What’s the point of “flight mode” if you’re not allowed to use a mobile device for large chunks of the flight anyway? Sure, we’re allowed to use our tablets and smartphones when we’ve reached altitude – but it’s the grinding boredom of takeoff and landing that needs to be addressed here. Surely watching a series on your tablet during takeoff won’t send the plane into the Atlantic? Happily, airline officials have begun to address this – with the US on the verge of relaxing these laws considerably.

It looks as if aviation officials in the US are going to let passengers use mobile devices for an entire flight. And yes, that includes both takeoff and landing. By the end of the year, American passengers will be able to stay glued to their electronics from one international gate to another – never having to be told to take their earphones out.

Although internet connection for email, web browsing, and downloading will be prohibited below 10,000 feet. And sadly, rules on cellular voice calls will still remain tight, until engineers can figure out a way for the radio interference to not mess with flight equipment.

Who will be the first South African airline to follow suit?

[Source : BBC News]