Airplane mode in tears: Qantas allows phone use during takeoff and landing

▲Qantas (Photo / Screenshot fromQantas' official Facebook page)

International Desk / Comprehensive Report

Can we finally say goodbye to airplane mode? Qantas and Virgin Australiaon the 26th allowed passengers to use phones and other electronic devices during the flight, even during takeoff and landing!

According to a BBC report, Australia’s Civil Aviation Safety Authority (CASA) approved the applications of these two airlines on the 25th. Spokesperson Peter Gibson said that the aviation industry is now also designing and manufacturing aircraft that are not affected by electronic devices during flights, and other Australian airlines are expected to follow suit and allow passenger device use.

The new rules allow passengers to play games or send emails on their phones during takeoff and landing. However, Peter Gibson also reminded everyone that although phone use is permitted, it doesn’t mean passengers can talk on the phone throughout the entire flight. Also, larger devices like laptops are still better stowed away during takeoff and landing. In addition, some airlines in the US, Europe, and New Zealand have already allowed passengers to use phones.

The BBC also mentioned the next steps for these two airlines—they plan to introduce in-flight internet technology so passengers can go online during the flight, though no actual investments have been made yet. “This is a business decision involving multiple cost considerations, and they also have to consider whether the costs can be recovered,” Peter Gibson added.

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