Airlines are lobbying for a repeal of the 14-year-old ban on in-flight cell phone calls, saying that it’s time for the government to change its rules.
The industry says that customers should be allowed to use their phones in airplane mode just as they would on the ground, and that the calls could be limited to the airplane cabin and not allowed to go through to the ground.
“It’s time for the government to change its rules,” said Nicholas Calio, president of Airlines for America, the trade group for the biggest U.S. carriers.
But consumer groups and others say that allowing phone calls on planes would be a distraction and a nuisance for passengers, and that the Federal Communications Commission should not lift the ban.
“The FCC should not lift the ban on in-flight calls, which would allow passengers to annoy fellow passengers with incessant phone chatter,” said Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
The FCC is currently reviewing the issue and is seeking public comment on it.
The airlines have been pushing for a repeal of the ban for some time. In 2013, the FCC considered lifting the ban but ultimately decided to keep it in place after a public outcry.
But the industry is hoping that the commission will change its mind this time, given that almost all of the major U.S. carriers now offer in-flight Wi-Fi.
“The ban on voice calls has become irrelevant in a world where calls and texts can be sent via Wi-Fi and smartphones are equipped with headphones,” said Jean Medina, a spokeswoman for the airline group.
But consumer groups say that allowing phone calls on planes would be a distraction and a nuisance for passengers, and that the Federal Communications Commission should not lift the ban.
“The FCC should not lift the ban on in-flight calls, which would allow passengers to annoy fellow passengers with incessant phone chatter,” said Sen. Bill Nelson, D-Fla.
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Is airline travel back to normal?
Is airline travel back to normal?
The answer to this question is a bit complicated. On the one hand, air traffic has returned to pre-9/11 levels, and the number of flight cancellations and delays has decreased significantly. However, many travelers are still experiencing long wait times and frustrating delays.
So, is airline travel back to normal? Yes and no. The situation is definitely improving, but there is still some work to be done. If you’re planning to travel by air in the near future, it’s important to be aware of the current situation and prepared for potential delays.
Can an airline refuse to let you fly?
Can an airline refuse to let you fly?
Yes, an airline can refuse to let you fly if they believe you are a threat to the safety of the aircraft or its passengers. An airline can also refuse to let you fly if you are not able to show that you have a valid ticket.
Which airline is Cancelling the most?
Which airline is cancelling the most?
It seems that every other day, there is a news report of an airline cancelling a flight. In fact, it has been reported that airline cancellations are at an all-time high. So, which airline is cancelling the most flights?
According to a study by FlightStats, Delta Airlines has the highest cancellation rate. In the month of January 2018, Delta cancelled 3.5% of its flights. This was followed by American Airlines and United Airlines, which cancelled 3.2% and 2.5% of their flights, respectively.
What is causing these high cancellation rates?
There are a number of factors that can contribute to an airline cancelling a flight. These include bad weather, a mechanical issue with the plane, and a lack of crew members.
Airlines are also increasingly cancelling flights as a way to avoid having to pay passengers compensation for delayed or cancelled flights.
What can you do if your flight is cancelled?
If your flight is cancelled, the best thing to do is to contact the airline directly. The airline may be able to put you on a different flight or may provide you with a refund.
It is also important to note that you may be entitled to compensation if your flight is cancelled. The amount of compensation you receive will depend on the length of your flight and the reason for the cancellation.
So, if your flight is cancelled, be sure to contact the airline and learn about your rights and compensation.
What happens if an airline cancels your return flight?
When you book a flight, you expect to be able to take that flight as planned. However, sometimes things happen that are out of your control, like an airline cancelling your return flight. If this happens, it can be difficult to know what to do next. Here is a guide to what to do if your airline cancels your return flight.
If your airline cancels your return flight, the first thing you should do is call the airline and ask about your options. The airline may be able to put you on another flight, or they may give you a refund. If you are put on another flight, be sure to check the schedule carefully to make sure there are no conflicts.
If you are given a refund, you will need to decide what to do with the money. You may want to use it to book a new flight, or you may want to use it to cover expenses like hotel rooms and food.
If you are unable to get a flight on another airline, you may want to consider booking a cruise or a trip through a tour company. These options can be more expensive than flying, but they may be a better option than staying in a strange city without a way to get home.
No matter what you do, be sure to keep all your receipts and documentation related to your cancelled flight. This will help make the process easier if you need to take further action.
When an airline cancels your return flight, it can be a frustrating experience. However, by following the steps in this guide, you can make the best of a bad situation.
Can I travel by air after COVID?
As the COVID pandemic spreads, more and more people are asking if it is safe to travel by air. The answer to this question is not straightforward, as the risk of contracting COVID while flying depends on a number of factors, including the destination and duration of the flight.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has not issued any specific travel advisories related to flying and COVID, but it does recommend that people avoid all non-essential travel. In general, the risk of contracting COVID on a flight is higher for longer journeys and for destinations where the virus is more prevalent.
There is also a greater risk of contracting COVID on a plane if you are seated close to someone who is infected. In some cases, it may be advisable to avoid flying if you are feeling ill or have recently been in contact with someone who has COVID.
If you are considering flying during the COVID pandemic, it is important to check the latest travel advisories from your government or travel authority. You should also consult with your doctor to discuss the risks and benefits of flying in your specific situation.
How soon can you fly after having COVID?
There is no one definitive answer to the question of how soon you can fly after having COVID. Each person’s case is unique, and the decision of when to fly should be made in consultation with a healthcare professional.
Generally speaking, however, it is safe to fly after about two weeks if you are feeling well and have no symptoms. If you are feeling ill or have any symptoms, it is best to wait until you have fully recovered before flying.
COVID is a virus that can cause severe respiratory illness. It is important to remember that the virus can be spread through coughing and sneezing, and that it is possible to be infected even if you do not have any symptoms.
For these reasons, it is important to take all necessary precautions to protect yourself and others before and during your flight. Wash your hands regularly, avoid touching your face, and use a tissue or your elbow to cover your mouth when sneezing or coughing.
In addition, it is a good idea to keep a close eye on your health in the days and weeks after your flight. If you develop any respiratory symptoms, seek medical attention right away.
Can a pilot kick you off the plane?
Can a pilot kick you off the plane? This is a question that has been asked by many passengers over the years. The answer is, unfortunately, yes. A pilot has the right to remove a passenger from a flight for any reason.
There are a few things that a passenger can do to get kicked off a plane. The most common reason is being disruptive or causing a disturbance. This can include yelling, being intoxicated, or refusing to follow crew instructions. If a passenger is deemed a safety threat, the pilot has the right to remove them from the flight. This could include being aggressive or having a weapon.
There are a few things that passengers can do to make their flight more comfortable and less likely to get kicked off. First, always follow the crew’s instructions. This includes putting all belongings in the overhead bin and staying in your seat during takeoff and landing. If you need to use the restroom, let the crew know and they will let you know when it is safe to do so. Finally, try to be polite and courteous to your fellow passengers. Disruptive behavior or being rude can lead to getting kicked off the plane.