US Moves Closer to Formal Rules Barring In-Flight Cellphone Calls

The US government is getting closer to its final word on whether to allow cellphone calls on airplanes. And that word appears to be "no." Airlines, meanwhile, are pressing for the final decision to be left to them.

The Department of Transportation is developing "a notice of proposed rulemaking" for publication in December that would lay out its objections to passengers making and receiving calls. It would open the issue for further comments by industry and travelers until February before making a final ruling, according to a regulatory filing.