Push to Ban Phone Calls on US Flights: Which Airlines Have Already Banned the Service.

Proposed Legislation Targets In-Flight Phone and Video Calls

According to Tourism.d.ua — Туризм: A bill introduced in the U.S. House of Representatives last month seeks to prohibit phone and video calls during flights, driven by the increasing availability of onboard Wi-Fi. The initiative aims to enhance passenger safety and comfort. Under the proposal, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) would be required to implement a ban on voice calls within 180 days.

In 2018, the U.S. Congress voted in favor of banning in-flight phone calls, but no timeline was set for enforcement at that time. Currently, United, American, and Southwest Airlines have fully prohibited phone calls during flights. This decision was made to ensure a comfortable environment for all passengers.

Mixed Approaches Across the Airline Industry

However, not all carriers follow this policy. British Airways has pledged to allow phone and video calls on aircraft equipped with Starlink Wi-Fi. Virgin Atlantic, on the other hand, permits voice calls but asks passengers to keep them brief.

Passenger Ellie Murphy remarked: 'This is an abnormal situation. If you're sitting next to someone and have to speak loudly, you're really disturbing the other passengers around you.'

Jacqueline Whitmore emphasized: 'You're sitting an arm's length away from your seatmate, so they hear every word you say. Nobody wants to listen to your conversation.'

The proposed legislation could reshape rules for mobile phone use during flights, promoting greater comfort and safety for travelers.

This bill reflects growing passenger concerns about how phone calls affect the in-flight experience. Given that most airlines already enforce a ban, new regulations could help standardize mobile phone policies across the aviation sector. This may also impact the competitiveness of airlines that allow calls, as passengers might prefer quieter and more comfortable travel options.