Fliers, let your voice be heard — in Washington, D.C., not necessarily aboard an airplane. The Department of Transportation is seeking public comment on whether it should adopt a rule to restrict voice communications on passengers' mobile wireless devices — and the deadline is approaching.
Until Feb. 13, you can share your view by logging onto regulations.gov and searching for DOT-OST-2014-0002.
It's all part of an ongoing head-butting between the Federal Communications Commission and the DOT.
Currently, cellphone calls are not allowed on airplanes. But according to the DOT docket, the FCC has proposed rule changes that would "create a pathway for airlines to permit the use of cellphones or other mobile wireless devices to make or receive calls onboard aircraft."
As a result of that proposal, the DOT is flexing its aviation consumer muscle. The docket continues, "DOT supports the FCC's proposal to revise its rules in light of the technology available and to expand access to mobile wireless data services on board aircraft; however, under the Department's aviation consumer protection authority and because of concerns raised, we are seeking comment on whether to ban voice calls on aircraft."
As for me, well, I have been known to shoot a dirty look to people carrying on phone calls on the city bus. Science offers an explanation for my unease. Research by psychologist Lauren Emberson revealed that it is much more difficult to tune out one-sided conversations; two-sided conversations, on the other hand, can become almost like white noise.
As of Thursday morning, 4,447 people have left comments, almost universally begging for a ban on in-flight calls. Here's one: "No, no, no! Airplanes are already a noisy, stress-filled environment, with too many people who have short fuses." Another: "I will go absolutely nuts!"
Send your questions or tips to Travel Editor Kerri Westenberg at travel@startribune.com, and follow her on Twitter: @kerriwestenberg.
