FAA to allow expanded use of electronic devices during flights

The US Department of Transportation’s Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is set to allow airlines expand passenger use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight.

With immediate effect, the authority is providing carriers with implementation guidance.

However, the execution of the plan will vary among airlines due to differences among fleets and operations.

Following implementation of the new guidelines, passengers will be allowed to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices and use short-range Bluetooth devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions.

While electronic items, books and magazines must be held or put in the seat back pocket during takeoff and landing, cell phones must be in aeroplane mode or with cellular service disabled and cannot be used to make calls.

US Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said that the latest decision honors both the government’s commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights.

"These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future," Foxx said.

The FAA’s latest decision is based on inputs from a group of experts that included representatives from airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants as well as the mobile technology sector.

JetBlue and Delta have received the approval from FAA to allow use of electronic gadgets during all phases of flight, becoming the first airlines to take advantage of the regulation.

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Image: Following the implementation of the FAA’s new guidelines, passengers will be allowed to use portable electronic devices during all phases of flight. Photo: courtesy of Morgan Noguellou.