The Global Business Travel Association has submitted comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation regarding the Department’s Advance Notice of Proposed Rulemaking on the use of mobile wireless devices for voice calls on aircraft.
Representing feedback from its members, GBTA urges the DOT to prohibit in‑flight cell phone voice calls. In its filing, the association argues that voice conversations conducted on mobile devices during flights harm business travelers and therefore should be banned from the time the aircraft doors close until the aircraft lands.
“DOT’s rulemaking should be guided by the principle that there is a time to speak and a time to keep silent,” said Michael W. McCormick, executive director and COO of GBTA. “Under its authority to prevent unfair practices, DOT should choose to prohibit mobile voice calls during flight.”
McCormick noted that the close quarters of an airplane cabin make it impossible to create truly quiet areas to shield passengers from loud cellphone conversations. “Unlike Amtrak’s ‘quiet cars,’ it is not feasible to designate talk‑free sections on aircraft,” he said. “DOT should avoid adding to the frustrations of business travelers. On commercial flights within the United States, silence is golden.”
GBTA’s comments reflect concerns about preserving a productive, respectful environment on board for customers who need to work, rest, or concentrate while traveling. The association emphasizes that allowing voice calls could disrupt meetings, reduce the ability of travelers to work effectively, and diminish overall passenger comfort.
The filing encourages the DOT to consider the practical realities of modern air travel when evaluating rules on mobile device use. GBTA suggests that any policy should prioritize the needs of the traveling public and protect the shared cabin environment from excessive noise and disturbance caused by voice calls.
By recommending a full ban on voice calls during flight operations, GBTA aims to support a consistent policy that ensures a quieter, more productive experience for business travelers and other passengers who value a calm cabin atmosphere.
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