Qantas and Virgin allow use of electronic devices during flights
Passengers on Qantas and Virgin Australia flights will be able to use their mobile phones and other electronic devices during flights from now on. The new rule applies to international and domestic passengers flying the two busiest Australian airlines.
Devices will include tablets, e-readers and small game consoles, as well as smartphones. Passengers were previously asked to switch off these types of devices during flights for safety reasons.
While the Civil Aviation Safety Authority said it approved applications from both Australian airlines, a number of airlines in the US, Europe and New Zealand already allow passengers to keep their phones operating during flights. At some point, probably before the on board safety briefing is given, crew will ask passengers to put their electronic devices on flight mode.
A CASA spokesperson said aircraft are now designed and manufactured so that smartphones and other electronic devices do not interfere with flights. The new rule for Australian airlines means that passengers can continue to play games or draft emails on their phones during take-off and landing.
"During take-off and landing, laptops will still need to be stored away due to risks of turbulence," said CASA spokesperson Peter Gibson.
"The change does mean that passengers will be allowed to speak on their phones from gate to gate," Mr Gibson added.
The next step for the 2 Australian airlines will be the introduction of technology that will allow internet and voice call connections in-flight.
Although new technology is now available to make more affordable in-flight calls and connect to the Internet during flights, neither Qantas nor Virgin have made that investment yet.
"Trials have taken place with that technology with Qantas between Sydney and Melbourne," Mr Gibson said. "But there are a lot of costs involved and it will be a commercial decision for the airlines as to whether they can recover those costs."
CASA said other airlines in Australia were likely to follow and apply for permission to allow passengers to use some electronic devices during flights.
