The
new European safety guidance establishes that passengers may use PEDs switched
on in Flight Mode during all phases of
the flight, unless flight crew or cabin crew instructs them otherwise.
Portable
Electronic Devices (PED) include digital cameras, smartphones, tablets,
e-readers, etc.
Before
this change, the safety guidance stated that passengers could use their PEDs in
Flight Mode (non-transmitting) in-flight, but not during taxiing, takeoff and
landing.
The
EU's Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has given the airlines updated guidance on
how to expand the use of PED’s safely in all phases of flight. The
process to implement this will vary among airlines. They will need to adapt
their operating procedures, but many will be expected to do so in coming weeks.
It’s
not yet allowed to send emails or texts but EU Transport Commissioner Siim
Kallas has asked EASA to accelerate a safety review of the use of transmitting
devices on board, with updated guidance to be published in 2014.
Any
airline may opt for a more restrictive policy on the use of PEDs. Any restrictions
on the use of PEDs by passengers that may apply are at the discretion of the
airline.