Portable electronics to be allowed on flights

(AFP) Airline passengers will soon be allowed to use a range of mobile electronic devices in flight with very few restrictions, US aviation authorities said Thursday.

The newly relaxed rules issued by the Federal Aviation Administration lift regulations in place over the past 50 years that barred electronics use during takeoff and landing, and will take effect on most US carriers by the end of the year.

"I am pleased to announce that airlines can safely expand passenger use of portable electronic devices during all phases of flight," FAA administrator Michael Huerta told reporters at Reagan National Airport.

"The committee determined that most commercial airplanes can tolerate radio interference from portable electronic devices," Huerta said.

"It is safe to read downloaded materials like e-books and calendars, and also to play games."

However, in about one percent of flights, passengers may be asked to turn off their devices when there is low visibility due to poor weather, he said.

"Some landing systems may not be proven to tolerate the interference," Huerta said.

Under certain situations, a combination of weather, avionics and aircraft may raise concerns, but Huerta described this as "a very small percentage -- we are saying one percent of flights."

"If the captain asks you to shut off the device, it is for a good reason," he added.

The changes affect airline carriers that are under the regulatory authority of the FAA, meaning US carriers, and will apply to the full scope of their international and domestic operations, Huerta said.

New FAA guidelines are being distributed to airlines now and most carriers are expected to comply by the end of the year.

However, mobile phones still cannot be used for phone calls while in flight, due to regulations by another federal agency, the Federal Communications Commission.

He also addressed concerns that passengers may become more distracted by their devices, making them more likely to ignore the flight attendants as they describe emergency procedures prior to takeoff.

"There is one thing that won't change. Passengers must take a break from their devices, their reading material, their music, whatever they are doing, and listen to the safety briefing before each flight. It is information that can save your life," Huerta said.

While passengers are advised to use their devices in airplane mode, the rule will go unenforced as flight attendants will not be required to check individual devices.

"There is no safety problem if it isn't (in airplane mode)," Huerta added.

"But you are going to arrive at your destination with a dead battery, and I don't think anyone wants that."

Electronic items must be stowed in the seat pocket during takeoff and landing.

Browsing the Internet will still be possible on air carriers that provide Wi-Fi in flight, and Bluetooth technology for wireless keyboards will also be allowed.