People empowered to travel due to the availability of cheap airplane tickets and discount travel packages are sometimes frustrated when they are told to turn off their smartphones, tablets, and any other electronic devices while on planes.
The governments policy on such devices may be reconsidered as a result of the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) publicly encouraging the Federal Aviation administration (FAA) to allow wider use of tablets, e-readers, and other portable electronic devices during flights.
Currently, fliers are not allowed to use tablets, laptops and e-readers when a plane flies under 10,000 feet because of concerns that such gadgets could potentially interfere with aircraft instruments. The worry is that any disruptions might be more serious at a lower altitude when a plane is preparing for takeoff and landing.
Last August, the FAA formed a working group to review its policies on portable electronic devices and the rules airlines enforce to decide when they can be used. This group is not considering the use of cell phones for calls during flight which is forbidden under FCC rules.
The working group, which is still not fully assembled, will include representatives from the mobile technology and aviation manufacturing industries, pilot and flight attendant groups, airlines, and passenger associations.
Given that earlier this year, the FAA stated that the FCC will be a key partner in coming up with recommendations that could allow more widespread use of gadgets during flight, the hope is that the FCC will help push through more progressive policies.
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