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The FAA's New Dos And Don'ts For Electronic Devices

Micheline Maynard
This article is more than 7 years old.

Hectic business travelers have been waiting for this day for a long time. On Thursday, the Federal Aviation Administration issued new rules that will allow the use of electronic devices for pretty much the entire flight.

The rules came after a discussion with airlines, passengers, flight attendants and the mobile technology industry, aimed at coming up with the safest ways to use mobile phones, tablets and other personal electric devices. Read the new FAA guidelines here.

"Passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions," the agency said in a press release.

However, the FAA isn't allowing blanket use of devices for every moment of a trip. It also is not allowing passengers to make telephone calls. Each airline must get approval from the agency before it puts the new rules in place, meaning the current regulations remain the standard for now.

As of Thursday morning, Delta Air Lines and JetBlue Airways said they had applied for FAA permission, while other airlines are bound to follow suit. ""The rules have caught up with today's technology," Robin Hayes, JetBlue chief commercial officer, said in a statement. "This new policy vastly improves our customers' experience, and giving everyone a chance to be more connected is good for business."

It is up to the FAA to roll out the new rules, however, and it isn't clear how quickly that will happen. Here are the highlights of the FAA's new electronic device rules.

What can be used: the agency is allowing the use of lightweight devices "gate to gate," or before, during and after a flight. However, it says heavier devices (presumably laptops) still must be stowed below 10,000 feet.

How they can be used: the FAA says devices must be used in airpane mode, with the cellular connection disabled. Passengers can use the wi-fi connection if the plane is equipped with wi-fi service. It also allows the use of short-range Bluetooth connections,

When can they be used: mobile devices are allowed throughout the flight, except during the actual take off roll down the runway, and the approach and landing at the airport. Devices will still have to be put away during those phases of flight.

The FAA also said that in some low visibility situations, airlines must ask passengers to turn off their devices, so they don't conflict with certain radar systems. And, the agency wants passengers to put down devices and pay attention during safety briefings.

What can't take place: Telephone calls. Actually, those fall under the jurisdiction of the Federal Communications Commission, so the FAA couldn't issue rules regarding voice communication.

What else has to be done: The FAA says the airlines will have to revise operating manuals, checklists for crew member training materials, carry-on baggage programs and passenger briefings before expanding the use of personal devices. "Each airline will determine how and when they will allow passengers broader use of" devices, the agency said.

“We believe today’s decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future.”

I'm an alumni of the New York Times and NPR. I created the CulinaryWoman Newsletter and podcast. E: T: @culinarywoman I: @michelinemaynard Sorry,

I'm an alumni of the New York Times and NPR. I created the CulinaryWoman Newsletter and podcast. E: T: @culinarywoman I: @michelinemaynard Sorry, I don't honor embargoes.