Change in FAA restrictions means that we may soon be able to fly cross-country in half the time.

A potential regulatory change from the U.S. FAA could shorten the timetable for supersonic travel over parts of the country, by shifting focus from a 1970s-era supersonic ban to new noise limits. The FAA is reviewing a 1973 prohibition on supersonic travel and is considering replacing it with restrictions tied specifically to aircraft noise, according to FAA Administrator Bryan Bedford. Bedford said the approach would allow repeal of the older ban over U.S. territory while minimizing noise impacts for communities near flight routes and airports. The article notes that any operational outcome may not occur until mid-2027, and even then would require further steps including aircraft certification, purchases by airlines, safety testing, and airport logistics. The FAA framing emphasizes “smarter regulations” as technology has advanced over the last five decades. For U.S. travelers, the proposal suggests a pathway toward faster cross-country options, subject to regulatory and implementation timelines.