Congress members from both sides of the aisle unhappy with the idea of in-flight telephone use are working on legislation to keep the airways quiet.
“Simply put, the flying experience in the United States would be forever changed for the worse if voice calls are allowed on flights,” said Rep. Steve Cohen, Tennessee Democrat, according to the Los Angeles Times.
The Federal Communications Commission will meet Thursday to discuss the future of in-flight technology, such as email and texting above 10,000 feet. Depending on how the meeting goes, the stage could be set for passengers to use cellphones during air travel.
“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,” said Rep. Bill Shuster, Pennsylvania Republican.
Rep. Peter A. DeFazio, Oregon Democrat, is gathering signatures from colleagues for a letter to the FCC opposing in-flight phone calls, according to the Times. He said the public is against a “cabin full of people talking on cellphones.”
The Times noted that members of Congress are among the nation’s most frequent fliers, with some from California logging more than 100,000 miles each year.
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• Douglas Ernst can be reached at dernst@washingtontimes.com.
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