I'd say, at this point, it's not about FCC rules either. The planes are already filled to the max with humans like cans of sardines. And it seems like most of

I'd say, at this point, it's not about FCC rules either. The planes are already filled to the max with humans like cans of sardines. And it seems like most of these humans are perfectly OK with giving up their right to yap on the phone if that means their neighbor will lose it too. "WE NOW ENCOURAGE INFLIGHT PHONE CONVERSATIONS!" is not a message the airlines would want to send. It's a tricky balance. Everyone knows the rule is not enforced, but your seat neighbor can tell on you (especially if you're annoying), so people are incentivized to behave. Not so much on trains, btw. (Also, FWIW the FAA rule leaves it to airlines to decide when and whether to apply it).