Some Passengers Are Hanging Up On The Plan To Allow In-Flight Phone Calls

WASHINGTON (WJZ)—A  new plan to ease restrictions on air passengers is creating debate. The government wants to end the ban on cell phone calls in the air, but some passengers want to keep their peace and quiet.

Kai Jackson talks with flyers at BWI about the proposal.

The Federal Communications Commission is considering allowing mobile phone calls during flights. Passengers are already hanging up on the idea.

"I don't want to sit next to someone who is talking on their phone for several hours.  It would be awful," said Jaime Key, passenger.

"Let's not create more conditions for people to make a ton of noise," said Joey Katonah, Washington, D.C. resident.

FCC chairman Tom Wheeler says it's up to the airlines.

"We understand that many passengers would prefer that voice calls not be made on airplanes.  I feel that way myself.  Ultimately, if the FCC adopts the proposal in the coming months, it will be airlines' decisions whether to permit voice calls while airborne," Wheeler said.

Delta –the world's second-largest carrier --has already said no.

Under the proposal, calls would not be allowed during takeoffs and landings. Airlines would need to install new equipment , and dialing would mean dollars.

Nancy Caldwell says she wouldn't pay to use her cell phone in the air.

"I wouldn't personally but understand why people would," Caldwell said.

The union representing flight attendants is voicing security concerns as well.

"You would create an environment where people who might wish to do harm can communicate across an airplane or across airplanes," said Veda Shook, Association of Flight Attendants.

The FCC votes on the proposal next month and any change is at least a year away.

There will be an official period of public comment before a final decision is made.

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