Europe Announces Plans to Permit Gadget Use During Flight

Just two weeks ago, the UK Civil Aviation Authority said it would be 'months rather than weeks' before UK passengers could play with their phone or tablet during take off and landing. However, it seems policy change might come sooner than we thought. Europe's aviation safety agency has promised to publish guidance on the use of personal electronic devices during all phases of flight by the end of November.

The use of electronic devices during flight was just approved in the United States, but earlier this month, the CAA said that similar policy change would take longer because it's not just the UK's rules under consideration. Instead, the European Aviation Safety Agency needs to ensure European Airlines are bound by the same regulations in order to avoid confusion for passengers flying in Europe.

Speaking in a statement released today, the EASA called the publication of this guidance a "major step" in the process of expanding the freedom to use personal electronic devices on-board aircraft. That said, ultimately, it will be up to individual airlines to assess whether passengers are allowed to use personal electronics (in 'Flight Mode') during all phases of flight.

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