US airlines want to stay cell phone free

The Federal Communications Commission could soon allow inflight cell phone use, but US airlines aren't eager change their own rules -- or equipment -- to enable such calls.

The five largest US airlines, which account for about 90% of the nation's air travel, all say their current plans do not include allowing for calls, even though they will look at the rules once they are passed. "A clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls on board would detract from -- not enhance -- their experience," said Richard Anderson, CEO of Delta Air Lines last week. “Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favor of voice calls on board." It's not necessarily only customer opinion that's the behind the airlines' reluctance to allow the calls. It's cost. Cell phones may not work that well at cruising altitudes, and would require airlines to install expensive equipment, that would add hundreds of pounds of extra weight to each aircraft, said airline consultant Michael Boyd.

[Dec 24]