Airlines can also allow the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) throughout the flight, after a safety assessment process. As a result, passengers will be able to use their PEDs just like in any other mode of transport: throughout the trip.
The new guidance allows airlines to permit PEDs to stay switched on, without the need to be in ‘Airplane Mode’. This is the latest regulatory step towards enabling the ability to offer ‘gate-to-gate’ telecommunication or WiFi services.
PEDs include any kind of electronic device brought on board the aircraft by a passenger such as smartphone, tablet, laptop, e-reader, MP3 player,etc.
It is up to each airline to decide to allow the use of PEDs. In order to do this, the airline will have to go through an assessment process, ensuring aircraft systems are not affected in any way by the transmission signals from the PEDs. For this reason, there may be differences among airlines whether and when PEDs can be used.
Passengers must at all times follow the airline crew instructions. Safety always comes first onboard of an aircraft.
This measure follows the initial action from EASA in December 2013, toward permitting the use of PEDs through almost all stages of flight, when the ‘Airplane Mode’ not transmitting was allowed.
In the past, there have been restrictions in the use of PEDs on board aircraft. However in 2013, EASA made it possible for airlines to allow the use of PEDs for almost the whole flight duration, as long as the devices were not transmitting, i.e. in ‘aeroplane mode’. EASA has been working towards enabling airlines to allow the use of these devices with freedom comparable to that in other modes of transport, for example in trains. This has been achieved: From the 26 September 2014 EASA has made it possible for airlines to allow passengers to use their PEDs throughout the flight, regardless of whether the device is transmitting or not, i.e. in ‘aeroplane mode’ or not. Of course, it is up to each airline to allow the use of PEDs or not. In order to do this, airlines will have to go through an assessment process, ensuring aircraft are not affected in any way by the transmission of signals from the PEDs.
For safety reasons, EASA describes certain conditions for using such devices on board aircraft operated by European airlines. Based on these conditions, airlines may describe when PEDs can be used. In other words, airlines may be more restrictive than the EASA provisions are. Because it is a decision of each airline, you may experience differences among airlines whether and when PEDs can be used. In addition, you may experience differences within one airline depending on the aircraft type.
As a passenger you should be aware of the following:Interview with device
If you are unsure on the use of PEDs, you may check the airline’s website prior to the flight.
Be reminded that the safety briefing provided by the airline crew is for your benefit. Please pay attention and listen carefully.
Airline crew may request at any time to switch-off all PEDs and to stow them.
Passengers have always to follow airline crew instructions as safety is the responsibility of everyone on board the aircraft.
Safety is everyone’s priority.
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