Travel Tips

Travel Tip: FAA Device Testing

You’ve heard me talk about the limits on using portable electronic devices in airplanes, and now the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) may be reassessing its stance.

Traditionally, we’ve been able to use these devices when the plane is above 10,000 feet. But not anywhere below, especially during taxiing, takeoff and landing.

Now most recently, the FAA has decided to retest whether or not passengers can use these devices at lower altitude. But the catch is, it’s not the FAA that’s actually doing the testing. It’s the individual airlines who have to test out the devices.

Not only that, but they have to test each and every model of tablets, e-readers, MP3 players, and laptops. That’s no easy task, and they also have to collaborate with the Federal Communications Commission (FCC).

So I don’t expect anything to change anytime soon, and no, we are not facing the possibility of people talking on their cell phones in the sky. Phones aren’t included in the definition of portable electronic devices.

And I don’t mind being called a dinosaur on this topic, but have we all forgotten the age-old activity of reading…a book? There’s no ban on those at any altitude.

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