FAA allows travelers to use electronic devices during flight

        Ever since digital media became portable, travelers have grumbled about the strict rules concerning the use of personal devices on aircraft.However, according to USA Today, the FAA has recently met with a committee “representing the airlines, manufacturers, electronic makers, pilots and flight attendants.” (USA Today, 2013) After meeting with the committee, the FAA made the decision to change their requirements and have made the move to allow personal devices to be used during all phases of flight, given that each airline can test and prove that their aircraft's systems are not affected. Another provision of the new regulation is that all cellular activity is still prohibited and all devices must be in airplane mode.

        The regulation was met with excitement from those who supported the changes, according to The Wall Street Journal, airlines such as Delta and JetBlue have already performed their test and are jumping to get approval from the FAA, and American Airlines had plans to apply for approval in the very near future. While most of the world seems to be excited about the change, there a some who still have their concerns.

        According to the Washington Post, ALPA is not as excited about the changes, they are concerned about the effects of devices on navigational aids during poor weather, and are concerned about the fact that it is up to individuals to put their devices in airplane mode, and they do not believe that everyone will be willing to comply. An article on NBC News states worries from flight attendants over the issue, they believe that they will have to become “tablet police” and increase the amount of confrontation between them and passengers.

        I have mixed feelings about the new regulations, on one side I believe that it will be good for the industry to be able to provide, or allow this service to take place. However, people do not generally have any loyalties to air carriers and thanks to websites like expedia.com, travelers can fly one leg of their flight on a delta aircraft and the second leg on a united or any other carrier, if one company allows the policy and the other doesn't, I don't believe people will understand why they could use their device on one plane, and not on another. I think it has the potential to lead to misunderstandings and hot tempers, but then again, I suppose that isn't something we don't see at the airport already!

Jansen, B. (2013, November 01). Faa loosens rules for electronic devices during flights. Retrieved from http://www.usatoday.com/story/news/nation/2013/10/31/faa-gadgets-personal-electronics/3238207/

Lazo, L., & Berman, M. (2013, October 31). Faa to relax rules on personal electronic devices while in flight. Retrieved from http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/trafficandcommuting/faa-to-relax-rules-on-personal-electronic-devices-while-in-flight/2013/10/31/d674b04e-4243-11e3-8b74-d89d714ca4dd_story.html

Nicas, J., & Pasztor, A. (2013, October 31). Faa says fliers can use devices during all phases of flight. Retrieved from http://online.wsj.com/news/articles/SB10001424052702304527504579169542339497208

Popken, B. (2013, October 31). Faa to allow tablets and e-readers during all phases of flight. Retrieved from http://www.nbcnews.com/business/faa-allow-tablets-e-readers-during-all-phases-flight-8C11504132