London - British Airways has become the first airline in Europe to allow passengers to use handheld electronic gadgets during take-off and landing.
From this week, customers will be able to leave tablet devices and phones switched on from the moment they board a plane until they land – as long as they are set to “flight safe” mode.
It will give passengers around 30 minutes extra on their iPods, MP3 players or electronic games. But phone calls and text messages – which involve signals being transmitted or received – will still be banned.
BA is the first European carrier to take advantage of a relaxation of the rules announced this month by the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA).
A spokesperson for the airline said: “British Airways has demonstrated to the CAA that the changes will comply with all existing safety rules and regulations.”
Earlier this year, BA was also the first in Europe to allow their customers to use phones and other electronic devices to call, text and send emails after an aircraft has landed and taxied off the runway.
A spokesperson for the CAA said: “Following recent regulatory approval, UK airlines will be able to seek permission from the CAA to allow their passengers to use portable electronic devices during taxi, take-off and landing.” - Daily Mail