Airline passengers will soon be allowed to use a range of mobile electronic devices in flight with very few restrictions, US aviation authorities say.
The newly relaxed rules issued by the Federal Aviation Administration lift regulations in place over the past 50 years that barred electronics use during takeoff and landing, and will take effect on most US carriers by the end of the year.
"I am pleased to announce that airlines can safely expand passenger use of portable electronic devices during all phases of flight," FAA administrator Michael Huerta told reporters at Reagan National Airport.
"The committee determined that most commercial aeroplanes can tolerate radio interference from portable electronic devices," Huerta said.
"It is safe to read downloaded materials like e-books and calendars, and also to play games."
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However, in about one per cent of flights, passengers may be asked to turn off their devices when there is low visibility due to poor weather.
"Some landing systems may not be proven to tolerate the interference," Huerta said.
New FAA guidelines are being distributed to airlines now and most carriers are expected to comply by the end of the year.
However, mobile phones still cannot be used for phone calls while in flight, due to regulations by another federal agency, the Federal Communications Commission.
He also addressed concerns that passengers may be more likely to ignore the flight attendants as they describe emergency procedures prior to takeoff.
"Passengers must take a break from their devices, their reading material, their music, whatever they are doing, and listen to the safety briefing before each flight. It is information that can save your life," Huerta said.
