Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft to be Expanded to Taxi, Takeoff and Landing
FlyerTalk is swamped with discussions about the decision by the Federal Aviation Administration of the United States to allow the expansion of the usage of certain portable electronic devices to be used throughout all phases of a flight — including taxi, takeoff and landing — and the majority of FlyerTalk members applaud this chance in policy.
Use of Portable Electronic Devices Aboard Aircraft to be Expanded to Taxi, Takeoff and Landing
Current rules dictate that portable electronic devices may only be used when the aircraft is flying at an altitude above 10,000 feet during a flight.
I believe this change in policy has been long overdue. I will be able to freely listen to music on my portable electronic device without being concerned about the possibility of the airplane crashing or being reprimanded by a member of the flight crew.
I also found it mildly irritating when I would be watching a movie or program and not be allowed to view the conclusion of that movie or program before the aircraft lands — especially when it was near the end. Perhaps now movies and programs may be viewed up until the last passenger deplanes the aircraft. This could potentially reduce the line to exit the aircraft if passengers remain seated to watch the end of a movie or program.
Many airlines have already submitted their plans to the Federal Aviation Administration to allow certain portable electronic devices to be operated aboard aircraft during those times when the aircraft is not flying at an altitude above 10,000 feet — and many FlyerTalk members are already asking when the policy will officially change on their favorite airlines.
Summary
Discussions posted on FlyerTalk pertaining to this latest news regarding the relaxation and expansion of the use of portable electronic devices during a flight include the following:
- FAA expands use of personal device usage [When will AA implement?] — American AAdvantage forum
- It’s official, FAA allows pads/ereader in airplane mode gate to gate — TravelBuzz forum
- FAA Officially Loosens Electronic Devices Rule – When Will UA Change Its Policy? — TravelBuzz forum, although I would not be surprised if this discussion was moved to the United MileagePlus forum
- Personal Electronic Devices — Alaska Airlines Mileage Plan forum
- FAA to Expand Use of Electronic Devices to Taxi, Takeoff, and Landing — Travel Technology forum
- The Pro-Electronics Camp is Vindicated — British Airways Executive Club forum
- FAA Relaxes Rules on In-flight Electronic Use — Southwest Rapid Rewards forum
- FAA Expands Electronics Use — Travel News forum
- FAA to allow cell phones and tablets. No phone calls — Practical Travel Safety Issues forum
- Delta Submits Plan to Allow Electronic Devices to Stay On Below 10,000 feet — Delta SkyMiles forum
- FAA Breaking News – devices can be used at all times — MilesBuzz forum
- Below 10,000 feet? No problem! Pull out those Kindles and iPads! — Virgin America Elevate forum
- When will US Airways get FAA approval for new electronics rule? — US Airways Dividend Miles forum