Public comment period on calls ending

DOT asks if passengers should use cellphones while in flight.

The federal government wants to know whether you think voice calls should be allowed on airline flights, and the deadline to weigh in is nearing: The public has until Monday to submit comments in a federal docket.

The U.S. Department of Transportation is taking comments as part of a December proposal — made under a different presidential administration — to require airlines to notify passengers in advance if calls are allowed on their flights.

Thousands have already submitted comments.

“I have been a flight attendant for Delta Air Lines for 42 years,” a public comment submitted by Tarja Anderson said. “Please do NOT allow voice calls on commercial aircraft. There’s certainly enough air rage lately without people having to listen to a loud conversation for hours.”

Currently, Federal Communications Commission rules ban regular cellphone calls because of the risk of radio frequency interference. But that prohibition doesn’t cover wi-fi-enabled calls.

Atlanta-based Delta Air Lines has said it will not allow cellular calls or Internet-based voice calls on flights. The airline said its customer research and feedback “tell us that our frequent flyers believe voice calls in the cabin would be a disruption to the travel experience.” When issuing the December DOT proposal and invitation for comments, the agency said allowing voice calls without notice “would be an unfair and deceptive practice.”

To comment, go to http://www. regulations.gov and enter docket number DOT-OST-2014-0002.

SUSAN WALSH / AP FILE Consumers have until Monday to submit comments to the U.S. Department of Transportation about whether airline passengers should make cellphone calls while in the air.