Delta: No Cell Calls on Our Flights

With both Congress and the DOT possibly poised to ban inflight cell calls on U.S. carriers, it’s unlikely that the decision will come down to the airlines themselves. But if it does come to that, at least one of the largest airlines has made its position on the matter a matter of public record.

In a memo to Delta employees, subsequently distributed as a press release, company CEO Richard Anderson made it clear that, at least on his watch, inflight cell calls would not be supported.

Our customer research and direct feedback tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience. In fact, a clear majority of customers who responded to a 2012 survey said they felt the ability to make voice calls onboard would detract from—not enhance—their experience. Delta employees, particularly our in-flight crews, have told us definitively that they are not in favor of voice calls onboard.

So, no matter what the FCC decides, or the DOT, or Congress, Delta customers can be assured of gab-free flights.

Reader Reality Check

Should planes be cellphone-free at 30,000 feet?

This article originally appeared on FrequentFlier.com.

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