The government has loosened its rules to allow the unrestricted use of most electronic devices on airplanes, CBS News reported.
The Federal Aviation Administration announced Thursday that it has determined airlines can safely expand passenger use of portable electronic devices during all phases of flight, and is immediately providing airlines with implementation guidance.
"These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future," Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx said in a statement.
Passengers will be able to read e-books, play games and watch videos on their devices, with a few exceptions, such as electronic items but be held or put in the seat back pocket during the actual takeoff and landing.
Until now, passengers in the United States were prohibited from using the devices until their plane rose above 10,000 feet. The new changes won't happen immediately. Timing will depend upon the airline.
Connections to the Internet to surf, exchange emails, text or download data will still be prohibited below 10,000 feet, and passengers will be told to switch their smartphones, tablets and other devices to airplane mode.
Passengers can continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards. Voice calls are still banned during the entire flight, under a Federal Communications Commission rule.
The FAA also recommended heavier devices such as laptops should be safely stowed under seats or in overhead bins during takeoff and landing.
They did not consider changing the regulations regarding the use of cell phones for communication during flight because the issue is under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission, the FAA said in a statement.
The FAA based its decision on input from a group of experts that included representatives from the airlines, aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots, flight attendants, and the mobile technology industry.
