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The Federal Aviation Administration on Thursday announced that travelers will soon be able to use their smartphones and tablets (in airplane mode) and other electronic devices at all times during a flight.
The agency’s press release noted that “passengers will eventually be able to read e-books, play games, and watch videos on their device during all phases of flight, with very limited exceptions.”
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Travelers will still not be permitted, however, to make voice calls from their cell phones.
But that doesn’t necessarily mean you’ll be able to use your gadgets at takeoff and landing on your next flight. First, each airline must prove to the FAA that its planes allow passengers to safely use their devices in airplane mode. So which ones have gotten through that approval process so far? We’re tracking them in this article and will continue to update it as the list grows.
American Airlines
Yes. American Airlines tweeted Monday afternoon that it has been cleared to allow passengers to use their gadgets at takeoff and landing. The new allowance applies to all “mainline” American flights in the US as well as regional flights operated by American Eagle Airlines, according to the company’s press release.
Now you can use your portable electronic device from #GateToGate on all @AmericanAir & most American Eagle flights.
— American Airlines (@AmericanAir) November 4, 2013
Delta
Yes. Delta confirmed on Friday that passengers can use approved devices from gate to gate on Delta flights operating within the U.S., effectively immediately. The new rules will be rolled out to Delta Connection flights sometime later this year. On Delta flights operating outside the U.S., local regulations must be followed. Check the airline’s FAQ here for more details.
JetBlue
Yes. JetBlue appears to have gotten approval from the FAA to allow passengers to use their electronics in accordance with the new rules. On Friday afternoon, the airline posted the below message from a Twitter account set up for communicating with its crew members.
Attn CMs: This is what your flight should look like! PED policy in effect! Detail on HJB. B6 2302 JFK-BUF 1630 today! pic.twitter.com/sMrv2maAof
— HelloJetBlue (@HelloJetBlue) November 1, 2013
United Airlines
Yes. United Airlines is now allowing travelers to use their electronics gate-to-gate. More specifics here. However, it will take some time before the same allowance is made for its regional United Express flights.
US Airways
Yes. US Airways announced in a press release on Thursday that customers on “domestic mainline flights will now be permitted to use small PEDs during all phases of flight.” The airline noted that the FAA has “ensured that all US Airways mainline aircraft are equipped to safely handle implementation of the new recommendations.” The company said it will continue to “work with all partner airlines operating as US Airways Express to ensure timely implementation of their individual programs which require separate FAA approval.”
Southwest Airlines
Yes. Southwest Airlines on Wednesday announced that passengers can now use small electronic devices such as tablets and e-readers during all phases of flight. The airline also revealed that its satellite-based Wi-Fi network can now be accessed as soon as passengers board the plane, rather than waiting for the aircraft to reach 10,000 feet.
Virgin America
Not yet. A Virgin America spokesperson revealed to CNET that the airline is currently “in the process of applying through the new process and hope to implement the changes as soon as possible, with the goal of having the change live in November — in time for the holidays.”
This article will be updated as additional information becomes available from more airlines.
Update, Nov. 14: Following in the footsteps of the FAA, the European Aviation Safety Agency will recommend that airlines allow mobile device use from takeoff to landing. More information on that is here.
Last updated Thursday, Nov. 21, at 4:26 p.m. PT: Information regarding Southwest Airlines has been added.
