August 27, 2014

Australian Airlines Qantas and Virgin Australia will allow the usage of Personal Electronic Devices in Flight Mode

by Shruti Shree

In October, 2013, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) announced that personal electronic devices (PEDs) are safe to use during flight and won’t hinder the communication in the cockpit and navigation equipment. Ever since, more and more airlines around the world are rushing to make this facility available for their customers. After US and Europe, the latest airlines to implement this policy change are the Australian Airlines, Virgin Australia and Qantas. The US based Airlines, Virgin Australia and Qantas have got approval by the Australian Civil Aviation Safety Authority today. The passengers can now keep their electronic devices such as smartphones, tablets, e-readers, and games on during all the phases of the flight i.e. during taxiing, take offs and landing, but only in Airplane Mode. Phone calls and text messages will still be a strict no no even now and even using the internet is also not allowed. In case, there is Wi-Fi service is provided by the plane, then you can use the internet. However, the new policy states that the weight of the device should not be more than 1 kg (2.2lbs), which means usage of laptops will still be restricted.

This will be much awaited and welcome news for Australian fliers. Now they will be able to enjoy their journey with their mandatory travel companions without a Hall Monitor in the form of crew members constantly telling them to switch off their devices.