US Bill Would Ban Phone Calls on Flights; Former Flight Attendants Cite Safety and Etiquette

A bipartisan bill introduced in the US House of Representatives, the Quiet Skies Act, would require the Federal Aviation Administration to ban in-flight phone and video calls within 180 days. Former flight attendants and etiquette experts support the measure, arguing that phone calls disrupt passengers, create distractions for crew, and increase potential for conflict. While major US airlines already prohibit calls, some carriers like British Airways and Virgin Atlantic allow them on Starlink-equipped flights. Proponents say a universal ban would provide clarity and reduce confrontations, though some suggest designated call areas could be an alternative. The bill revives a 2018 congressional mandate that was never implemented.