Keep Planes a Quiet Space

[Commentary] Cellphones have provided humanity with many benefits. They have also enabled the most annoying among us to find new ways to disturb the peace in all sorts of public places, like trains, theaters and restaurants.

One shared space that has heretofore been protected from the chattering of cellphone users may soon join that list: airplanes.

The Federal Communications Commission, which has barred the use of cellphones in planes since 1991, is considering allowing airlines to decide whether their passengers can make calls.

Many frequent travelers and the unions representing flight attendants want a ban on all flights. We agree. There is no compelling reason to allow cellphone calls on planes other than to provide airlines with another source of revenue.

[Aug 8]