British Airways passengers can use phones and tablets from take-off to landing from tomorrow

British Airways has become the first airline in Europe to allow its passengers to use mobile phones and tablets from take-off right through until landing, starting tomorrow.

The decision follows a recent relaxation of the rules within Europe, but isn’t perhaps the always-connected option you may have been expecting – while devices can stay on throughout the journey now, they’ll still have to be in ‘flight mode’ for the duration.

Previously, the use of electronic devices had been permitted aboard BA flights, but only when above 10,000 feet. Recent changes to the rules in Europe are beginning to pave the way for more data connectivity options and the potential for voice calling at 30,000 feet. While it’s the first in Europe, some US airlines, like American Airlines and United among others, have already been allowing passengers to do this since a change in the rules earlier this year.

➤ BA eases curbs on handheld devices during take-off [Reuters]

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