I voted other. This is me today. However, after reading some of the replies, I can see where it could be perceived as rude. Many times I’ve caught myself ignoring those who serve me. Countless times I’ve needed to hail my server during a meal and realize I don’t even know what he/she looks like. I’m trying to be better about these things. I’m a work in progress.
Oh, and we have a local bakery with a sign that says, “We’ll be happy to serve you as soon as you’re done with your call.” Pretty direct reminder.
Absolutely rude. The person serving you isn’t just a “serving machine”–they’re a fellow human who has a right to your attention during a transaction.
Maybe not extremely rude but it is rude and selfish. People shouldn’t hold up the rest of society because they can’t be bothered to pay attention.
I have been known to wander around a store even after I’ve picked up all my items because I’ve needed to continue my call but will not get in line to ring out while I am on the phone. This is particularly the case when I’m taking an on-call work call.
Related, but not exactly the same is when I go to lunch by myself at a hibachi grill. I will read while I eat my salad, etc., but put the book down while the chef is doing his thing. I figure, part of the point of being there is for him to do his routine, and it’s usually reasonably entertaining, so why would I be rude and read while he is performing? I’ll read again after he’s done and I’m eating.
I can’t imagine having time to do anything on the phone when checking out. Between unloading my cart, finding my super shopper bonus key tag, swiping my credit card, loading my purchases into the cart as they’re bagged, and signing the receipt, I’m pretty well occupied. Not that it’s ever an issue - I doubt that even a dozen people have my cell number and it’s not a smart phone anyway…
But I voted Extremely Rude, because it is.
Serving machine? YES! That’s exactly what I want from a cashier. ATM machines, Self serv gasoline, every human avoiding device on the market, perfect world.
Not rude to me, just a nice change.
Well, sure, but ATMs and self-service gas pumps don’t mind when you talk on your phone while you use them. 
I voted “Other”. I’d have voted for “rude” if it was a choice. I’m not sure about “Extremely Rude”.
Darn hamsters ate my post…
I run a cash register. It would be better all around if people were not using their phones with at the cashier, but I understand the realities of life today. Just don’t be rude about it. All I ask is that you pause your conversation for the interactive portions of the transaction, like questions about getting a bag or payment options. And for fuck’s sake don’t expect me to hold down the credit slip for you to sign one-handed while you yak away. I’ll hold it for prantes carrying children or people holding dog leashes, but not for assholes who can’t be bothered to use two hands.
You chose to come to the register, I’m not interrupting you. Even silent gesturing or mouthing apologetically when you’re stuck on the phone against your will is appreciated.
I see an equivalent to the guy walking around with a parrot on his shoulder.
Someone who isn’t afraid to advertise their need for attention.
It’s kinda sad. I always feel a little sorry for them, unaware of the impression they leave on those around them, blinded by their own inflated sense of self importance.
Like anyone believes, for one second, your phone call couldn’t wait till you’re alone!
I just love my Dopers. It is absolutely rude and I have been known to make my opinion public when this occurs!
I think it’s rude but I picked other. When I’m checking out (especially at the grocery store) I devote most of my attention to the prices that are ringing up on the screen. I’m still surprised at how often it scans as the wrong price.
Is the person allowed to talk to someone next to them while they are waiting on you? Then they should be allowed to talk on the phone. Texting is just talking with letters. When they need to pay attention, they should, but ideas like the one I quoted below are silly.
The idea that cell phone use has anything to do with self-importance died out almost 15 years ago, once they became ubiquitous. You don’t need to feel sorry for these people. You don’t really think the way this board thinks about cell phone use is typical, do you? Remember the thread about whether cellphone use, having been proven harmless, should be illegal on planes?
I voted “other” as I think it’s rude but not extremely rude. For me I would finish a call before it’s my turn. If the phone rings while I’m checking out I’ll see who it is and either ignore and call back or apologise to the cashier and answer long enough for an “at the checkout and I’ll call you back”.
Sometimes calls are emergencies, whether it’s work, children, elderly parents or your house is on fire.
I typically try to avoid being on the phone when checking out, and would never make a call or answer the phone while in line or in the process of checking out.
That being said, when I do go shopping, it’s usually just for a handful of items at a time, and I always only use my debit card, so I have it at the ready to swipe before I approach the cashier. I can understand that it’d be different if I ever paid with cash, and I had to fumble around for correct change, but was distracted by the conversation.
As others in the thread have said, I don’t see the idea of being on the phone, in itself, as rude, because I think it is reasonable to talk to a friend who is with me at the grocery store while checking out. However, when said talking / texting causes delays and inconveniences the people behind me, I do find that behavior to be abhorrent.
I don’t do it myself, though I don’t use my cellphone all that often in general anyway. I do think it’s rude when other people in line do it, but I’m far more bothered by cashiers/clerks themselves who are on the phone when they’re serving customers!
I voted extremely rude, and I don’t do it.
The rare occasion where an important work-related call that I really can’t ignore comes through when I’m in line or cashing out, I make all sorts of conciliatory OMG sorry can’y be helped gestures to the cashier and pretty much genuflect myself through the rest of the transaction.
Extremely rude. If my phone rings while I’m in the queue, I ignore it and phone the caller back later. I don’t want to have long, deep and meaningfuls with the checkout person but I think it’s important to retain some semblance of humanity in our daily interactions.