United Kingdom
United States
Asia Pacific
China relaxes ban on using personal devices mid-flight
China’s civil aviation authority will ease the nationwide ban on the use of portable electronic devices during flights.
It has revised rules allowing smartphones, tablets and laptops to be used, but will let each individual airline to ultimately decide whether to allow it.
Airlines will be allowed to set their own policies within certain parameters, such as what devices can be used.
The new directive takes effect next month.
"Now the government will give airlines the right to decide on their own," said Zhu Tao, deputy director of the department of flight standards at the CAAC.
"I believe we will see various Chinese airline companies allowing passengers to use portable electronic devices on planes in the near future."
It has been broadly welcomed on social media but many commented that it will make little difference to the in-flight experience.
That is because in-flight Wi-Fi service in China is still extremely rare.
Passengers violating the current PED ban during flight could be fined up to 50,000 yuan (US$7,600).
TravelMole Editorial Team
Editor for TravelMole North America and Asia pacific regions. Ray is a highly experienced (15+ years) skilled journalist and editor predominantly in travel, hospitality and lifestyle working with a huge number of major market-leading brands. He has also cover in-depth news, interviews and features in general business, finance, tech and geopolitical issues for a select few major news outlets and publishers.
Tony from Gatto’s Pizza on Columbus’s Unique Pizza Trail
Sophia Hyder Hock on Global Social Inclusion in Tourism
Sustainable Tourism: Don Welsh on Community Values and Global Collaboration
Jane Cunningham: Enhancing European Engagement in Tourism
Kristin Dunne: Navigating Destination Strategy
Revolutionizing Mobile Connectivity: Boris Bijlstra on HUBBY eSIM
Capturing Glasgow’s Vibrancy: An Interview with Susan Deighan, Chief Executive of Glasgow Life
Lebua Hotel & Resorts: Rajan Khurana on Hospitality and Bangkok’s Charms
Sustainable Tourism and Growth: Insights from Chiravadee Khunsub from Tourism Authority of Thailand
Revolutionizing Travel: SmartSIM USA’s Dale Takio Unveils the Power of E Sims
TravelMole Interview with Hishan Singhawansa, Deputy CEO of Cinnamon Hotels & Resorts, Sri Lanka
Unveiling the Essence of Magari Tours: A Dive into Authentic Italian Experiences
Abercrombie & Kent hails $500 million funding boost
British Airways passengers endure 11-hour 'flight to nowhere'
CLIA: Anti-cruise demos could cause itinerary changes in Europe
Gatwick braces for strike
Co-pilot faints, easyJet flight issues ‘red alert’