The US Federal Aviation Administration yesterday changed its regulations regarding electronic devices, for the first time allowing passengers to read e-books, play video games or use Bluetooth accessories gate to gate.
Voice communications on cell phones are still prohibited, as cell phones "are designed to send out signals strong enough to be received at great distances," the FAA said.
Still, it noted that ARC has recommended that the FAA and the Federal Communications Commission reconsider that policy, too.
Each airline must assess the risks of potential problems that PEDs might cause on its planes and apply individually to the FAA for permission to change its policies.
JetBlue Airways already has applied to become the first airline to allow the use of personal electronic devices during takeoff.
By Cheryl Rosen
