FAA will expand use of personal electronics on airplanes

(UPI) -- The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) announced on Thursday that it will be changing its guidelines about the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) in order to allow their use “during all phases of flight.”

The FAA based its decision on the recommendations of aviation manufacturers, passengers, pilots and the companies that produce mobile technology.

Cellphone calls during flight will still be prohibited, but passengers will be allowed to read e-books, play games, access Wi-Fi service and use short-range Bluetooth accessories.

“We believe today’s decision honors both our commitment to safety and consumer’s increasing desire to use their electronic devices during all phases of their flights,” said Transportation Secretary Anthony Foxx. “These guidelines reflect input from passengers, pilots, manufacturers, and flight attendants, and I look forward to seeing airlines implement these much anticipated guidelines in the near future.”

Individual airlines will still be able to determine how they allow passengers broader use of PEDs.

“I commend the dedication and excellent work of all the experts who spent the past year working together to give us a solid report so we can now move forward with a safety-based decision on when passengers can use PEDs on airplanes,” said FAA Administrator Michael Huerta.