There used to be a time, where dirty looks by flight attendants to last minute smartphone users were always evident moments before flight takeoff. The rule was that once the airplane door is closed, you were off your phone, period. Although there were many passengers who refused to abide by the rule, it appears that the rule is now changing for the better.
Airlines are racing to allow passengers to use portable electronic devices such as readers and games during takeoffs, landings and taxiing after the Federal Aviation Administration announced a major policy change Thursday.
Delta Airlines spokesman Paul Skrbec said the airline already has performed the required tolerance tests on all of its aircraft and has submitted paperwork to the FAA for its approval.
“All of our aircraft are ready to go,” he said. “That could come as early as today for us.”
The change allows the use of electronics such as smartphones, e-readers and games while the plane is taxiing, taking off and landing. Those devices can be used now only while the plane is at cruising altitude. The decision follows a report Sept. 30 from a 28-member committee representing airlines, manufacturers, electronics makers, pilots and flight attendants.
With all of this new electronic use going on during travel, can we expect to see more airlines offer complementary charging ports for passengers soon?
