The Federal Aviation Administration has reportedly tweaked the government safety rules and allowed airline passengers to use most of their electronic gadgets while flying but the ban on take-off or landing use still exists.
The FAA has ruled that passengers would be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their devices during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions.
According to Fox News, electronic items, books and magazines, must be held or put in the seat-back pocket during the actual take-off and landing, and cell phones still require being in airplane mode or with cellular service disabled.
FAA said that if the respective air carrier provides Wi-Fi service during flight, one may use its services and also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.
CEO of the US Travel Association, Roger Dow welcomed the ruling and said that FAA recognizes that an enjoyable passenger experience is not incompatible with safety and security.
The new rule prohibits connections to the Internet to surf, exchange emails, text or downloading data below 10,000 feet, while heavier devices like laptops will have to be stowed.
The report said that the most new airliners are expected to meet the criteria, but changes won't happen immediately and the timing will depend upon the airline.
