Key facts
- A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives would ban phone and video calls on airplanes.
- The Quiet Skies Act aims to force the FAA to implement the ban within 180 days.
- Former flight attendants support the ban, citing passenger distraction and potential for conflict.
- Current airline policies on in-flight calls are inconsistent.
- The ban is framed as a safety and passenger comfort issue, similar to past regulations like smoking bans.
A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives aims to make taking phone or video calls on airplanes illegal, an issue gaining relevance with expanding in-flight WiFi access. The Quiet Skies Act, sponsored by Representatives Greg Stanton, Hillary Scholten, Rick Crawford, and Rob Bresnahan, would compel the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to finalize a ban within 180 days.
Former flight attendants argue that in-flight phone conversations are disruptive to other passengers and crew, creating an uncomfortable environment in a confined space. Ally Murphy, a former flight attendant, stated that a universal ban would protect passengers and crew, preventing the need for subjective enforcement of airline policies.
While Congress voted in 2018 to require the FAA to ban calls, no deadline was set, and the ban was never implemented. The government has previously intervened in aviation matters concerning health, safety, and security, such as banning smoking and requiring masks. Jacqueline Whitmore, an etiquette expert and former flight attendant, emphasized that while occasional quiet calls might be tolerable, regulations must account for worst-case scenarios.
Inconsistent airline policies contribute to passenger confusion and potential conflict. Major U.S. carriers like United, American, and Southwest prohibit calls, whereas British Airways and Virgin Atlantic permit them on flights equipped with Starlink WiFi, though with restrictions. Bobby Laurie, a former flight attendant, noted that a blanket ban would prevent flight attendants from having to make subjective judgments, reducing potential confrontations.
Paul Hudson, president of FlyerRights, supports the ban but suggests accommodations like designated quiet zones or phone booths, which airlines could potentially charge for. He compared it to Amtrak's policy of having both quiet cars and cars where calls are permitted.