Congress Considers Bill to Prohibit In-Flight Mobile Calls

Taking off from LAX

A member of the US House of Representatives has introduced a bill to ban the use of mobile phones to make calls during a flight.

The bill was presented by Republican Bill Shuster to the House on Monday.  The Federal Communications Commission (FCC) is expected to make a decision by Thursday.

A recent survey conducted by Frequent Business Traveler found that over 90% of frequent flyers are opposed to in-flight calling.

Last month, the Federal Aviation Administration lifted a ban on the use of personal electronics during taxi, takeoff, and landing.  While phones must remain in airplane mode during these periods as well as while in flight, the updated rules have led to the discussion of allowing phone calls during flights.  Earlier in the month, the FCC Chairman Tom Wheeler announced a proposal to repeal the agency’s ban on in-flight use of mobile phones.

A related discussion on FlyerTalk, the world’s largest online travel community, resulted in numerous posts indicating adamant opposition.  One membe emphasized that an aircraft cabin should be a safe haven free from the disruption of phone calls. “An aircraft,” he wrote, “remains practically the last refuge from having to listen to other people’s cell phone conversations.”

(Photo: Accura Media Group)