JetBlue Aims to Be First Airline to Put Gate-to-Gate Electronic Device Use Into Effect After New FAA Ruling

With the FAA's approval of allowing electronic devices to be used at all times on a flight, JetBlue is aiming to be the first airline to put it into effect.

The Federal Aviation Administration announced on Thursday that it is okay for passengers to use personal electronic devices during all phases of a flight, including takeoff and landing.

Before, customers were forced to turn off their devices and keep them away during taxi, takeoff, landing and when the aircraft is below 10,000 feet. The new police will allow airline passengers to use smart phones, tablets, games and other smaller electronic devices at any time during taxi, takeoff and during flight, unless otherwise instructed by a crewmember.

JetBlue is aiming to be the first airline to get approval to instill this rule.

"The rules have caught up with today's technology," said Robin Hayes, JetBlue chief commercial officer. "This new policy vastly improves our customers' experience, and giving everyone a chance to be more connected is good for business. We intend to be the first commercial airline in the United States to allow gate-to-gate use of personal electronics devices. To support that goal, we began the certification process with the FAA today."

JetBlue A320 Captain Charles (Chuck) Cook, manager fleet programs and technology, was part of a subcommittee of the FAA's Personal Electronic Devices Aviation Rulemaking Committee (PED ARC), which gave recommendations to the FAA, suggesting that they be more lenient with their rules on personal devices, while continuing to ensure flight safety.

"This is a landmark report that has been thoroughly discussed by experts from all of the appropriate areas of the industry," Captain Cook said. "Ultimately, we want our crewmembers to focus on safety and customer service, and not to have a role in determining which devices should or should not be used. We believe the recommendations we put forth meet these goals."

"Safety is always the first priority," Hayes said. "We applaud the FAA in chartering the PED committee and bringing the experts together to determine the best way to allow the expansion of PED use without compromising safety."

Once the FAA gives permission for JetBlue to do so, the airline will begin allowing personal electronic use from gate to gate. The advise that customers should still pay attention to crewmember instructions during flights.