The safety rules and regulations of the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) have finally been tweaked to enable airline passengers to use most of their electronic devices such as Smartphones, laptops, etc. from gate to gate.
However, these devices still need to be switched off during landing and take-off. The much anticipated move comes as a relief to most flyers as they are now allowed to watch videos, play games and even read ebooks during all periods of flight operation. These new regulations prove the numerous theories and reports which concluded that that delivering an enjoyable passenger experience is not contradictory to ensuring passenger safety and security.
These regulations have also been welcomed by all. Here is what Roger Dow, the CEO of the U.S. Travel Association, had to say about these regulations, “It is pleasing to see that the FAA recognizes the fact that enjoyable passenger experiences are not incompatible with safety and security.”
The decision was also well received by the very companies that make and sell these electronic devices as well as the people who use them. Paul Misener, the vice chairman of Amazon states that this decision is a huge victory for the consumers. He also says that the decision to allow electronic devices was long overdue. The frequent fliers and business travelers are also extremely happy with the decision. According to most, the new decisions now allow people to get their work done while flying which helps save out on a lot of time.
However, there are a few restrictions and caveats which still stand. For example, passengers are still not allowed to use cellular services and all mobile phones and Smartphone devices should be tuned to “airplane mode”, i.e., they should not have any active network connection. Despite this restriction, experts have commended the FAA for this step forward as it bridges a huge gap in ensuring passenger comfort during a flight. What’s more, certain airlines are also offering their passengers with access to short range Wi-Fi services thereby enabling them to use applications such as the internet, email, etc.
Despite these advancements and chances, connections to the internet which enable passengers to exchange emails, download data or surf the internet are still prohibited below 10000 feet.
Most airlines are expected to soon meet the requisite safety criteria to enable their passengers to enjoy the use of personal electronic devices (PEDs), but the actual timelines for implementation may vary from airline to airline. So far, Delta and Jet Blue are the two airlines offering this.
Here is a summary of a few points pertaining to the new regulations of the FAA that passengers should know about –
- The changes will not take place immediately and it will still take some time before fliers can begin to use their PEDs.
- The current PED policies shall remain in effect until the airline gets its PED policy changed after getting the due approval from the FAA.
- Cell phones cannot be used for voice communications.
- All devices must be switched to airplane modes and the network connections must be disabled. Wi-Fi services can be used if the aircraft allows its use.
- There might be certain instances of low visibility when passengers may be requested to switch off their PEDs as certain emergency landing systems are not PED tolerant.
Will you be using your electronic devices gate to gate?
Wow, I had no idea that all of this was going on. Actually, I’m really not sure if I would. Usually after I go through the check, I just keep everything stowed away since I’m so not used to having it out. I’ll admit it would be nice to have some of things more often, but I’m all about our safety first so if that means I have to plan my business trip out so that I have to wait a bit to use devices than I will.
It will be a matter of personal taste. I’m a gadget girl and anxiously await the “all clear” to use my e-reader, listen to music, or surf the web at 10,000 feet.
WOW! I heard that this change might be made. It certainly will help pass the time on flights. I’m guessing there are a lot of people happy about this 😉
There are, myself included. It will be interesting to see how long it takes for all airlines to implement this.
Good news, it will be a lot more fun to fly if I can use my electronic devices. To be stuck in a seat for long hours is a good time to do all my online work. Thanks for posting
Absolutely! Business travelers are especially excited about this.
This is a great thing especially for business travel and long flights.
It sure is, Michael. Perfect, too, for those who don’t like take-offs and landings.
Fascinating! Thanks
You’re welcome, Stacey.
I avoid flying as much as I can! I don’t think this will have much impact on me as I am prone to airsickness and due to the medication, I usually end up sleeping from start to finish. Thanks for the info; well done!
This is great new Maria, I am eagerly awaiting for these changes to be implemented!
As am I, David. We’ll see how quickly all the airlines get on board.
Great information, especially for anyone who doesn’t travel much!!!
sandy
Glad it helped, Sandy.
It will be interesting to see how this is actually “enforced” by the various airlines.
Just another way that technology is becoming ever more “indispensable” in our lives.
I’m with you on this, Cathy. As much as I like my gadgets and my e-reader, I love holding a physical book when reading. Verdict is still out as to whether or not it’s a good thing.
I bet a lot of travelers are going to love the new FAA safety regulations. I know I will 🙂
Absolutely! I fully admit to being a gadget geek!
Years ago, when I traveled more frequently, I always grumbled at the fact that I couldn’t use my device on the place. Glad to see that the FAA is finally catching up with technology. It’s about time!
Hopefully you’ll be able to enjoy this option on your next flight!
Believe it or not, I’ve only been on an airplane once in my whole life – and it was only a 35 minute flight! But as my business is growing, I know that I will eventually have to face the inevitable, and I will have to start flying. ::shudders::
Having electronic devices probably won’t make much of a difference for me, as I’m a nervous flyer and will insist on being knocked out before I step foot onto anything that flies or floats! lol
Wow, only one time flying. Kudos to you for embracing it moving forward, even if you do need to get knocked out. Just think, you’ll be able to listen to relaxing music to help you get through it as well. 🙂
Great. I’m so pleased I can read my Kindle on a flight now.
Just don’t tell Alec Baldwin!
The thing I worry about is that it will be difficult to determine if all the devices are turned to airplane mode – there certainly is not enough time to check on that. Many people have the feeling – “it won’t hurt anything this one time.”
I don’t know— when flying I look forward to small talk with my seat mate, and the unplugged time we all have to have. It doesn’t affect me really since because of my kids I don’t travel much these days and when I DO fly, after chatting with my seatmate, I usually fall asleep. 🙂 But business travelers who constantly need to check in are surely happy.
Small talk on planes has diminished somewhat due to the use of electronic devices. Sad really as I’ve met some great people while flying.
I don’t generally use these when flying. I’d rather read a book or get a little cat nap but occasionally thoughts come to me that are best recorded immediately since I have no memory and will forget it quickly. Thanks for sharing.
There are still quite a few people who look forward to unplugging while on a plane.
Great information! This is definitely a big help for those who always use their electronic devices even when they travel. What electronic devices do you love to use often?
So Glad that you can use them safely! It was awesome when I traveled from one coast to the other to get some work done!
Glad you enjoyed it. I’m just hoping they don’t approve phone calls on flights. That could make for a travel nightmare.