WASHINGTON — The rush is on to “cell” some quiet in the friendly skies.
The Federal Communications Commission’s move toward lifting the ban on cellphone calls on airplanes has everyone from lawmakers to flight attendants to other regulators mobilizing to prevent a high-flying blabfest.
“Imagine 2 million passengers hurtling through space, trapped in 17-inch-wide seats, yapping their innermost thoughts,” said Sen. Lamar Alexander (R-Tenn.).
He introduced a bill with Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), the Commercial Flight Courtesy Act, that would prohibit cellphone calls on commercial flights if the FCC lifts the 22-year-old ban.
The legislation would allow less annoying wireless activities, such as texting or tapping iPads, which the Federal Aviation Administration recently approved.
Rep. Bill Shuster (R-Pa.) introduced a similar bill in the House.
“If passengers are going to be forced to listen to the gossip in the aisle seat, it’s going to make for a very long flight,” he said.
“For those few hours in the air with 150 other people, it’s just common sense that we all keep our personal lives to ourselves and stay off the phone.”
The Association of Flight Attendants, which has been at the forefront of opposition to phone chatter on planes, has promised to step up its lobbying campaign.
“As the last line of defense in our nation’s aviation system, flight attendants understand the importance of maintaining a calm cabin environment, and passengers agree,” said AFA President Veda Shook.
The Department of Transportation, which includes the FAA, is considering issuing its own ban on in-flight phone conversations.
“Over the past few weeks, we have heard of concerns raised by airlines, travelers, flight attendants, members of Congress and others who are all troubled over the idea of passengers talking on cellphones in flight — and I am concerned about this possibility as well,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx.
The FCC released a proposal for the new rule Friday, beginning a monthlong comment period.