Airlines

Canadians airlines will soon allow unrestricted electronics access to customers following a new ruling by Canada's Transport Minister. The move comes after the US FAA announced last year that customers can use their electronic devices during "all phases of flight."

While smartphones and cellular-enabled tablets need to be on Airplane Mode during take-off and landing, all other devices, like cameras, portable gaming systems, and laptops can be used at any stage of the flight, provided they are not transmitting or interfering with the flight's avionics. Transport Canada has stated that the use of electronic devices will be governed by individual airlines, but that each airline must "demonstrate that their aircraft are not affected by the use of the devices and that during critical phases of flight and during emergencies, all passengers are aware of and able to follow crew instructions."

Following the ruling, Canada's largest airline Air Canada announced that it was working on "finalizing measures to safely implement the new procedures," and that in addition to allowing customers to use their electronic devices, the airline is in the process of rolling out in-flight Wi-Fi connectivity. Another Canadian airline WestJet also welcomed the move and stated that it will have the necessary approval in place by "this summer."

Source: Government of Canada, Via: Engadget

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