Crew challenge doT wifi calls proposal

BTN News
Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Cabin crew and passengers oppose the move for a variety of reasons, but the US Department of Transportation (DoT) now is prepared to allow wifi mobile phone calls on board aircraft - with some restrictions.


It proposes that airlines and travel agents disclose in advance to consumers if the carrier operating their flight allows passengers to make voice calls using mobile wireless devices.   


Currently, the Federal Communications Commission’s rules prohibit the use of mobile devices for voice calls, but the rules do not cover wifi.


“Consumers deserve to have clear and accurate information about whether an airline permits voice calls before they purchase a ticket and board the aircraft,” said US secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.  “Today’s proposal will ensure that air travellers are not unwillingly exposed to voice calls, as many of them dislike the idea of passengers talking on cell phones in flight.”


Under the new proposal, disclosure about voice calls being permitted on a flight will be required from the beginning of the booking/purchase process.  If voice calls are allowed, consumers must be informed as soon as the flight is offered or identified to a consumer.  No disclosure is required if the flight does not allow voice calls.  


Cabin crew are dismayed about the possibility of calls that upset other passengers. They cite lovers' calls, angry spouse calls, confidential business calls and those made by people who shout when the connection seems poor.


Sara Nelson, president of the USA's Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, called anything short of a ban on calls "reckless".


Flight attendants have commented previously that they fear the calls could lead to fights between passengers who want to make calls and passengers who don't want to listen to the conversations.


Nelson said: 'It threatens aviation security and increases the likelihood of conflict in the skies. It threatens safety for crews and passengers.'

Crew challenge doT wifi calls proposal

BTN News
Tuesday, 13 December 2016

Cabin crew and passengers oppose the move for a variety of reasons, but the US Department of Transportation (DoT) now is prepared to allow wifi mobile phone calls on board aircraft - with some restrictions.


It proposes that airlines and travel agents disclose in advance to consumers if the carrier operating their flight allows passengers to make voice calls using mobile wireless devices.   


Currently, the Federal Communications Commission’s rules prohibit the use of mobile devices for voice calls, but the rules do not cover wifi.


“Consumers deserve to have clear and accurate information about whether an airline permits voice calls before they purchase a ticket and board the aircraft,” said US secretary of Transportation Anthony Foxx.  “Today’s proposal will ensure that air travellers are not unwillingly exposed to voice calls, as many of them dislike the idea of passengers talking on cell phones in flight.”


Under the new proposal, disclosure about voice calls being permitted on a flight will be required from the beginning of the booking/purchase process.  If voice calls are allowed, consumers must be informed as soon as the flight is offered or identified to a consumer.  No disclosure is required if the flight does not allow voice calls.  


Cabin crew are dismayed about the possibility of calls that upset other passengers. They cite lovers' calls, angry spouse calls, confidential business calls and those made by people who shout when the connection seems poor.


Sara Nelson, president of the USA's Association of Flight Attendants-CWA, called anything short of a ban on calls "reckless".


Flight attendants have commented previously that they fear the calls could lead to fights between passengers who want to make calls and passengers who don't want to listen to the conversations.


Nelson said: 'It threatens aviation security and increases the likelihood of conflict in the skies. It threatens safety for crews and passengers.'