Delta CEO Promises No Phone Calls On Flights

Between the FCC voting to consider lifting its ban on in-flight cell phone use and the DOT almost immediately moving to consider creating its own ban, it’s been a little unclear lately what fliers should expect while traveling in the near future. One place you can expect things to stay the same, however, is aboard a Delta airplane.

On Wednesday, Delta CEO Richard Anderson made it clear that voice calls would not be permitted on the company’s flights regardless of federal regulations.

“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,” Anderson wrote in a memo to employees.

While it’s becoming increasingly apparent that the ban on mobile phone use during flights has little technological basis, many have pointed out that permitting passengers to make phone calls might be a bad idea since cramped and overcrowded seating is still a ubiquitous feature of air travel.

The Delta chief says that although voice calls will not be permitted on the company’s flights, it isn’t anything personal against your smartphone. In fact, the airline has every intention of allowing its customers to email, text and use data services should the FCC decide to allow it.

“Delta has moved quickly when technological and regulatory breakthroughs provide opportunities to make flying better for our customers. That is why we were the first to file our plan with the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration to allow customers to use portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet. Similarly, if the FCC lifts its ban on cellular use in flight, Delta will move quickly to enable customers to use text, email and other silent data transmission services gate to gate.”

Last week, the FCC voted to consider lifting the ban on cellular phone use aboard flights. The agency says it will take into account consumer feedback before making a final decision.