Kindles and iPads to be Allowed at All Times in Flight by End of 2013

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has decided that Portable Electronic Devices may be used in Airplane Mode at all stages in flight.  They have noted that you should still listen to crew member instructions–so if they ask you to shut down, you should shut down.

According to the FAA’s press release:

“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.”

ipadI was pleasantly surprised about the Wi-Fi service portion of this.  This means you could GoGo from the ground to the air and back, as long as Gogo makes that functionality available.

I’ve joked to my colleagues that if I’m not online, I’m either taking off, landing, or dead (or the Gogo is down!)  Now, I guess the default is “dead”.

Disclaimer:  While I tweet a lot, if I’m not tweeting, I’m probably not dead.  But I appreciate every time people get concerned.

About Jeanne Marie Hoffman

Former bartender, still a geek. One equal part each cookies, liberty, football, music, travel, libations. Stir vigorously. +Jeanne Marie Hoffman Jeanne on Twitter

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4 comments

  1. Don’t most now anyways lol

  2. I didn’t know they weren’t allowed. o.O

  3. for landing and take off they probably aren’t allowed.

  4. They’re not, you’re suppose to completely power down but honestly I don’t know anyone who does.

    Lol — Heather, they announce it during the safety brief to shut all electronics off and then once you hit 10,000 feet that you can turn them on. They also announce on initial descent for you to power down all electronics with an on/off switch. Not quite sure how you ever missed all that.

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