SWISS and Austrian Airlines are now permitting the use of portable electronic devices throughout flights provided they are switched to “airplane mode”.
Wireless and Bluetooth functions must continue to be deactivated, but the move represents a considerable shift for the airlines which previously allowed passengers to use their devices in “airplane” mode only while their flight was at cruising altitude.
However, inflight phone calls are still not permitted under the new rules.
“The new rule is based the updated guidance of the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) on the use of portable electronic devices on board,” Australian Airlines said.
Last year’s guidance update found that these devices may be kept switched on in "Flight Mode" (non-transmitting mode) throughout the journey without a risk to safety.
It followed a similar extension by US aviation regulators.
However, in Australia the situation is slightly different, the Civil Aviation Safety Authority told Travel Today.
"There is no rule as such banning electronic equipment," corporate communications manager Peter Gibson said. "The airlines have chosen to and CASA supports that decision. It has the force of law as the safety regulations allow the crew to issue lawful directions to ensure the safety of the flight.
"If the airlines wanted to change their approach they could put forward a case."
