FAA To Allow Personal Electronics During Flights

A press release hit the wires today from the FAA announcing that in flight use of personal electronics will finally be allowed:

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.

By the end of the year this should be rolled out though the actual timing is being left up to the individual airlines. The only exception will be takeoff and landing, again subject to the needs of individual airlines. Airlines will have to certify that their aircraft can tolerate any radio interference from the personal electronics devices, and the FAA will provide clear guidelines on various risks of allowing personal electronic devices.

This is a very good change and I look forward to it.

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