Following the updated flight regulations done by the European Aviation Safety Agency, British Airways takes the lead in allowing flyers to use their handheld gadgets during take off and landing.
It's the first European airline to have done so, following the US Federal Aviation Administration allowing all US-based airline passengers to make use of their gadgets during these tow events. The FAA ruled out that it is safe to use these devices under 10,000 feet.
FAA administrator Michael Huerta says, "I commend the dedication and excellent work of all the experts who spent the past year working together to give us a solid report so we can now move forward with a safety-based decision on when passengers can use [personal electronics] on airplanes."
Passengers should keep in mind that gadgets should remain in "airplane mode", as they are still not allowed to make calls or send messages during landing, take off and throughout the flight. Moreover, the airline still does now allow bulky laptops, which means these kinds of gadgets need to remain stowed.
The Civil Aviation Authority quickly backed British Airways' decision. The airline then promises 30 minutes extra screen time. 'With around 300 people on a long-haul flight that will mean a combined total of approximately 150 hours' extra viewing, reading or working,' BA flight training manager Ian Pringle imparts.
Not all are enthusiastic with BA's move. According to a report by BBC, Laurie Price, an expert of the Parliament on Aviation states, "This kind of activity has probably been happening surreptitiously anyway, so they are merely formalising what has been occurring - and policing it has been difficult."
She continues: "If there is an incident it is most likely historically, on the evidence available, to take place either on departure or landing. Any distraction is not the best use of your time just in case you need to do something in the interests of safety."
As a long term goal, EASA is already looking into the possibilities of making mobile calls while passengers are on the plane but explains that safety is still their top priority.
British Airways was also the first European airline that allowed passengers to use their gadgets right after landing.
This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
