The organisation in charge of flight regulations in the United States is considering relaxing rules around the usage of gadgets during take-off and landing.
The Federal Aviation Administration is to receive recommendations later today on whether or not to change the rules.
Under current regulations, all passengers must turn off and stow away any electronic devices during take off and landing. Any change to the rules will only apply to flights taking off and landing in the United States.
A 28-member advisory committee will submit the recommendations later today.
If adopted, the new rules will allow passengers to continue using their electronic devices, including mobile phones during ascent and descent. However, they will need to be put into airplane mode.
Speaking to the Associated Press, airline and travel analyst Henry Harteveldt explained what passengers would and would not be allowed to do if the rules are changed.
“You will not be able to play Words With Friends. You will not be able to shop. You will not be able to surf websites or send email,” he said.
“You will be able to read or work on what’s stored on the device. You want to edit that PowerPoint? Great. You want to watch Breaking Bad and you have it downloaded to your smartphone or your tablet? You can continue to do that.”
There is a common misconception that passengers are asked to turn off electronic devices to prevent interference with the plane’s instruments.
However, the rule is actually designed to prevent hundreds of tiny, high speed ‘missiles’ being catapulted throughout the cabin in the event of a crash or emergency landing.
Despite this, the new rules will not allow devices to receive or send data, including browsing the internet or making calls under 10,000 feet.
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