For years, the U.S. Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has prevented passengers from using electronics on airplanes, largely during the takeoff and landing procedures. Particularly frustrating have been instances such as Kindle use, where the E-Ink device isn’t using any power or doing anything when a page is loaded, and uses technology comparable to a digital watch to turn the page once a minute. Being told to put devices like this away for ten minutes due to what often appears to be overcautious superstition can be demeaning and incites anger toward airlines.
Consider this change in policy, taken from a fact sheet released this past Halloween:
“Last year, Federal Aviation Administrator (FAA) Michael Huerta recognized the increasing consumer interest in the expanded use of personal electronic devices on airplanes and decided to reconsider when passengers can use the latest technologies safely during a flight.” (FAA.gov)
Also on Halloween, the FAA wrote a press release that announced new guidelines for airlines regarding what devices passengers can use use during flight.
“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.” (FAA.gov)
Implementation of these policies will be a great boon in coming months to anyone who travels by air. iPhone and iPad users will soon be permitted to continue reading email or watching films during taxiing and after takeoff. The ‘no cellular usage’ is not a big issue, as not many people get signal at 32,000 feet anyway. However, if the airline offers Wi-Fi, some may soon be able to make internet phone calls during takeoff and landing.
(Editor’s Note: Now that’s a treat…no trickery! -KH)