In-Flight Cellular Telephone Ban

The Association of Flight Attendants – CWA (AFA-CWA), representing 50,000 flight attendants at 20 airlines strongly applauds the U.S. House of Representatives ban of in-flight cellular telephones usage included in H.R. 915, the FAA Reauthorization Bill and urges the Senate to do the same.  Cell phone use in the cabin would introduce a new aviation security risk, compromise flight attendants’ ability to maintain order in an emergency and increase cabin noise and tension among passengers.

In-flight use of cellular technology for voice communications makes it difficult for flight attendants to perform their safety duties. While presenting the safety procedures of the aircraft, flight attendants will have to compete for passengers’ attention with cell phones. Emergency cabin preparations would be hindered by passengers attempting to use their phones rather than paying attention to vital safety information.  Videos posted on YouTube demonstrate that cell phones and their usage distract passengers during in-flight emergencies. Easing the current cell phone restrictions would further jeopardize passenger safety and survival during an emergency. Passengers will most likely try and finish phone conversations while the flight attendants are attempting to relay crucial, life saving, safety information in an emergency.

Cell phone conversation noise will be an annoyance to passengers and flight crew alike.  Current onboard cellular conversations permitted prior to departure and after landing as the plane taxis into the gate, tend to be loud. Passengers feel compelled to compete with both the flight attendant safety announcement and aircraft engine noise. If cellular phones are permitted during all phases of flight it will certainly disturb passengers trying to sleep, read, or prepare for a business meeting before arrival. 

The September 11 terrorists demonstrated their ability to mount a coordinated attack against U.S. commercial aviation. Cellular technology would make any future attack more deadly by allowing terrorists to communicate directly in real time. A terrorist in the front of the cabin could easily notify others when the cockpit door was vulnerable or when the flight attendants in a specific area of the cabin have been incapacitated. Not only could this technology allow terrorists within one aircraft cabin the ability to communicate discreetly, terrorist cells on multiple planes could coordinate and simultaneously commence attacks.

Flight attendants are not the only ones opposed to in-flight cell phone usage.  A 2005 survey conducted by the National Consumer League and AFA showed that 63% of airline passengers are opposed allowing cell phone use on airplanes.  In short, the vast majority of airline passengers agree that it is a bad idea to permit cell phones on board aircraft.

Permitting cell phones on board US flights will make the job of flight attendants more difficult.  Flight attendants will need to police the cabin asking passengers to please ‘tone it down’ because they are disturbing their fellow passengers.

The US House of Representatives has taken the first step by including a cell phone ban in the FAA Reauthorization Bill, the Association of Flight Attendants – CWA urges the U.S. Senate to do the same.

For additional information contact: Shane Larson, Director of Government Affairs, (202) 434-0573, slarson@afanet.org
 

Take action! Join our e-Activist campaign, and tell your Senator that in-flight cell phone use must be banned!

Useful materials:

Testimony of President Pat Friend before the House Aviation Subcommittee: 

http://www.house.gov/transportation/aviation/07-15-05/friend.pdf

AFA-CWA Written Comments to the FCC Regarding NPRM: 

http://gullfoss2.fcc.gov/prod/ecfs/retrieve.cgi?native_or_pdf=pdf&id_document=6517618073

Aviation Subcommittee Hearing- Purpose and Written Testimony: 

http://www.house.gov/transportation/aviation/07-15-05/07-15-05memo.html