Travel News – One by one, airlines have begun allowing passengers to expand the use of personal electronic devices since the Federal Aviation Administration said it would start approving applications. So far, only a handful of airlines have the all-clear, and some have more exceptions than others.
US Airways and United are the latest to secure approval from the FAA.
US Airways on Nov. 7 said “customers on US Airways domestic mainline flights will now be permitted to use small PEDs during all phases of flight.” Its US Airways Express flights do not have FAA approval.
United Airlines on Nov. 6 adopted the new rules on all domestic mainline flights arriving or departing within the 50 states. The new rules do not apply to United Express flights, but United said it is working with its with its regional partners to make that happen by the end of the year.
American Airlines on Nov. 4 said the new rules apply to “American’s entire mainline fleet as well as regional aircraft operated by American Eagle Airlines.” However, it does not yet apply to American Eagle flights operated by SkyWest Airlines, ExpressJet Airlines, Republic Airline or Chautauqua Airlines, American spokesman Matt Miller told CNBC.
Delta Air Lines as of Nov. 1 allows “portable electronic devices below 10,000 feet on mainline U.S. domestic flights,” according to its website. However, “Delta Connection’s more than 550 regional aircraft will be ready by the end of the year.”
JetBlue on Nov. 1 “adopted the new rule completely, all JetBlue flights,” company spokesman Mike Miller told CNBC.
The FAA has received a handful of other plans and hopes to approve them quickly, agency spokeswoman Kristie Greco said.
Some are still preparing the paperwork. Alaska Airlines “will apply to the FAA for approval very soon,” Paul McElroy said in an email to CNBC.
The new rules generally add the ability for passengers to use their smartphones, e-readers, electronic games and tablets during taxi, takeoff and landing as long as they have the device in airplane mode with cellular service disabled. Voice calls will still be prohibited and laptops will still need to be stowed for taxi, takeoff and landing.
Amy Langfield CNBC
