Following Federal Aviation Administration approval, some
airlines as early as Friday for the first time may allow passengers to use their
electronic devices during the entirety of a flight.
FAA on Thursday announced that it had determined portable
electronic devices—including phones on airplane mode, tablets, laptops,
e-readers and video games—are safe to use during all phases of a flight "with
very limited exceptions." Passengers may need to switch off their devices
during landings with low visibility, and they still must hold their items or place
them in the seat back pocket during takeoffs and landings. The FAA committee
researching the issue recommended that heavy devices—laptops, for
instance—still be stored during takeoff and landing.
In-flight Wi-Fi service and such short-range Bluetooth
accessories as keyboards or mouses also are safe for use throughout a flight,
according to FAA.
The agency expects that many carriers will be allowing gate-to-gate
use of personal electronic devices by the end of the year, though some airlines
are moving much more quickly. Delta Air Lines reported that it already has
completed testing of PED tolerance for all of its aircraft, to ensure operation
of such devices are safe during all flight phases, and has submitted its plan
to FAA for approval. Delta said it could get that approval for use in its 570
mainline domestic aircraft as early as Friday. Delta Connection’s 550 regional
aircraft should have the same policy by the end of the year, according to the
company.
JetBlue also began the FAA certification process, according
to chief commercial officer Robin Hayes.
Industry groups including the Global Business Travel
Association and the U.S. Travel Association welcomed FAA's decision. U.S. Sen.
John Thune (R-S.D.), ranking member of the Senate Committee on Commerce,
Science, and Transportation, also applauded the move. According to a statement,
Thune "has pressed the FAA to revise its outdated rule."