Good news for travelers.

PositionMOBILE DEVICES - Brief article

The next time you board an airplane you may not hear the request to turn off all electronic devices before taking off and landing. The U.S. Transportation Department's Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has determined that airlines can safely expand use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) during all phases of flight.

According to the FAA, implementation will vary among airlines due to differences among fleets and operations. The agency expected many carriers would prove that their planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode, gate-to-gate, by early 2014. Since the airlines must be approved by the FAA, the agency issued a tool to help carriers assess the potential risk of "PED-induced avionics problems" for their airplanes and operations. Specifically, carriers need to evaluate avionics as well as changes to stowage rules and passenger announcements. Each airline must also revise its manuals, checklists for crewmember training materials, carry-on baggage programs, and passenger briefings before expanding use of PEDs. It's up to...

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