It looks like British Airways are first out of the traps for the usage of electronic devices during all stages of flight in Europe – just in the for the Christmas season.
Clearance for use has been granted by the UK Civil Aviation Authority.
The changes will allow the use of Personal Electronic Devices such as smartphones, tablet computers, e-readers and MP3 music players (as defined by European Air Safety Authority) to be allowed during all stages of flight – this includes taxi, take-off and landing.
Devices must remain in flight mode during all phases.
Larger, heavier items, such as Laptops, Ultrabooks etc must remained stowed until cleared for use.
This will make British Airways the first airline in Europe to allow the use personal electronic devices during all stages of flight, with coverage of the rule change applied through the whole BA worldwide network.
Changes go into effect from 19th December.
This will harmonize BA policies with FAA guidance that US airlines follow, and hopefully reduce the arguments of “the airline I was on before allowed me to use my electronic device”.
Hopefully, more European airlines will follow in due course.
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