Photography Bay

Digital Camera News, Reviews and Tips

  • Reviews
  • Recommended Cameras & Gear
  • Learn Photography
  • Contact
  • About
  • Subscribe

FAA Finally Allows Passengers to Use Portable Electronic Devices During Takeoff and Landing

November 4, 2013 By Eric Reagan

Plane

The FAA has officially made it ok for passengers to use portable electronic devices, such as iPads, Kindles, iPhones (in airplane mode) and cameras, during all phases of flight. We’ve known for a long time that these devices are safe to use while the airplane is in operation, including takeoff and landing, but the FAA took plenty of time to make it officially ok.

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 Statement

Now, it is up to the airlines to implement the practice in their fleets. So, don’t expect every flight you’re on in the next few weeks to let you keep reading your ebook during takeoff.

Due to differences among fleets and operations, the implementation will vary among airlines, but the agency expects many carriers will prove to the FAA that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by the end of the year. -FAA Statement

Once airlines adopt this policy in full force, take advantage of the window seat.

The FAA also put together a little punch list of the top issues surrounding this new policy.

Top Things Passengers Should Know about Expanded Use of PEDs on Airplanes:

1. Make safety your first priority.

2.  Changes to PED policies will not happen immediately and will vary by airline. Check with your airline to see if and when you can use your PED.

3.  Current PED policies remain in effect until an airline completes a safety assessment, gets FAA approval, and changes its PED policy.

4. Cell phones may not be used for voice communications.

5.  Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled. You may use the WiFi connection on your device if the plane has an installed WiFi system and the airline allows its use.  You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.

6. Properly stow heavier devices under seats or in the overhead bins during takeoff and landing. These items could impede evacuation of an aircraft or may injure you or someone else in the event of turbulence or an accident.

7. During the safety briefing, put down electronic devices, books and newspapers and listen to the crewmember’s instructions.

8.  It only takes a few minutes to secure items according to the crew’s instructions during takeoff and landing.

9.  In some instances of low visibility – about one percent of flights – some landing systems may not be proved PED tolerant, so you may be asked to turn off your device.

10. Always follow crew instructions and immediately turn off your device if asked.

Filed Under: News Tagged With: airplanes, FAA, flying, PED, portable electronic devices, travel

 

Comments

  1. Jared says

    November 5, 2013 at 4:09 pm

    It’s about time they ‘allowed’ this.

Trackbacks

  1. FAA Lifts The Ban on iPads and Other Devices Making Business Travel Easier - True Wireless - Mobile Device Management and Telecom Expenses Management says:
    November 6, 2013 at 1:34 pm

    […] FAA ruling, it may come even farther. Although it seems like such a small event, the FAA ruling to take the ban off of using certain electronic devices during takeoff can be a big move. Now that they have cleared […]

Support Photography Bay


Deals on Photo Gear

  • B&H Photo Deals
  • Refurbished Canon Gear
  • Refurbished Nikon Coolpix
  • Refurbished Nikon Gear

Recent Posts

  • Canon USA Targeted in Class Action Lawsuit Over Data Breach
  • [EXPIRED] Deal Alert – 14TB WD My Book External Hard Drive for $199
  • Xcellon Wired Mac Keyboard Review
  • Canon EOS R5 Coming in 2020
  • Canon Rebel T8i Unveiled

Pages

  • 2020 Cyber Monday Camera and Photo Deals
  • About
  • Camera and Photo Deals Newsletter
  • Canon 1D X
  • Canon 1Ds Mark IV
  • Canon 5D Mark III
  • Canon Rebel T4i
  • Contact
  • Disclosures
  • DSLRs
  • How to Subscribe
  • Learn Photography
  • NAB 2016 Live Blog
  • Nikon D4
  • Nikon D800
  • Photography Laws
  • Recommended Cameras & Accessories
  • Reviews
  • Sony Alpha A77

Copyright © 2021 | Photography Bay