Those days of turning off your electronics during takeoff and landing may soon be a thing of the past. The Federal Aviation Administration determined that is is now safe to use your portable electronic devices during all phases of a flight and will begin providing airlines with implementation guidance.
Here's an excerpt from today's press release:
Due to differences among fleets and operations, the implementation will vary among airlines, but the agency expects many carriers will prove to the FAA that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by the end of the year.
The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry.
Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions. Electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing roll. Cell phones should be in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled – i.e., no signal bars displayed—and cannot be used for voice communications based on FCC regulations that prohibit any airborne calls using cell phones. If your air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, you may use those services. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.
We've all seen those articles pointing out that turning off electronics during takeoff and landing was an antiquated request. I'll still remain paranoid about it and likely still turn off my electronics, but for those who just can't live without your cell phone or tablet for 5 minutes feel free to keep them out.
