are flying due to concerns about interference with navigation systems.

King says airlines can be fined up to $25,000 for allowing cell phone use, and passengers also can be fined.

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