Third of Airline Passengers Don't Turn off Electronic Devices

You always turn off your electronic device when asked to on a plane, right? Not everyone. According to a survey, a large number of people don't turn off their devices.

According to a study released by the Airline Passenger Experience Association (APEX) and the Consumer Electronics Association (CEA), seven in ten people use a portable electronic device (PED) while on board planes.

"Airline passengers have come to rely on their smartphones, tablets and e-Readers as essential travel companions," Doug Johnson, vice president of technology policy at CEA said in a release. "Understanding the attitudes and behaviors of passengers that are using electronic devices while traveling will help the FAA make informed decisions."

Not everyone turns their device off when asked to though. About 30 percent of passengers report they have accidently left a PED turned on during a flight. When asked to turn is off, 59 percent said they always turn it off, 21 percent said they switch their devices to "airplane mode," and five percent say they sometimes turn their devices completely off. Out of the passengers who accidentally left their device on, 61 percent said it was a smartphone.

"This study showed us that most travelers are using their PEDs as often as possible while traveling, and many would like even more opportunities to use their devices" said Russell A. Lemieux, APEX executive director. Four in ten passengers would like to use their devices during all phases of flight, including take-off and landing, according to the study. "The data in the study reveals important insights into actual passenger behavior, which we hope the FAA will find useful as it deliberates on this issue," Lemieux said.

According to the study, 28 percent of people use smartphones during flights, 25 percent use laptops, 23 percent use tablets, 23 percent use music players and 13 percent use e-Readers.

The FAA currently requires passengers to turn off devices below 10,000 feet, but studies are being done to determine if devices can also be used during takeoff and landing.